Dr. Rudy Ffrench Youth Trailblazer Award
Recognizing contributions to the community
“Dr. Ffrench was instrumental in starting Business is Jammin.”
The Dr. Rudy Ffrench Trailblazer Award is presented annually by Business Is Jammin’ to Nova Scotian youth of African Descent for contributions to their community, as demonstrated by long-term commitment and leadership as volunteers, students, athletes and/or artists.
Among these outstanding individuals, two youth from across the Province are selected annually as “Trailblazers” and are awarded a $1,000 scholarship towards tuition, books, or other related fees at a recognized post-secondary educational institution.
Dr. Rudolph Ffrench
Dr. Ffrench was born in Kingston, Jamaica and came to Canada in 1960 upon receipt of a Government Scholarship to attend Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where he obtained his B.A. (Honours) and Master’s degrees in Economics. Prior to attending Queen’s University, he was a Senior Executive in the Revenue Department, Ministry of Finance, in Jamaica.
Academic Career & Leadership
Dr. Ffrench joined the Economics Department at Acadia University in 1966, where he remained until retirement. During his academic career, he obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Wales and attained the rank of Full Professor in 1977, and later became the Head of the Department of Economics from 1978 to 1982 and from 1985 to 1992. He has also held the position of Visiting Lecturer at the University of Manchester, England, and Visiting Research Professor at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica.
Research, Advisory & Global Work
He has been an Advisor and Consultant to both the Canadian Federal and Atlantic Provincial Governments and the Jamaican Government, in such areas as fisheries, banking and international finance, transportation, and tourism. He has published numerous articles and reports on these topics and has also worked in an advisory capacity to Caricom on behalf of the Dr. Rudolph Ffrench Jamaican Government and the University of the West Indies.
Dr. Ffrench has been a strong advocate of the role of education in the Black population in Nova Scotia and has contributed to the attainment of this goal, in addition to the upgrading of entrepreneurial and business skills to this segment of the population. Dr. Ffrench was instrumental in the start of Business is Jammin’, the youth initiative of the Black Business Initiative.
To be considered for the Dr. Rudy Ffrench Trailblazer Award, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a student of African descent
- Be in Grade 12 and maintain at least a B average
- Be active in school or community activities (e.g., sports, arts, clubs, science groups)
- Have one school sponsor (teacher, administrator, or coach) and one community partner to provide recommendation letters
- You must submit:
- One essay (up to 1,000 words)
- Up to six photos or one short video (under 2 minutes) showing your community involvement, academic dedication, or achievements in school athletics or arts
The Dr. Rudy Ffrench Trailblazer Award application will be judged on the following criteria:
Your application must clearly show:
- Leadership as a school ambassador, role model, or community volunteer
- Strong collaboration with community partner(s)
- Significant time spent and commitment to community service
- How your involvement shaped your academics, career goals, skills, and long-term civic engagement
Letters of Recommendation (Required)
- One from a school sponsor AND
- One from a community partner
Must highlight your leadership, commitment, and school/community impact
Photo/Video Submission
Your submission must be creative and clearly tell the story of your service and commitment to your school and community