Application status
2026 applications are closed. We’ll announce the next application period on our website and social channels.
01 / THE OPPORTUNITY
Scholarship Overview
The Father Paul Lennon / Doreen Cullen Social Work Scholarship supports students continuing their education in social work and social services.
Awarded annually by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT), it provides financial support as recipients develop their skills and prepare to serve their communities.
AWARD
Up to
$5,000
per recipient
FREQUENCY
Awarded annually
FOCUS
Continuing education in social work and social services
APPLICATION DEADLINE
April 30, 2027
02 / LEARNING INTO LEADERSHIP
Meet the 2026 Recipients
The scholarship recognizes students whose learning, service and commitment to community reflect the values of Catholic Charities. Meet this year’s recipients as they continue building the skills to serve others and strengthen their communities.
Ronald Perinpanayagam
Community Leader
I cannot thank the team at Catholic Charities enough for the support of the Fr. Paul Lennon-Doreen Cullen Scholarship in 2023. In addition to recognizing my work in Catholic Healthcare, this award connected me with many amazing people who serve Catholic Charities and the member organizations. The award inspired me to facilitate Providence Healthcare’s first ever Caregiver Retreat in 2024 and support new palliative care workshops in the community.
I look forward to graduating in 2025 and advancing care and social services for our neighbours in need.
Carmen Underwood
Past Recipients
A quiet record of students supported through the scholarship.
Jonathan Ng
2021 RecipientReshawn Hunter
2021 RecipientMaria Giselle Murphy
2020 RecipientRissa Sawh
2020 RecipientHeidi Lee
2019 Recipient
03 / A LASTING LEGACY
About the Scholarship
A legacy of care and service.
Father Paul Lennon and Doreen Cullen were social workers and former executive directors whose leadership helped shape Catholic Charities.
The Lennon/Cullen Social Work Scholarship honours their legacy by supporting students preparing to serve others through social work and social services.
Father Paul Lennon
Doreen Cullen
04 / BEFORE YOU APPLY
Eligibility
01
Who can apply
- Entering second year or later in social work or social services.
- Degree or diploma at an accredited Canadian college or university.
- Good academic standing.
- Live, study or work within the Archdiocese of Toronto.
- Endorsement from a teacher, agency or community partner.
02
What you will submit
- Paper (two pages maximum) or video (five minutes maximum).
- Proof of acceptance into your program.
- Two reference letters, submitted directly by referees.
- Signed application attestation.
Download the full eligibility criteria
05 / YOUR NEXT STEPS
How It Works
1
Review
Read the eligibility criteria and gather your required documents.
2
Apply
Submit your application by April 30, following the instructions in the eligibility criteria.
3
Selection
Applications are reviewed and recipients are selected each year.
Take the Next Step
Ready to continue your education in social work or social services?
Download the eligibility criteria to review the requirements, submission instructions and attestation form in one document.
06 / HELPFUL INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about applying and recipient recognition. For complete requirements and submission instructions, download the eligibility criteria.
We’ll announce when applications open on our website and social channels. The application deadline is April 30.
Applicants must be entering their second year or later in social work or social services.
No. Your program must be at an accredited Canadian college or university. You must also live, study or work within the Archdiocese of Toronto.
Yes. Submit either a paper of up to two pages or a video of up to five minutes.
Your two referees must submit their references directly, using the form provided in the eligibility criteria.
Successful candidates will be informed by September 30 and invited to an award ceremony.
Previous recipients are ineligible to reapply for five years after receiving a CCAT scholarship.
Recipients’ names and contributions may be shared on our website, in newsletters and on social channels. Award ceremonies may also be photographed or recorded.
We’ll seek your approval before publishing your portrait or personal story.
Contact Kaye Quan, Communications & Events Coordinator, at kquan@ccat.ca.