Applications open January 15, 2025.
NEXT Steps Awards supports a healthy transition to post-secondary education by:
Providing funds
Connecting students to faith communities on campus
There are 100+ awards available, totalling up to $50,000. These awards are available to applicants planning on attending a post-secondary institution in Canada.
Available awards are:
$5000 | $2000 | $500 |
$3000 | $1000 | $200 |
Specific awards will also be included in the above awards:
Regional awards for students from different parts of Canada
Focused awards for students enrolling in programs related to:
Sciences and Engineering
Arts Programs
Business
Healthcare Programs
Specialized Undergrad or Technical Programs
“New beginnings” awards for current students transitioning to a new institution or program
Youth for Christ or Youth Unlimited involvement
The award application is also available in French.
Click here to see the 2024 P2C-Students NEXT Steps Awards recipient list.
Power to Change – Students (P2C-S) is committed to helping students take their next steps towards Jesus, in part by fostering environments that help people explore the connection between their studies and their spirituality.
“This application process [Power to Change NEXT Steps Awards]...required me to genuinely reflect on who I am, where I am going, and the work of God in my life. Beyond simply receiving an award, I found that the application process itself invited meaningful reflection.”
Paige - University of Waterloo
NSA participant 2024
Canadian Resident
Are you a resident
of Canada?
Enrollment
Are you enrolled in a post-secondary institution?
First year
Are you entering a post-secondary institution?
If you check all these boxes,
apply now!
To apply, please complete the following actions:
Complete the 2025 online application which includes:
Six short-answer questions (preview here)
Reference questionnaires sent to a peer and to a spiritual leader or mentor
Peer and leader references must be submitted for an application to be considered complete
Subscribe to News for notifications
The average time for completion is 38 minutes. You will be able to complete the application in multiple sessions.
Applications will be assessed in light of an applicant’s willingness to engage in:
Leadership and initiative
Exploration of the Christian faith and its connection to future studies
References will be used to support the applicant’s evaluation.
These awards are available to:
Residents of Canada (living in Canada at the time of application)
Applicants who are enrolling into their first year of a post-secondary institution in Canada in the fall of 2025
International students who have a Canadian address at the time of application. You are welcomed and encouraged to apply!
Students already enrolled in a post-secondary institution but beginning afresh in a new institution or degree
Students applying to CEGEP: eligible for an award up to $500
Children of Power to Change employees are ineligible. Sorry!
Applications open: January 15, 2025
1st Application Deadline: May 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST
References due: May 20, 2025
Awarded: June 2025
2nd Application Deadline: August 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST
References due: August 26, 2025
Awarded: September 2025
Note: applicants not selected for an award following the 1st application deadline are automatically enrolled towards the 2nd application deadline. However, no applicant can receive more than one award.
Funds will be issued in October 2025, pending Proof of Enrolment
Awards can be deferred for one school year in special circumstances.
P2C-S is committed to helping people take their next step towards Jesus, but it is not necessary for applicants to self-identify as a Christian to apply in order to win one of these awards. However, on the application, you will be asked questions about how you are seeking to explore faith through your studies, and preference will be given to those who show a willingness to explore the Christian faith.
If you haven’t yet confirmed your plans, simply indicate the school you hope to attend.
No, grades are not part of the eligibility for this award.
If you do not know a leader in a faith community, please leave us a note about your situation in your application. Preference will be given to applicants with two completed references.
No, though we do hope that all applicants will continue to take their next steps towards Jesus in some form of Christian community. Current or future involvement with P2C-S specifically has nothing to do with the eligibility or the selection of award winners.
P2C-Students will prioritize applicants enrolling for September 2025, but will not be limited by that if there are situations of deferral.
Absolutely! We know there is a wide range of educational options after high school.
Yes. We recognize that there are circumstances that require a student to engage in part-time studies. In most cases, preference will be given to full-time students.
P2C-S is committed to helping students take their next steps towards Jesus. As students transition to post-secondary, P2C-S wants to encourage them in their studies and foster an environment that helps people explore faith through their academic pursuits. These awards are intended to be a part of that encouragement: the program offers practical help both by making funds available, and by creating connections to local faith communities.
The anchor gift is in memory of Renee Dueck, who had a passion to mobilize people into missions. In addition, there are several partners who provide the necessary funds for this program.
If you or your group, church, or organization would like to make a gift, it will help students thrive in their faith as they enter university or college.
Donations can be made by visiting the NEXT Steps Awards giving page.
Stay up to date on our NEXT Steps Awards and other opportunities to support your journey at college or university.
Our updates will include:
Application window opening (receiving applications)
Application deadlines
Reminders
Announcements of recipients
Other helpful news or opportunities related to paying for your education (e.g. awards, bursaries, scholarships, etc.)
Take next steps today to connect with new Christian communities.
Everyone can make a connection—let us help!
Find your campus and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Reach out to a leader at your chosen campus.
Even if your destination is uncertain, fill out a brief form for assistance.
We’re here to support you on your journey!
Our official announcements, including award recipients, can be read in our News Section.
P2C-S NEXT Steps Awards is a collaboration with Youth for Christ, Youth Worker Community, and Bridges International.
Who else can benefit from knowing about these awards? Share this page with someone who may benefit. And here are some graphic resources you can use.
Power to Change (the parent organization of Power to Change – Students) was established in 1967
Power to Change – Students assists students from coast to coast in their journey towards Jesus
