Scholarship Value $1,000

Number of Scholarships 7

The Education Awards Program helps residents in a household directly receiving subsidy from BC Housing, or receiving rental assistance through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) at the start of courses pursue their educational goals as a way to achieve success and personal growth. The bursaries and awards are for post-secondary education and training programs.

We offer seven education awards and bursaries. We encourage you to apply for as many awards as you’re eligible for. We grant one award a year to each successful applicant based on academic achievement and financial need.

Annual Dates & Deadlines

• January – Annual program launch
• April 30 – Application Deadline – All applications must be received by 2 pm
• July 31 – Notifications sent to applicants (congratulations and regrets)
• August 30 – Deadline for Award – Winners must confirm their September enrolment

Award & Bursaries

BC Housing Bursary

Award winners receive $750 for tuition and other school-related expenses.

Eligibility:

• You are between the ages of 17 and 64 and are a resident in a household directly receiving subsidy from BC Housing or receiving rental assistance through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) at the start of courses.
• You must be registered at a recognized B.C. post-secondary or vocational institution on a full- or part-time basis in September of the application year (part-time is considered to be two courses attended in September of the application year).

BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies

Award winners receive $1,000 for tuition and other school-related expenses.

Eligibility:

• You are between the ages of 17 and 64 and are a resident in a household directly receiving subsidy from BC Housing or receiving rental assistance through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) at the start of courses.
• You are registered at a recognized B.C. post-secondary or vocational institution on a full-time (60 percent course load) basis in September of the application year.

BC Housing Indigenous Peoples Award

Award winners receive $1,000 to assist Indigenous Peoples in pursuing post-secondary education.

Eligibility:

• You are an Indigenous person between the ages of 17 and 64 and are a resident in a household directly receiving subsidy from BC Housing or receiving rental assistance through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) at the start of courses.
• Registered at a recognized B.C. post-secondary institution in September of the application year.
• Registered as a full-time student (60 percent course load).

The Steven Bibby Humanitarian Award

Steven Bibby was a passionate leader in the field of emergency management over his 28-year career with BC Housing. Notably, Steven was a central Figure in developing a post-disaster building assessment framework and emergency lodging guidelines. This Award of $1,000 in his memory recognizes excellence in emergency management or building resilient communities.

Eligibility:

• Students between the ages of 17-64.
• Residing in a household directly receiving subsidy from BC Housing or receiving rental assistance through the Rental Assistance Program at the start of courses.
• Registered at a recognized B.C. post-secondary educational or vocational institute on a full-time (60 percent course load) basis in September of the application year.
• Pursuing opportunities in disaster management or a related field.

Katherine McParland Bursary

Katherine McParland was a passionate and well-respected advocate for youth experiencing homelessness; she was also a member of BC Housing’s Board of Commissioners when she passed away unexpectedly in 2020. As a former youth in care, Katherine knew how few supports exist for youth at risk of homelessness, and spent her career fighting tirelessly to create youth-specific housing with individual supports.

This award recognizes Katherine’s many significant contributions and assists young adults (18-25) who have experienced housing instability and who are pursuing an education in social work or community services. Award Winners receive $1,000 bursary.

Eligibility:

• Students between the ages of 18-25
• Experienced past housing instability
• Residing in a household directly receiving subsidy from BC Housing or receiving rental assistance through the Rental Assistance Program at the start of courses
• Registered at a recognized B.C. post-secondary educational or vocational institute on a full-time (60 percent course load) basis in September of the application year
• Pursuing opportunities in social work or community services

Who can be a nominator: A family member, social worker, teacher, community leader or employer

Margaret Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award

Margaret Mitchell was a dedicated housing advocate and played a key role in the development of the BC Housing Education Awards Program. This award is named in her memory. Award winners receive $1,000 for a graduating Grade 12 student who demonstrates excellence in academics, sports, the arts or community involvement.

Eligibility:

• You are graduating from Grade 12 with a record of achievement in academics, sports, the arts or community involvement.
• You have been nominated by a fellow student, teacher, community leader or neighbour.
• You are a resident in a household directly receiving subsidy from BC Housing or receiving rental assistance through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) at the start of courses.
• You are registered in post-secondary education or vocational training at a recognized B.C. post-secondary institution in September of the application year as a full-time student (60 percent course load).

Who can be a nominator: A family member, fellow student, a teacher, a community member, a neighbour, etc.