Scholarship Value $2,500
Number of Scholarships 1
Description Purpose
The Betty Spalton Trust Fund provides financial support to students preparing for careers in road building, road maintenance, and heavy construction in British Columbia. The scholarship is merit-based and seeks to increase access to industry education while encouraging applicants from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. It is intended to offset study and living costs while recipients pursue trades, technical, college, or university programs related to the sector. The award is open to both new students and those returning to upgrade skills.
Key takeaways
- Merit-based scholarship for road-building and heavy-construction education in BC.
- Supports both new students and those returning to school.
- Encourages applicants from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds.
- Applicable to trades, technical, college, and university programs.
Eligibility Who qualifies
Applicants must be pursuing a program that leads to a career in road building, road maintenance, or heavy construction. Programs may be full-time or part-time at any British Columbia college, university, technical institute, or trades school. Preference is given to applicants from underrepresented groups in the industry, but candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. All applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and must consent to the use of their name and photo by the BC Road Builders for promotional purposes.
Key takeaways
- Open to students in BC pursuing construction-related education (full- or part-time).
- Preference for underrepresented groups; all backgrounds welcome.
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Recipients must agree to name/photo use in promotional materials.
Award
Value Amount and permitted uses
The scholarship awards successful candidate(s) CA$2,500 to help cover study-related and living expenses. Awards are merit-based and intended to reduce financial barriers while recipients complete approved construction-related training or education. The fund may support one or more recipients in a given year depending on selection decisions. Recipients should use the funds for tuition, books, tools, travel, or living costs associated with their studies.
Key takeaways
- Single award amount: CA$2,500 per successful candidate.
- Funds may be used for tuition, materials, and living expenses.
- Awarded on a merit basis.
- Multiple recipients may be chosen in a given year.
Application
Requirements Documents to submit
Application packages must include a 250–500 word essay explaining interest in the field and career goals, official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended, documentation confirming current enrollment or planned participation in a BC construction-related or trades program (for example, a letter of acceptance), and a current resume. Packages should be complete and clearly organized to facilitate review. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Key takeaways
- Required: 250–500 word essay, transcripts, enrollment/acceptance proof, current resume.
- Include documents from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended.
- Ensure the application package is complete and well organized.
- Incomplete packages risk disqualification.
Funding and
Administration Sponsors and fundraising
The fund was established with donations from Argo Maintenance and the BC Ministry of Transportation. Ongoing fundraising and administration are managed by the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, which raises funds and covers administrative costs through events such as the annual Ivan Hanchard Charity Golf Tournament. The association oversees selection and distribution of awards and handles communications with applicants and recipients.
Key takeaways
- Initial donors: Argo Maintenance and BC Ministry of Transportation.
- Ongoing fundraising and administration by the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association.
- Annual charity golf tournament supports the fund and administrative costs.
- BCRB administers selection, award distribution, and communications.
History of the
Award About Betty Spalton
The scholarship honors Betty Spalton, a respected leader in highway maintenance across British Columbia. Ms. Spalton began her career with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways, served as District Highways Manager in McBride, and later became president of the Okanagan South (Penticton) Division of Argo Road Maintenance. She served on the BC Road Builders’ Board of Directors, led the maintenance sector, and was recognized for her expertise in construction and maintenance policy, standards, and business management. Her long-standing contributions to the industry and the Association inspired the creation of this trust fund.
Key takeaways
- Named in honour of Betty Spalton, a leader in BC highway maintenance.
- Career included roles at the Ministry of Transportation and Argo Road Maintenance.
- Served on the BC Road Builders’ Board and led the maintenance sector.
- Scholarship recognizes her contributions and legacy in the industry.
Application
Timeline and
Submission How to apply and where to send materials
The scholarship is awarded annually; specific deadlines and selection timelines are announced each year by the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association. Candidates should check the association’s website or contact BCRB directly for current deadlines and submission windows. Complete application packages should be mailed to the address below; electronic submission options should be confirmed with BCRB before sending.
Key takeaways
- Awarded annually; deadlines announced by the BC Road Builders Association.
- Verify current deadlines and submission instructions on the BCRB website or by contacting the association.
- Submit complete paper application packages to the mailing address below unless otherwise directed.
Mailing address for application packages Betty Spalton Trust Fund c/o BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association Suite 307, 8678 Greenall Avenue Burnaby, B.C., V5J 3M6