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.

Aspire 2 Heal Video Campaign

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 Sponsor...

See Different (CCDI)

See Different Initiative - Canadian Centre of Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI)

See Different is a national youth education initiative of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) that offers free training, networking, and grants to youth in Canada aged 15-26.

See Different's mission is to equip youth in Canada with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to create positive social change in their communities.

Presenting Aspire 2 Heal's Sponsor...

Weston Frontlines

Race to an Inclusive Canada Changemaker Grant

Frontlines addresses the pressing needs of children and youth in Weston and surrounding communities. Through inclusive initiatives, they amplify youth voices and empower them to achieve their fullest potential.

The Race to an Inclusive Canada Changemaker Grant is a fantastic opportunity for young Canadians who are passionate about creating positive change and promoting inclusivity across the country.

Presenting aspire 2 heal's sponsor...

Canadian Friendship Service Committee (CFSC)

Transformative Justice Community Grant

CFSC alleviates suffering and develops transformative and sustainable approaches to human rights, justice, and peace. We act through practical assistance, research, education, and policy dialogues.

CFSC’s Transformative Justice community grants support projects that are consistent with support CFSC’s mandate to actively prevent harm, repair harm and move beyond harm in relation to the justice system through means that are healing for all concerned and for society as a whole.

ASPIRE 2 HEAL Scholarship Application

A2H's Funding & Reporting Regulations

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.
Aspire 2 Heal is funded by the Ontario Community Changemakers Grant. We are happy to announce that we will be awarding five (5) $800 scholarships to new or current students in healthcare studies who are first handedly affected by parental incarceration. 
Aspire 2 Heal is funded by the Ontario Community Changemakers Grant. We are happy to announce that we will be awarding five (5) $800 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 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: 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 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 health-related program at an accredited or private post-secondary institution in Ontario, or accepted into a vocational training program of at least three months in duration.
Alternatively, you may have accepted an offer to begin studies in January 2026 through one of the approved schooling methods."
*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: Feb 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. 
Official deadline date will be announced soon in January 2026.

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

Apply Now – Aspire 2 Heal Scholarship