Aspire 2 Heal Video Campaign

The Founder of Aspire 2 Heal, Raine LeBlanc

My name is Raine LeBlanc, a woman of lived experience in parental incarceration in Canada. My father has been incarcerated since 2009, and my mother, briefly, back in 2021.
I created the Aspire 2 Heal Scholarship Initiative to support Canadian adults ages 18-29 who are affected by parental incarceration who are pursuing post-secondary education.
Inspired by my own experience with navigating post-secondary education with a father serving a life sentence, this initiative helps others access post-secondary opportunities and increase the level of educational achievements within an unrecognized group of youth.
 This initiative aims at building safer, more confident futures for young Canadians. 


ASPIRE 2 HEAL Scholarship Application

About the Aspire 2 Heal Scholarship Initiative

Aspire 2 Heal is an experience-based initiative created by Raine LeBlanc, an adult child of incarcerated parents. Based on experiences lived through a unique hardship, particularly in conjunction with accessing post-secondary education; Raine identified financial and emotional barriers that deter the overall level of academic success seen in students with incarcerated parents.
Instead of hoping this is an issue best solved by the next generation, Raine has taken matters into her own hands and created Aspire 2 Heal. 
 Through grant writing, and participation through several changemaker grants/similarly disciplined grant programs, Raine was able to secure 6 scholarships valued at $800 each to support new or current students who are first handedly affected by parental incarceration.
Application Requirements subject to revisions based on Ontario Changemaker grant and stakeholder regulations. A2H reserves the right to change the scholarship requirements as per these regulations.
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 and or housing.*
*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: 289-312-4003 E: aspire2heal@hotmail.com
Thank you for your interest in the Aspire 2 Heal Program, and your unwavering dedication to making positive change in the world through healthcare initiatives. 

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome students who are starting or continuing studies no later than September 2026 to apply.
Eligibility Requirements: 
1). Must be age 18-29* at the time of applying for the Aspire 2 Heal Scholarship
2). Parent/Guardian must be currently incarcerated in a Canadian institution or has been released within the last 10 years.
3). You must be currently enrolled in a program aligned with the Social Determinants of Health at an accredited or private post-secondary institution in Ontario, or accepted into a vocational training program of at least three months in duration with a Canadian organization. 
*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. Start  filling your application by clicking the "Start Your Application Form Now" button either on the top or bottom of the page. 
2. We ask that you complete all required questions, and share responses to optional questions at your discretion.
3. Submit your application by the deadline: JULY 15TH, 2026.
4. Only the 5 successful applicants who are admitted into the program will be required to provide proof of enrolment in a health related program.
The following documents are accepted in PDF format: 
- Official Enrolment Letter
- Time Table/Class Schedule (showing current term)
- Tuition Receipt/Invoice
- Student Portal Screenshot
- or an Official Transcript provided from the school. 
Vocational Training students: If your school or training organization does not provide these documents, you may instead submit an official letter from your instructor or professor confirming your enrolment in the program.

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



The Hard Truth:

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

Our Mission, Vision & Commitment to DEI

  • 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.

Before Aspire 2 Heal I struggled with...

  • London, ON

    Before Aspire 2 Heal I struggled with financial anxiety and constant concentration loss because of my ADHD and worries.

  • Hamilton, ON

    Before Aspire 2 Heal, I struggled with imposter syndrome and often felt alone while navigating higher education. I felt like I was pursuing this path without others who could truly understand the experiences and challenges that came with it.

  • Cornwall, ON

    Throughout my life, I have struggled with my mental health and faced physical health challenges that have made things difficult at times. Having to navigate so much on my own has been painful, but it has also made me stronger and more independent.

How Aspire 2 Heal Made a Difference. 

  • North Preston, NS

    Aspire 2 Heal has relieved some financial pressure associated with continuing my legal education. The scholarship is not only an investment in my education but also in the work I aim to achieve - supporting families and young people who have experienced circumstances similar to my own.

  • Kirkland Lake, ON

    Aspire 2 Heal has helped take some of the financial stress off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on school and work towards my goal of becoming a PSW.

  • Toronto, ON

    Aspire 2 Heal supported feel me continuing my education despite the challenges I have faced. Because of this wonderful opportunity I feel more confident about pursuing my education my career in healthcare.

 Your donation could change it all. 

Your donation can directly impact the post-secondary experience of a student with a
parent in jail. 100% of your donation goes towards scholarships, operation costs of Aspire 2 Heal, and future programming.

Donate Here

Please sign our petition!

Your signature can directly impact the post-secondary experience of a student with a
parent in jail.

Sign the Petition Here

Thank you to our Sponsors!

CCDI/See Different See Different Changemaker Grant 
Weston Frontlines Race to an Inclusive Canada Changemaker Grant
CFSC Community Justice Grant
Zensurance Small Business Grant (Finalist)