As an organization centred around caregiving and community, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is committed to helping staff, services providers and their families achieve their full potential. Through the Head Start Scholarship program, VHA awards annual scholarships to children of staff and service providers pursuing college or university education. Successful applicants stand out not only for their academic achievements but also for their strong commitment to community involvement. By easing some of the financial challenges of higher education, this program reflects the deep value VHA places on empowering team members and their families every day.

Since 2012, the Head Start program has awarded $435,000 in scholarships, including $45,000 to 30 outstanding students in 2024 alone. This year, we connected with several 2024 scholars to hear about their future plans and how this program has positively impacted their lives.

Exploring the Possibilities

Ananya Pawtey, a first-year student in the Health Sciences Program at McMaster University, is pursuing a career in healthcare with an open mind.

“Since starting my program, I’ve become aware of the many possible career paths,” says Ananya. “Currently, I’m focused on graduate studies in genetics, research, medicine or health policy reform.”

For Ananya, the Head Start Scholarship has enriched her university experience in countless ways. “This scholarship has helped me fully embrace campus life by allowing me to live in residence and enjoy campus activities,” she explains.

“I’ve met wonderful people with unique perspectives and I know these insights will be helpful in the long-term.”

Passion with Purpose

Thu Mai, a four-time Head Start Scholarship recipient is in her final year of a Medical Sciences degree at Western University, specializing in physiology and pharmacology. With medical school on the horizon, Thu is committed to combining her academic interests and the desire to give back.

“Becoming a physician will allow me to explore my interests in the human body, disease and pharmacology and my lifelong passion for helping others,” Thu says.  “Right now, I’m particularly interested in women’s health and reproductive care.”

Reflecting on how the scholarship has impacted her academic journey, Thu says, “Pursuing medicine is a long and expensive path. This support has helped ease financial pressures, from rent and tuition to future medical school application costs. And applying for this scholarship has always motivated me to find new ways to give back.”

“This isn’t just about financial support,” says Thu. “It feels like the VHA team is cheering me on and encouraging me to work harder.”

Building a Sustainable Future

Jejoe Nathankie Ragasa, a 2024 graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Accounting and Financial Management program, has developed a strong interest in the growing field of sustainable finance.

“This field uses tools like green financing and [environmental, social and governance] framework in financial decision-making,” Jejoe explains. “It’s a newer area that I find really exciting because of its potential to drive meaningful social change.”

For Jejoe, the Head Start Scholarship throughout his years of study allowed him to focus on what was most important. “Instead of working part-time, I was able to attend university events, conferences and academic competitions,” he says. “Being a recipient motivated me to continue to work hard and strive for more.”

Empowering the Next Generation

The stories of Ananya, Thu and Jejoe demonstrate the difference that this type of support can make. VHA’s Head Start scholars are driven and dedicated individuals, ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities as they follow in the footsteps of their family members. VHA is proud to invest in the next generation of community leaders and looks forward to all the remarkable things they will achieve.

For more information about the Head Start Scholarship, please visit VHA’s Head Start Scholarship webpage, email hssp@vha.ca or call (416) 489-2500 ext. 4711.