GEM*STAR CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
Scholarship Program
Description & Application Criteria

Organized by Playmas Montreal Cultural Association, the Gem*Star Scholarship Program is the brainchild of Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, President of Playmas Montreal and a longtime BMO employee. Part of Playmas Montreal’s mandate is to assist deserving high performing Black high school students in achieving their dreams by facilitating their pursuit of higher education through scholarship awards of $1,500 each. BMO Bank of Montreal has agreed to finance the Gem*Star Scholarship Program, as a sponsor, under the auspices of the Bank’s Black Entrepreneurs Program. Other sponsors include Groupe 3737, other individual donors, and corporations.

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The administrations and guidance counsellors at high schools on the island of Montreal will nominate three eligible Black students for consideration to be a part of the Gem*Star Circle of Excellence in the hope of winning one of the Scholarships at the end of the school year. These student members of the Circle of Excellence will have the opportunity to connect with experienced professional mentors who can guide them through their academic and career journeys. The Mentors will also provide support, advice, and encouragement to help students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

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The Circle of Excellence program will run from October to May. In June, eight students from the Circle will be selected to receive scholarships of $1,500 each to further their academic careers. A Graduation ceremony to hand out the scholarships will be held with community members, mentors, parents, and school officials in attendance. In addition to one-on-one mentoring, the Gem*Star Circle of Excellence program offers a variety of workshops and events designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world. From networking events to career development workshops, the GCOE provides students with the resources they need to build successful careers and positively impact their communities.