Expanding a world of STEAM possibilities for youth

The BCIT Foundation works with donors in exceptional ways. On November 20, 2024, the Cmolik Foundation partnered with the BCIT Foundation, BCIT School of Health Sciences, and School of Construction and the Environment to provide a unique and inspiring experience for youth. A total of 107 grade five students from Lena Shaw Elementary School in Surrey participated … Read more

BCIT announces two new Directors to the BCIT Foundation Board

BCIT is pleased to announce that Brent Charleton and Sally Parrott have joined the BCIT Foundation Board of Directors.  Brent and Sally were elected by BCIT Foundation members at the 26th Annual General Meeting held on September 20, 2024. Brent Charleton is the CEO and President of EnWave Corporation, a global leader in the innovation … Read more

Canada’s largest supplier of geospatial and engineering field equipment, Cansel celebrates $1.4M donation and makes a surprise announcement to further support BCIT students

On September 24, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Cansel unveiled the Cansel Computer Lab at SW3 in recognition of the organization’s generous gift of Trimble Business Centre software valued at $1.4 million to the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign. In a surprise statement at the event, Cansel announced an extension of their gift ensuring … Read more

Connecting accomplished graduates with BCIT donors at the June Graduating Awards Celebration

Feelings of elation, joy, and gratitude were everywhere—from the graduating students who received awards to the donors who made it all possible during this year’s June Graduating Awards Celebration. Held immediately after the BCIT Spring Convocation ceremonies on June 25, 26, and 27, donors who made an impact on students’ lives and helped support their … Read more

BCIT Nuclear Medicine program students to benefit from $150K in funding from INITIO Medical Group

In an effort to improve the quality of healthcare and diagnose early signs of disease, BCIT is proud to announce its partnership with Burnaby-based INITIO Medical Group and their donation of $150,000 to financially support students in the BCIT Nuclear Medicine program over the next three years. The funding will assist a total of 27 … Read more

Kiewit donates $250,000 to BCIT for the Trades and Technology Complex

(L-R): Devon Franklin, Manager, Corporate Training and Industry Services, BCIT; Jennifer Figner, BCIT Provost and Vice President, Academic, BCIT; Ryan Tones, Senior Vice President, Kiewit Construction Services ULC; Josh St Cyr, Project Manager, Kiewit; Kobie Smith, Haisla Nation member, Indigenous student champion, and Student Association Indigenous Council Member, BCIT; David Dunn, Associate Dean, Building Design and Construction Trades, BCIT; BCIT leadership; Kiewit guests; BCIT students, and BCIT School of Construction faculty and staff.

BCIT and Kiewit unveiled the Kiewit Tool Room at NE4 (Carpentry) in recognition of Kiewit’s generous gift of $250,000 to the INSPIRE Campaign. BCIT Foundation was excited to welcome more than 30 guests including representatives from Kiewit, BCIT leadership, staff, and students to the Kiewit Unveiling Celebration. We were grateful to begin the event with … Read more

From trades to teaching: Alum Rachel Schatz realized a childhood dream through trades at BCIT

woman wearing hard hat

(This story was written with contributions from Sally Lee.) As a 13-year-old, Rachel Schatz was a typical carefree teen. She enjoyed school, loved to hang out with her friends, and she dreamed of becoming a teacher one day. The world was full of possibilities. But one summer day in August, her father was involved in … Read more

BCIT Student Awards Mix & Mingle connects high-achieving students with donors behind their awards

Group of students and donors

Congratulations to the 258 BCIT students who received Graduating Achievement Awards in 2023. This year’s student recipients were invited to meet and thank the donors who made their awards possible at the inaugural Student Awards Mix and Mingle events, which were held after each Spring Convocation ceremony in June. In total, more than 150 guests—including … Read more

Canadian National Railway Company donates $475K locomotive to BCIT

Photo caption: (L-R) Vince Jones, BCIT Railway instructor; Steve Perry, Dean, BCIT School of Transportation, Jackie Jacob, Interim Vice President, Advancement, BCIT; Anthony Upton, Department Head, BCIT Motive Power and Heavy Mechanical Trades; Scott Fleming, BCIT alum; Emily Lebek, CN; Mahir Abdulle, Superintendent, CN; Bruce Thompson, Associate Dean, BCIT Motive Power.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) recently announced CN’s donation of a $475,000 locomotive to the Institute. As CN’s largest gift-in-kind to BCIT, this donation is the company’s second locomotive gift to the BCIT School of Transportation. At the recognition event, BCIT unveiled CN’s locomotive gift and … Read more

From nursing to teaching, BCIT alumna and instructor finds a second home in the classroom

In recognition of National Nursing Week 2023 (May 8 – 14), we’re shining a light on Nav Padda (centre, middle) BCIT Nursing alumna and instructor at the BCIT School of Health Sciences.

In recognition of National Nursing Week, we’re shining a light on Nav Padda (née Kalkat) BCIT Nursing alumna and instructor at the BCIT School of Health Sciences. Nav shares her unique story—her career journey, personal hardships, and how she found a new passion in the classroom.     — Nav was forced to grow up fast. At … Read more