About Us
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to the belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles.
OUR MISSION
HONOUR
To induct as lifetime Members contemporary role models whose experiences exemplify that opportunities for a successful life are available to all individuals who are dedicated to the principles of integrity, hard work, perseverance and compassion for others.
SUPPORT
To provide scholarships assistance
and services to deserving young people who have demonstrated integrity, determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential, and the personal aspiration to make a unique
contribution to society.
INSPIRE
To mentor scholarship recipients
and educate all youth about the limitless possibilities that are available through the free-enterprise system,
while underscoring the importance
of helping others.
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada (HAAC), established in 2009, strives to inspire individuals across the nation to realize their fullest potential, ultimately strengthening Canada. The Association, the Canadian affiliate of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, pays tribute to the legacy of Horatio Alger, Jr., a renowned 19th-century author whose stories of perseverance, integrity, and overcoming adversity remain timeless.
The Association has two primary mandates. Firstly, we honor extraordinary Canadians who have demonstrated an unyielding spirit and achieved remarkable success. Each year, we proudly recognize and offer lifetime membership to exceptional individuals who have journeyed from humble beginnings to significant accomplishments. Their inspirational stories echo the indomitable spirit of Horatio Alger, Jr. Secondly, we are devoted to bolstering the aspirations of young Canadians through our extensive scholarship program. Since its inception in 2012, we have awarded over $15 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 deserving students from coast to coast. Our scholarships are more than just financial grants—they provide comprehensive support inclusive of financial aid counselling, internships, mental health resources, and mentorship opportunities from our Association members.
Through the generosity of Horatio Alger Members in the U.S. and Canada, we’ve established an endowment, currently valued at $24.5 million, allowing us to broaden our scholarship support nationally. As a result, students from all Canadian provinces and territories have been eligible for scholarships of up to $10,000 through the Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarship Program since 2016.
As we continue to inspire and enable the next generation of leaders, we’re confident that the shared stories and experiences of our members will resonate deeply with our scholars, providing them with the motivation to carve their own paths to success. By championing the values of perseverance, integrity, and determination, the Horatio Alger Association of Canada continues its mission of instilling hope and fostering potential across the country.
LEADERSHIP
The Board of Directors, composed solely of Horatio Alger Members, is charged with guiding the Association in advancing its mission and ensuring the achievement of its strategic goals. The Board has established core policies to govern the Association’s actions and ensure its overall effectiveness.
TEAM
Our team supports the Horatio Alger Association of Canada by administering its programs and services. We are dedicated to promoting the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance; the advantages of free-enterprise; and the significance of overcoming challenges
FINANCIALS
The Association is committed to the principles of transparency, efficiency and sustainability, and to stewarding donations received in a responsible and accountable manner. For six consecutive years, the Association has received the highest rating of four stars from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator.