FYI: Official Information on Provincial Exam Scholarships

I have received several e-mails asking for clarification regarding the requirements for the provincial examination scholarships since the last post. The following is taken straight out from the Handbook of Procedures for the Graduation Program from B.C.'s Ministry of Education. You can also read P.97 of the handbook yourself by clicking here:

Qualifying for a Grade 12 Graduation Program Examinations Scholarship

A student will receive a $1000 Examinations Scholarship if he or she:
• meets the basic eligibility requirements
• achieves at least a “B” final mark (provincial exam and school mark combined) in English 12, Français langue premiere 12, or English 12 First Peoples
• achieves 86% or higher on each of his or her three best Grade 12 provincial exams (can include the English 12 provincial exam) (Mr. L's note: this means, if you use English 12 as one of the subjects, then you'd need two more exams; if you don't use English 12 as one of the subjects, you'd need three optional grade 12 exams)
• fulfills the graduation requirements of either the 1995 Graduation Program, the 2004 Graduation Program or the Adult Graduation Program.

A student will receive a $2500 Examinations Scholarship Award if he or she:
• qualifies to receive an award (above)
• ranks among the top twenty scholarship students (based on his or her percentage score).

Any student who achieves a perfect score (100%) in each of three Grade 12 provincial exams will also be awarded an Academic Medal of Excellence.

When a student has two different percent scores for the same Grade 12 provincial exam, the higher percent score will be used. Scholarship scores do not have to be earned in one school year.

I hope this information is crystal clear to all of you now. If you are still unsure, please come in to see me.

Langara College Entrance Bursaries

The Langara Entrance Bursary is a $500 bursary given to two students from feeder secondary schools. Any student who plans to attend Langara in September, 2010, is eligible to apply.

Selection on the bursary will be based on relative financial need, and on acceptance and enrollment at Langara College.

The application deadline is June 18, 2010.

Please come to see me for an application form.

Information about Provincial Exam Scholarships

One of you came and asked me about scholarships that are given out from the provincial government when you do well on government exams. The following is taken directly from the graduation handbook the Ministry of Education has put forward. For more details, you can download the handbook (click here) and read Chapter 5.

A student will receive a $1000 Examinations Scholarship if he or she:

• meets the basic eligibility requirements (i.e. be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time the provincial exams are written)
  
• achieves at least a “B” final mark (provincial exam and school mark combined) in English 12, Français langue premiere 12, or English 12 First Peoples
• achieves 86% or higher on each of his or her three best Grade 12 provincial exams (can include the English 12 provincial exam)
• fulfills the graduation requirements of either the 1995 Graduation Program, the 2004 Graduation Program or the Adult Graduation Program (Mr. Leung's note: all of our current grade 12 students are on the 2004 Graduation Program)
  

A student will receive a $2500 Examinations Scholarship Award if he or she:

• qualifies to receive an award (above)
• ranks among the top twenty scholarship students (based on his or her percentage score).
  

Any student who achieves a perfect score (100%) in each of three Grade 12 provincial exams will also be awarded an Academic Medal of Excellence.

When a student has two different percent scores for the same Grade 12 provincial exam, the higher percent score will be used. Scholarship scores do not have to be earned in one school year.

So, basically, there is an advantage in writing these optional provincial exams. Some out-of-province post-secondary schools, and some international post-secondary institutions, still require the writing of these provincial exams.

The Canada SOARS Awards Program 2010 (Update)

The Canada SOARS Awards Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional achievements in the areas of academics, arts, and community services. The program invites applications from secondary school students in grades 11 and 12 with a minimum grade average of 73% on their most recent report card. A panel of interdisciplinary professionals from the Canadian Club of Vancouver will select winners from both levels for each category of award.

This year's applicants must write an essay of no more than 500 words on the topic "The use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter by youth as a means of building a stronger Canada." In the essay, articulate your thoughts on the importance of social networking, its benefits or its problems drawing on your own experience within your school or beyond.

Each award will consist of a special Canada SOARS plaque and a scholarship of:

• $200 for two runner-ups in each category (there are 3 categories)
• $500 for the award recipient in each category
• $500 for Award of Excellence runner-up
• $750 for the Recipient of the Award of Excellence

For an information brochure, or an application form, please come in to see me. I can also e-mail you the information brochure and the application form. For this, please e-mail me at my vsb e-mail address.

