We’ve launched a bursary program to help schools in financial need cover the costs of transportation to the Bank of Canada Museum for participating in one of our free school programs. Find out who can apply and what programs are available, and submit an application.
Who can participate
Bursaries are available for schools in Ottawa, Gatineau and surrounding areas that demonstrate financial need to cover the cost of transportation to the Museum’s downtown Ottawa location.
- Bursaries will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Schools may reserve a maximum of one time slot per semester.
Eligible schools must:
- Bring two classes on one bus to attend a program at the Museum
- Belong to one of the school boards or First Nations in the National Capital Region:
- Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation
- Centre de services scolaire au Coeur-des-Vallées
- Centre de services scolaire des Draveurs
- Centre de services scolaire des Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais
- Centre de services scolaire des Portages-de-l’Outaouais
- Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
- Ottawa Carleton District School Board
- Ottawa Catholic School Board
- Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
- Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
- Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l'Est ontarien
- Upper Canada District School Board
- Western Québec School Board
- Demonstrate financial need. In your application please include:
- If your school is identified by your board as a school in need.
- Any additional information or factors that demonstrate financial need.
- Consideration will also be given to neighbourhood and school indexes. These include the Ottawa Neighbourhood Equity Index, and Quebec Ministry of Education’s Disadvantaged Schools Index (in French only).
Available programs
The following two free school programs are eligible:
- Trading Planets (Grades 4–6, Elementary Cycle 2 and 3) a roleplay game about trade and the importance of currency. (maximum 60 students)
- Inflation Busters (Grades 9–12, Secondary Cycle 2 and CEGEP) a budgeting simulation that explores how inflation impacts everyday life. (maximum 60 students)
The eligible programs run on Mondays.
Registration for the 2025 school year is full. Spring semester dates will be available for booking at the end of November.
What to expect
We will contact you by email within three business days after receiving your application.
If your application is successful:
- An exact date and time will be confirmed with Museum staff following the approval of your application. We will do our best to accommodate your requested time slot.
Invoicing
- Schools are responsible for booking transportation.
- All transportation invoices should be made out to the Bank of Canada, 234 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G9.
- Invoices must be received by the Museum no later than 30 days after the delivery of the Bursary Program.
- Please send invoices to us by .
Cancellations
To ensure the best possible experience for all visitors, we kindly ask groups that make reservations to adhere to the following guidelines:
Cancellations and changes
Groups that need to change or cancel reservations for programs must tell us at least 48 hours in advance. Failure to do so may impact your ability to book our programs in the future, including participation in our bursary program.
Late arrivals
Groups that arrive 15 minutes or more after their scheduled start time may forfeit their reservation. If you anticipate being late, please contact us as soon as possible at 613‑782‑8914 or by .
Minimum group size requirement
We may cancel your reservation if, upon arrival, your group does not meet the minimum size requirement for the reserved program.
Get answers
Contact us by or phone (613‑782‑8914).
