The endowed award was named after Dr. Ken Robinson, who passed away in December of 2011. Dr Robinson joined the Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia in 1977 and was involved in setting up the criteria for the endowment, which was established as an endowment in 2011 named in his memory.

The endowment is open to full-time students enrolled beyond their first year of study in any health-sciences program at the Barrie Campus of Georgian College. The recipient demonstrates financial need, volunteerism, community involvement and academic merit.