Application deadline is May 3, 2010. (deadline has been extended)

CFIG 2010 National Scholarship Program

Grade 11 and 12 Canadian resident students who are planning to enroll or expected to enroll in a post-secondary program of at least 2 years may be interested in this award.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) is giving away one national scholarship of $6000, and 12 regional and high school scholarships of up to $1500. To apply, you must:

• Write a 1000-word essay with proper referencing on one of three topics related to independent grocers and the food industries (details on the essay topics can be obtained online by going to CFIG's scholarship website - click here)
• Provide a list of academic achievements, awards, and extra-curricular activities
• Provide an official transcript of grades
• Submit an application form

Applications must be sponsored by a CFIG store. To find a CFIG sponsor, e-mail kkwo@cfig.ca with your name and area to which you live.

The application deadline for this award is May 31, 2010.

For more detailed instructions or to apply, visit CFIG's scholarship's website: click here

I also have a few information posters in my office, if you need to obtain one.

Barry MacDonald Scholarship

The Barry MacDonald Scholarship is aimed at providing financial support to a Vancouver student in their pursuit of post-secondary education. It will be awarded annually to a grade 12 student who has demonstrated exceptional ability in the use of technology in education. An emphasis will be placed on students whose technological expertise and creativity are directed toward improving learning opportunities, or otherwise integrates computer technology into educational programs in the school or community. The amount of the scholarship is $400.

The application deadline for this scholarship is Friday, April 30. Because this is a VSB-sponsored award, completed application needs to be sent in via intra-office mail. This means you would have to complete your application before the actual deadline, and give your application package to me to send in for you.

For more information, and for an application form, please come in to see me.

Garfield Weston Awards: application deadline extended

I'm please to let you know that the application deadline for the Garfield Weston Awards for College students have been extended to April 15.

This award, intended for students who are planning to go to a college diploma/applied degree program (university transfer programs are NOT eligible), comprises an $8000 annual stipend, tuition waiver from the college, and a $3500 summer funding. It is one of the biggest award available for college students.

All students with a minimum 75% average are encouraged to apply. Since they are extending the application deadline, it is an indication that your chance of winning an award has increased as there are probably not enough applications.

For more details about this award, visit my old entry by clicking this link (click here). You can also visit Garfield Weston's website for more details (click here).

APEGBC University Entrance and Engineering Transfer Entrance Scholarships

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Foundation (APEGBC) offers a number of university entrance scholarships to graduating high school students entering UBC, SFU, UVic, or UNBC that lead to a degree in engineering or geoscience. Each entrance scholarship is valued at $2500.

The Foundation is also offering several Engineering Transfer Entrance Scholarships valued at $1000 each for graduating high school students entering a college or university engineering transfer program in BC.

Scholarship selection is based on Grade 12 academics, extra-curricular activities, references, financial need, and the student's written statement outlining reasons for entering the profession.

Applications should be completed and post-marked no later than June 28, 2010. Students submitting applications for the scholarship should also arrange for their Grade 12 transcripts to be sent to APEGBC before August 6, 2010.

For more information, or for the application, visit one of the links below:

APEGBC's General Scholarship Information: click here

Entrance Scholarship Application Form (for students entering an engineering program at UBC, SFU, UVic, or UNBC): click here

Transfer Scholarship Application Form (for students entering an engineering transfer program): click here

Phillip Paulson Scholarship

The Phillip Scholarship is an $1000 award aimed at providing financial support to a Vancouver School Board (VSB) student in his/her pursuit of post-secondary education leading to a university degree.

This scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates compassion, a dedication to serving others, a commitment to the betterment of individuals or the greater society. Examples of such activities include (but not restricted to): citizenship activities, service to others through volunteer work in the school and beyond, and personal achievements focused on supporting others.

Completed applications must be sent through VSB's internal school mail to:
Phillip Paulson Scholarship Committee
c/o VSB Professional and Administrative Staff Association
VSB Maintenance & construction
1549 Clark Drive
Vancouver, B.C. V5L 3L4
Attention: Doug McClary

Application must be received by Wednesday, April 21, 2010.

Application forms and further details can be obtained form my office, or you can contact Doug McClary by phone at 604-713-5640, or by e-mail at dmcclary@vsb.bc.ca

Vancouver Fire Fighters: Gordon Anderson Memorial Bursary

I have just received information about a $500 bursary the Vancouver Fire Fighers' Union Local 18 is offering.

The Gordon Anderson Memorial Bursary, valued at $500 each, is offered to six students in good standing who have contributed to the school community, as well as expressed interest in labour-related issues.

The award is offered to graduating students from Vancouver public secondary schools, or the graduating child of a current or retired Vancouver Fire Fighter. All applicants must be a permanent resident in B.C., and must register in a recognized post-secondary program prior to the end of the current calendar year.

