French for the Future reveals the theme of the 2023 National Essay Contest! Students will ponder the following topic:
Convince the 2024 Olympic Committee that your "incredible talent" should be selected as a new Olympic discipline!
Since 2005, the contest has enabled students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 (secondary 4 to CEGEP in Quebec) to win a scholarship to continue their post-secondary studies completely or partially in French. This year, 98 bursaries ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 will be awarded by our 15 partner institutions:
- University of Ottawa, ON
- Glendon Campus, York University, ON
- Université Sainte-Anne, NS
- Université de Montréal, QC
- Université de Moncton, NB
- Université de l'Ontario français, ON
- Université de Saint-Boniface, MB
- University of British Columbia, BC
- Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, AB
- Université de Hearst, ON
- Simon Fraser University, BC
- Collège Boréal, ON
- University of Lethbridge, AB
- La Cité universitaire francophone - University of Regina, SK
- Collège de l'Île, IPE
Students can enter in one of two categories: French as a first language or French as a second language.
In addition to easing the path to post-secondary education by providing financial support, the contest aims to encourage students to continue their education in French after high school. For Maxine Paris, it's a choice that will have long-term benefits:
"I chose to pursue my studies in French because I live in a place where French is a minority language, and I want to ensure that future generations can have access to a French-language education like I did" - Maxime Paris, winner of a scholarship for La Cité universitaire francophone at the University of Regina, in 2022-2023.
Students are invited to write a 750-word essay, in French, and submit their composition in the appropriate category by December 15, 2023. Winners will be announced in March 2024.
Details of the scholarships to be won and further information are available on the contest web page!
