Ethan Birman Memorial Trades Scholarship

Deadline for 2024 Applications: 31 May 2024

Ethan Birman, was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend who unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the age of 21 following a tragic vehicle accident.

From a young age, Ethan knew he wanted to be in the trades industry. He started his training as an auto mechanic in grade 11 through a full-time coop program and then went to Boreal College in Sudbury in grade 12 to pursue his level 1 Heavy-Duty machinery mechanic through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). He entered the job market at the young age of 17, where he worked as a Heavy-Duty machinery mechanic for several years. Through this, he discovered that he had an even bigger passion for operating and not simply fixing Heavy-Duty machines. He spent the past few years working his way up to a Level 2 Operator, while also securing his AZ license. He loved being an Operator and was looking forward to transitioning from the loader to the shovel.

With his passing, Ethan’s family decided to create a scholarship fund in his memory. The family’s intention is to provide financial support to young individuals following their dreams of pursuing a career in trades, as Ethan did. In doing so, Ethan will be commemorated within his community – a community Ethan was deeply proud to be part of and that held great importance to him in becoming the young man that he was.

To support its continued growth, click HERE to further donate to the Ethan Birman Memorial Trades Sholarship fund. Considering that the YSB Foundation is a registered charity (#84053 4853 RR0001), tax receipts will be provided.

The Ethan Birman Memorial Trades Scholarship is to assist young individuals in achieving their personal development goals and/or career goals in the Trades industry. Two recipients per year will be awarded a one-time scholarship: one at $1,000 and one at $500.
We encourage you to apply!

Eligibility Criteria:
• Resident of Ottawa Region
• Educational and vocational goals related to the trades field
• Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a recognized post-secondary institution, and/or vocational/interest course, and/or related activity within the Trades sector.

Selection Procedure: A Selection Committee convened by Ethan’s family will review all applications and select the scholarship recipients.

Click Here to download the application form.

Mail or email (only in pdf format) the completed and signed Application Form to:
YSB Foundation
c/o Scholarship Committee
2675 Queensview Drive
Ottawa, ON K2B 8K
foundation@ysb.ca
Deadline: Applications are due by May 31st, 2024.

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Milo's Story

Every year when I was little, I’d think “this will be the year that everything will be okay”. And every year, I’d be crushed. By the time I was 18 I couldn’t take my dad’s drinking or my mom’s crying anymore, so I packed a knapsack with the warmest clothes I had and I left. It was freezing cold, and I was alone…but I was free.

The next few months were rough and at times very scary. I spent nights in parks, doorways and even under bridges all with just an old sleeping bag a friend had given me. One night it was so cold that I walked until the sun came up, afraid that I would freeze to death if I slept.

It took me awhile to get over the embarrassment to start asking people for money. But, it was swallow my pride or stay cold and hungry. After two weeks of doing this I learned about YSB. I didn’t know it then but, in that moment, my life changed for the better. I got connected to YSB’s Young Men’s Emergency Shelter and my first night in the shelter I slept 11 hours. I felt so safe and secure. I remember that moment clearly and I felt so hopeful I now have my own apartment in one of YSB’s long-term housing buildings, am attending college to become a graphic designer, and am working part-time to support myself.

“For the first time I can remember, I’m really excited about my future. Growing up I just thought about getting by one day at a time.” I hope my story conveys just how life changing it was for me to be able to access YSB’s shelter during a really difficult time in my life. The team at YSB supported me every step of the way, and I’m grateful they were by my side. I hope you’ll consider taking the opportunity to transform the life of another young person like me today.

Milo*

*While Milo’s story is real his name has been changed to protect his privacy