TORONTO – August 1, 2025 – Top Hat, the chief in scholar engagement options for greater schooling, is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Shannen’s Dream Scholarship, introduced in partnership with the First Nations Little one & Household Caring Society. As lead sponsor, High Hat is funding two $10,000 and two $5,500 scholarships, awarded to First Nations college students pursuing post-secondary schooling in recognition of their educational excellence and excellent contributions to their communities.
Scholarship recipients had been chosen primarily based on excellent educational efficiency and a demonstrated monitor report of selling well being, wellbeing, and fairness inside their communities. Whether or not via mentorship, well being advocacy, or cultural revitalization, these people are already performing as necessary brokers of change.
“We’re deeply impressed by all that these people have achieved so early of their lives. They’re group builders, advocates, and future leaders with huge potential,” stated Maggie Leen, CEO of High Hat. “It’s an honor to play even a small half in serving to them obtain their desires of upper schooling and go even additional.”
Named in honor of Shannen Koostachin, a brave youth from Attawapiskat First Nation who led a nationwide marketing campaign for equitable schooling, the Shannen’s Dream Scholarship celebrates Indigenous college students who exemplify resilience, management, and a dedication to social change.
What makes the scholarship distinctive is its “pay-it-forward” requirement. Every recipient is predicted to make a good and measurable contribution to the Shannen’s Dream marketing campaign or a associated First Nations initiative. Earlier pay-it-forward campaigns have included making a information to assist college students navigate the medical faculty software course of, internet hosting talks and workshops on Shannen’s Desires, and establishing a web based database of scholarships for Indigenous youth.
“Shannen believed within the energy of schooling to alter lives and communities. Every of this 12 months’s recipients carries that imaginative and prescient ahead, not solely via their educational efforts, however via their management and repair,” stated Cindy Blackstock, Govt Director of the First Nations Little one & Household Caring Society. “We’re proud to rejoice these outstanding college students and grateful to High Hat for serving to to make the Shannen’s Dream Scholarship a actuality for extra First Nations youth.”
Meet the 2025 Shannen’s Dream Scholarship Recipients

Zoe Quill, a member of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation with ties to Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, holds a BSc in Genetics from the College of Manitoba and might be attending the Max Rady School of Drugs for Fall 2025. She is a printed researcher and 2024 Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award recipient, and is dedicated to advancing Indigenous well being and illustration in care.
Mercedes Stemm, a proud Mi’kmaw girl from Natoaganeg First Nation, is a second-year medical scholar on the College of Manitoba. With a BSc in Neuroscience and minor in Indigenous Research, she co-created Indigenous admissions pathways and launched a nationwide mentorship program supporting future Indigenous medical college students.


Syndel Thomas Kozar, from One Arrow First Nation, is finishing a Double Honours in Indigenous Research and Girls’s and Gender Research on the College of Saskatchewan. A group advocate, Kozar holds management roles in youth and humanities organizations, with work targeted on cultural reclamation, and empowering Indigenous youth via storytelling.
Ruby O’Tennadzahe, a Dene girl from Northlands Denesuline First Nation, will start the Bachelor of Nursing program at Pink River School Polytechnic in Fall 2025. A former Well being Care Aide, she brings medical expertise and a robust concentrate on holistic, culturally grounded look after Indigenous youth.

About Shannen’s Dream Scholarship
The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship was established to help First Nations youth with the monetary burdens of post-secondary schooling. The scholarship honors Shannen Koostachin, whose advocacy for protected and comfy faculties for First Nations college students ignited a nationwide motion. This scholarship goals to proceed her legacy by empowering First Nations college students to attain their instructional aspirations. To be taught extra, please go to www.fncaringsociety.com.
About High Hat
Because the chief in scholar engagement options for greater schooling, High Hat allows educators to make use of evidence-based instructing practices via interactive content material, instruments, and actions in in-person, on-line and hybrid classroom environments. Hundreds of school at greater than 900 North American faculties and universities use High Hat to create significant, partaking and accessible studying experiences for college students earlier than, throughout, and after class. To be taught extra, please go to tophat.com.