Aspire 2 Heal Statements

  • Mission Statement

    Aspire 2 Heal empowers youth with incarcerated parents by breaking down systemic financial barriers and opening access to post-secondary education in healthcare.
    Through micro-scholarships, financial literacy resources, mental health support, and a strong community network, we aim to equip and inspire young individuals to transform their challenges into opportunities for healing and leadership - turning lived experience into lasting change.

  • Commitment to DEI Statement

    Aspire 2 Heal centers the voices of youth impacted by parental incarceration, ensuring representation and respect for all—regardless of race, gender identity, or socioeconomic background.



  • Vision Statement

    At Aspire 2 Heal, we envision a world where every young person with an incarcerated parent has the support and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.
    Aspire 2 Heal's vision is to create a future where these youth not only overcome adversity but thrive as young leaders, driving meaningful change in their communities.

The Hard Truth:

"Despite the large number of Canadian children affected by parental incarceration, minimal resources are available." (Krentz, 2019).

The Inspiration behind A2H

My name is Raine LeBlanc, and I am the Co-Founder of Dead Time Arts Studio.
I created the Aspire 2 Heal Scholarship Fund to support Canadian youth with an incarcerated parent, pursuing post-secondary education in healthcare.
Inspired by my own experience with navigating post-secondary education with a father serving a life sentence, this fund helps others access post-secondary opportunities. This project aims at building safer, more confident futures for Canadian youth.


Ultimately, research has illustrated that...

"Children with incarcerated parents experience struggles including social isolation and an increased likelihood of engaging in antisocial behaviour." (Krentz, 2019). 

Meet our Partners

Presenting Aspire 2 Heal's Funder

Ashley Sheppard

Canadian Centre of Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI)
Ashley ...

Presenting Aspire 2 Heal's Funder

Weston Frontlines

Race to an Inclusive Canada

Presenting Aspire 2 Heal's Partner

YTD

Kids with Incarcerated Parents (KIP)
YTD...

ASPIRE 2 HEAL Scholarship Application

A2H's Funding & Reporting Regulations

Application Requirements subject to revisions based on Onatio Changemaker grant and stakeholder regulations. A2H reserves the right to change the scholarship requirements as per these regulations.
Aspire 2 Heal is funded by the Ontario Community Changemakers Grant. We are happy to announce that we will be awarding five (5) $XXX scholarships to new or current students in healthcare studies who are firsthandedly affected by parental incarceration. 
Monitoring and Reporting:
All applicants will be required to submit a testimony regarding the scholarship and its effectiveness in relieving financial barriers associated with school costs.*
*All scholarship holders will have the option of providing a photo for their testimony, which is encouraged but not required. Please note we do require all applicants to submit their testimonies using their first name. Last name/initial is optional, but not required. 
Please note that all information provided in this application must be accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge. Any incomplete, false, or misleading statements may result in the disqualification of your application and the revocation of any scholarship awards granted. Aspire 2 Heal reserves the right to verify the information provided and take appropriate action if discrepancies are found.
For any questions or assistance with the application process, please contact:

Raine LeBlanc

Aspire 2 Heal Project Manager, CEO of Dead Time Arts Studio
P: 647-739-3185 E: deadtimecollections@gmail.com
L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raineleblanc/
Thank you for your interest in the Aspire 2 Heal Program, and your unwavering dedication to making positive change in the world through healthcare initatives. 
All applicants will be notified via email regarding the status of their application by MM/DD/YY. 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Requirements:
1). Must be age 17-29* at the time of applying for the Aspire 2 Heal Scholarship
2). Parent/Guardian must be currently incarcerated in a Canadian institution
3). Verified enrollment in a healthcare related field of study at an Ontario recognized post-secondary institution.
*Applicant must be no older than 29 years of age at the time of applying. If the applicant turns 30 after application deadline, its still considered a VALID application.

Application Process

1. Fill out the application form at the bottom of the page
2. Provide proof of enrollment in a healthcare program 
The following documents are accepted in PDF format: 
Offer of Admission
Proof of Enrollment Letter
Tuition Payment Receipt or Invoice
Course Timetable or Class Schedule
Student Portal Screenshot
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

3. A brief explanation of the applicant's financial situation and barriers to accessing post-secondary education (included in the application form).
4. 1 page essay (min.) about your story as a child affected by parental incarceration, and how Aspire 2 Heal would impact your personal and professional journey. (Word or PDF document)
5. Submit your application by the deadline (dd/mm/2025)
Thank you for your interest in the ASPIRE 2 HEAL Scholarship. Please fill in the application form below.

Citations & Credits


Krentz, E. (2019). Separation and stigma: The negative impacts of parental incarceration

PeoplesImages.com - (n.d.). Some work for what they want, some don’t [Photograph]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/some-work-for-what-they-want-some-dont-gm542291958-97074187

PeopleImages.com – Yuri. (n.d.). Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/g/PeopleImages-Yuri+A



Aspire 2 Heal Scholarship Application

Thank you for your interest in the ASPIRE 2 HEAL Scholarship. Please fill in the application form below.

 

Personal Information

First Name:

Last Name: 

Email: 

Phone: 

What City in the GTA are you in?: 

 

Learning More About Your Parent in Jail...

Has your family been negatively impacted by incarceration? Please explain in a few words: 

Parent's Name:

Parent's Place of Incarceration (if known):

 

Educational Background

What School did you get accepted into?

Program of Study(must be healthcare related): 

Expected Graduation Date: 

 

Financial Need

Do you face financial barriers that may impact your access to education or wellness opportunities? Please explain.

Are there economic challenges you or your family are currently navigating that you'd like us to consider? Please explain.

Do you identify as someone with financial need or limited access to resources?

How would receiving this scholarship impact your ability to participate, succeed, or thrive? Please explain.


 

Document Uploads


School Documentation: 


 

Essay (.dox., or pdf):


 

Once you've filled in all the required fields, click the 'Submit' button to apply for the scholarship.

 

Note: All applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded based on need and available funds.