To apply, you must:

• submit a covering letter (details can be found on the application form)
• complete the bursary application form
• provide two letters of reference
• submit a copy of your most recent transcript

Application deadline is April 23, 2010.

For more information, you can go to Vancouver Fire Fighters' website (click here) for details.

Application forms can be obtained from me or you can click here for a direct link.

The Croatian Cultural Centre's Scholarships and Bursaries

The United Croats of Canada King Tomislav Branch (Croatian Cultural Centre) is offering scholarships and bursaries for BC residents of Croatian ancestry (at least one parent must be of Croatian ancestry).

The scholarships are in the amounts of $500 and $1000 for full time attendance either at a university, college, or a technical/vocational institute. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit. Applicants must provide two letters of reference, and a short essay on a topic chosen by the scholarship committee.

The bursaries are in the amounts of $500 and $1000 for full time attendance either at a university, college, or technical/vocational institute. Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need and previously demonstrated capacity for successful completion of a program of studies. Applicants must provide two letters of reference, and a short essay on a topic chosen by the scholarship committee.

Completed application forms must be received by May 1, 2010, to be considered for the fall term or semester. Application forms can be obtained from my office, at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive), or the Centre's website (click here).

BCAHA Scholarship/Bursary

The British Columbia Association of Health-Care Auxiliaries Scholarship/Bursary, valued at $1000 this year, is awarded to a BC student enrolling in first year studies in a human health care field at an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution of advanced learning.

To qualify, you must:

• be a resident in the province of BC
• have conducted a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer services to an accredited health-related facility (career prep does NOT count)
• intention to enroll in further education in the human health care field
• a grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• demonstrate financial need
  

The recipient must attend the first year upon graduation from secondary school or the award, or the award may be defaulted.

Details and the application form can be obtained from my office.

The application deadline for this award is March 31, 2010.

Queen Mary Elementary School Student Achievement Award

If you are a grade 12 student who is a Queen Mary Elementary alumnus, you be have a chance to win an award valued at $750.00.

The Queen Mary Elementary School Student Achievement Award recognizes a student who demonstrates academic achievement, as well as history of community service. A 250 to 300-word statement on the role of teenagers in the community, transcript, and evidence of acceptance into a full-time post-secondary program are also required.

The application deadline is May 7, 2010. You can come to my office to pick up an application form.

A New Site for Scholarship Information

Have you ever thought that writing about the best toy you have ever owned could earn you a scholarship of $500? Do you know that by uploading the most fabulous picture you have ever taken you may be given an award of $600? Have you heard about the essay contest where you can earn a $1000 scholarship by talking about animal rights advocacy? Like I have said to some of you many times, there are many scholarship opportunities out there, and some criteria may be so specific that you would be one of the few that qualify!

A resource website has just been brought to my attention. studentscholarships.org (click here) has a comprehensive list of scholarships, career and salary information, and many more information that may be of interest to you. Together with BC Awards Online (click here to enter the site), you can probably find as many scholarships as you can imagine, and maybe you can even find an award that is tailor-made just for you.

I have not registered for an account with studentscholarships.org, so I don't know how exhaustive its information is. But if want to, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a look.

Several Scholarship Opportunities

Several scholarship opportunities are available for you to seek after. Here is a brief description of them:

The Aero Club of B.C. Scholarship

This $1000 award is for students who are interested in the aviation industry (pilot, tower controller, aeronautical mechanical engineer, etc) who are planning to attend a fully licensed flight training school located in the Lower Mainland. A 400-word essay to explain your interest in flying in general or commercial aviation is required. Application deadline is May 31, 2010.

The Father E. Rosaia Scholarship

Two awards valued at $1500 each will be offered to two grade 12 students who expect to graduate with a 3.0 (B) grade point average or above and are planning to attend a university or community college that will lead to a university degree. To be eligible, you must be Roman Catholic and of Italian-Canadian origin. An essay of 400-words plus three letters of reference would be required. Application deadline is August 20, 2010.

The Lovison Family Memorial Scholarship

Two awards valued at $800 each will be awarded to two grade 12 students who are expected to graduate with a 3.0 (B) average or higher and are poised to attend full-time at a university, community college, or technical institute in pursuit of a degree or diploma. Candidates must be Roman Catholic. An essay of 400 words and three reference letters are required. Application deadline is October 31, 2010.

For full details of these awards, you can come see me in my office.

Capilano University's Entrance Awards

Scholarship information and application forms have arrived for the two major entrance scholarships Capilano University is offering:

The Capilano Excellence Scholarships (CAPX)

The Capilano Excellence Scholarships (CAPX) are the premier entrance scholarships awarded by Capilano University. These scholarships are offered to students who have demonstrated excellence in academics and other endeavours, and who have shown leadership in their school and community. These renewable scholarships are worth approximately $16,000 over four years at the current tuition rates. There are a total of 10 CAPX Scholarships that are offered each year.

