Did you know that at this year’s BCIT Winter Graduating Awards Ceremony, the BCIT Foundation celebrated the successes of 45 new graduates by giving out a total of $36,000 in achievement awards?
… and we didn’t stop there!
Last year alone, the BCIT Foundation presented 1,809 student awards totaling over $2.7Million !
These awards are made possible through the generous support of donors who share a commitment to contributing to student success. These students are a part of a larger community of graduates who have strong, diverse skills, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the desire to make a meaningful contributions to communities throughout British Columbia and beyond.
How can I receive a student award or bursary?
If you are a full-time student and can demonstrate financial need, you may be eligible to receive a bursary. Students are selected through an application process which is managed by the Student Financial Aid and Awards office during application periods in October, January and June.
BCIT achievement award recipients are selected based on a combination of high academic success, leadership, service and all-around excellence. Since faculty members select these recipients, be sure to keep your GPA high and make a good impression on your instructors by participating in the classroom and in the BCIT community. More information can be found by contacting the Student Financial Aid and Awards office.
How can I provide support to students too?
When a donor funds a student award, they can choose to fund any number of the following awards: achievement awards that celebrate the hard work and success of graduates who have excelled throughout their education; bursaries that provide essential assistance to students with demonstrated financial need; or entrance awards which recognize academic and non‐academic achievements of students entering an eligible full‐time program. To learn more about these types of awards, we have lots of info about our awards online.
Students continuously express their whole-hearted appreciation for our donors and the impact these awards have on their lives! In a thank you letter from a recent scholarship recipient, the student said “Because of this award, the financial commitment of pursuing my education is reduced. This allows me to spend more time focusing on learning, researching and volunteering and less time worrying about finances. Thank you for your investment in my future!”
Donors can provide student awards on an annual or multi-year basis or permanently by creating an endowment. Student awards can also be created in honour or in memory of a loved one.
In recognition of their generous contributions, award donors are invited to present their awards to students each year at one of our seven awards ceremonies. The BCIT Foundation passes along personal thank you letters received from student recipients so donors see first-hand, the direct impact of their gifts.
If you’d like to learn more about the BCIT Foundation and how to establish a student award, please contact our Annual Giving Team at foundation@bcit.ca or 604-432-8803.