Apply Now: 2026 Scholarship Applications are Open!
Send in your applications by February 20, 2026.
Ellen Bell was a talented and creative individual who made a difference in the lives of those who knew her. Ellen is lovingly remembered for her boundless energy, intelligence, kindness, and willingness to commit herself to the betterment of her community. She was a passionate volunteer with the Y during her lifetime and led a successful career in the marketing and advertising industry.
To share Ellen's legacy with the communities she loved, Ellen's friends and family created an annual scholarship in her honour. Valued at $5,000+, the scholarship supports women pursuing a similar career path who embody her values.
TIMELINE
Dec. 2025: Applications open
Feb. 20, 2026: Application window closes at 12PM PST; early applications encouraged
Mid-March 2026: Candidate interviews via Zoom with Scholarship Committee
Late March 2026: Scholarship recipient selected
Spring 2026: Scholarship funds and plaque awarded
ELIGIBILITY
The ideal applicant:
- Self-identifies as a woman
- Embodies the values of Ellen Bell
- Is currently enrolled in a related post-secondary program (eg. marketing/business)
- Resides in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley or Vancouver Island community
- Plans to pursue a career in Marketing/Advertising in one of the geographic areas listed following graduation.
PROCESS
- Consider how your values and career aspirations reflect Ellen Bell's spirit
- Submit your online application
- Email two (2) letters of reference** to giving@bc.ymca.ca on or before February 20
**Letters of reference should be 300 to 500 words and clearly address the applicant's:
- Personal characteristics, including kindness, community spirit, etc
- Relevant skills, experience and career potential in the fields of marketing and/or advertising
- Connection to the communities of the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and/or Vancouver Island
Meet our 2024 scholarship recipient!
Sofia Napolitano, a fifth-year business administration student at Simon Fraser University and a management consulting summer intern at KPMG, was selected as the recipient of our 2024 Ellen Bell YMCA Memorial Scholarship.
"I'm inspired that they saw something in me that reminded them of Ellen."