To be eligible, you must have a minimum high school grade average of 80% and must undertake studies of 12 credits or more at the 100 level or higher per term at Capilano University.

Application deadline is April 30, 2010.

For a copy of the application form, please come to see me in my office.

The Capilano Achievement Scholarships (CAPA)

The Capilano Achievement Scholarships (CAPA) recognize academic achievement. A total of 28 scholarships valued up to $1500 for the fall term will be offered to ONE student from each BC high school in the Capilano adjudication list (Templeton is one of these schools). The recipients are selected from the list of students attending Templeton who have applied to Capilano University.

to be eligible, you must have a minimum high school grade average of 80%, and must undertake studies of 12 credits or more at the 100 level or higher in the fall term at Capilano University.

Because of the nature of the selection process, you would have automatically applied for the CAPA when you apply for admission at Capilano University.

Public Guardian and Trustee Educational Assistance Fund

The Public Guardian and Trustee Educational Assistance Fund is a bursary program that assists students who are planning to study at a post-secondary level in an academic, technical, or vocational program between September 2010 to August 2011.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a former permanent ward of the Province of BC and be planning to study at a post-secondary institution. In selecting successful applicants, consideration will be given to financial need, past marks, and sated career goals. Applicants are required to attach a copy of their most recent transcript. Applicants are encouraged to provide reference letters in support of their suitability for their chosen career.

More information can be obtained at the following website: click here

Application deadline is April 15, 2010.

Application forms can be obtained from my office.

Coast Capital Savings Education Awards

Coast Capital Savings is offering two major scholarships for students who are currently in grade 12.

The Citizenship Award, 32 of them valued at $2000 each, is an award given to individuals who are taking a leadership role in their communities while successfully balancing their academic and personal lives. The Standing Tall Award, 16 of them valued at $5000 each, is awarded to students who are working hard to overcome significant personal challenges to achieve their dreams.

All grade 12 BC residents attending an accredited Canadian University can apply for these awards. Application must be completed online at www.coastcapitalsavings.com/education (or simply click here). You are also encouraged to visit this website to learn more about the application process and eligibility.

If you have a specific question, you can come to see me for the contact person's e-mail and telephone number.

Application deadline for both awards is March 31, 2010.

Garfield Weston Awards for College Students

The Garfield Weston Awards are offered for students entering 1st year of full-time college studies in the fall of 2010. This includes post-secondary institutions such as BCIT, Douglas College, Langara College, and Vancouver Community College (VCC).

the program is designed to recognize outstanding college-bound students who show a strong commitment to their fields of study and are interested in making positive contributions to the community.

Up to 25 Entrance Garfield Weston Awards will be given to students entering their first year of college studies in Canada. Each award comprises a tuition waiver that is renewable for one or two additional years; an $8000 stipend renewable for one or two additional years; access to summer program funding, up to $3500; and mentorship.

To be eligible, a student must:

• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• be presently completing secondary school
• be entering his or her first-year of full-time studies in the fall of 2010 leading to a diploma or applied degree (university transfer programs are NOT eligible)
• be entering full-time college studies of at least 16 months in duration with a 100% full-time course load
• have a minimum average of 75% in courses required for his or her college program of choice

Please come in and see me if you are interested in this scholarship. More information can be obtained from Garfield Weston Awards' website (click here)

Application deadline is March 23, 2010.

Steven Cowan Memorial Scholarship

The Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC will be offering the Steven Cowan Memorial Scholarship to students currently in their graduating year of high school at a Lower Mainland or Sea-to-Sky Corridor high school.

The Steve Cowan Memorial Scholarship is a means to encourage and promote the attainment of higher educational goals for individuals who have demonstrated a positive commitment to helping their community. The award is to recognize and support individuals who have made a positive contribution to their school and/or local or global community. The value of the award is $500, paid in one installment. The Crisis Centre may, if funding permits, also make two secondary prizes of $250 each available for runners-up.

In order to be considered for the Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC Steve Cowan Memorial Scholarship, students must submit:

1. an electronic application form;

2. paper application form;

3. two reference letters;

4. an official transcript of the past two years of schooling.

Completed application packages should be postmarked no later than Friday, March 5, 2010 at 4pm and mailed to:

Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC

c/o Steve Cowan Memorial Scholarship Application

763 East Broadway

Vancouver, BC

V5T 1X8

For further information, or to pick up an application form, please come and see me ASAP.