The Simcoe County District School Board has started accepting applications for the 2026 Umoja Black Secondary Student Leadership Award for students across Barrie and the wider Simcoe County area. This annual award recognizes Black students who show strong leadership skills both in their schools and within their local communities.
The Umoja Black Secondary Student Leadership Award provides a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating student who is moving on to college or university in the fall of 2026. Along with the money, the winner receives public recognition and networking opportunities to help build their future career.
The name of the award comes from a Swahili word that means unity. The school board uses this prize to highlight students who help others and maintain high standards in their school work.
Applicants must be full-time Black high school students who are registered with the school board. A committee will review the applications to choose a winner based on their community involvement and school leadership.
The deadline for students to submit an application is May 1, 2026. Last year, the prize was awarded to J’Dae Simmons, who was a student at Nantyr Shores Secondary School.
