BC Guide for Independent Schools

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SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

This section includes:

The Provincial Scholarships and Awards Programs are open to students enrolled (or registered as a home homeschooler) in Group 1, 2, and 4 independent schools. To participate in any of the Provincial Scholarships and Awards Programs, students must

  • be Canadian citizens, or
  • permanent residents of British Columbia, and
  • meet graduation requirements.

International students or study permit students are not eligible for any of the provincial scholarships and awards.

Graduates can win any combination of the Grade 12 Graduation Program Examinations Scholarship, the Dogwood District/Authority Awards, and the Passport to Education award stamps.

To redeem a scholarship voucher, qualifying candidates must be registered and attending a regular program (ie. A program that leads to a credential) or an apprenticeship program at any post-secondary institution that is accredited and designated by the Ministry of Advanced Education. A student has five years from when the scholarship was awarded to redeem it.

For further information on the Scholarships and Awards Program visit the web site: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards.

Grade 12 Graduation Program Examinations Scholarship (formerly called Provincial Scholarship Program)

Beginning in the 2006/07 school year the Provincial Scholarship Program will be renamed to “Grade 12 Graduation Program Examinations Scholarship” (refer to the information note on upcoming changes to Provincial Scholarship Program (16KB PDF)). The purpose of Grade 12 Graduation Program Examinations Scholarship is to reward excellence in achievement based upon performance on the provincial Grade 12 examinations and to provide financial assistance to successful candidates undertaking post-secondary education.

These scholarships are awarded to eligible students based on their three best exam scores and at least a “B” in English 12 or Français Langue Première 12. Approximately 5000 students receive these awards annually.

The award amount remains the same at $1000 except for the top twenty winners who will each receive $2500.

Dogwood District/Authority Awards (formerly called District Scholarship Awards)

Beginning in the 2006/07 school year the District Scholarship Awards will be renamed to ”Dogwood District/Authority Awards”(refer to changes for 2006/07 school year (32KB PDF))The purpose of the Dogwood District/Authority Awards is to acknowledge excellence in the areas of:

  • Fine Arts (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music), or
  • Applied Skills (Business Education, Technology Education, Information Communication Technology, Home Economics), or
  • Physical Activity (not limited to Physical Education)
  • Second Languages (including Aboriginal Languages).

The allocation will increase to 3000 awards to be pro-rated to school districts/authorities, based on enrolment. The award amount remains the same at $1000 distributed in two parts ($500 first half by cheque and $500 second half by voucher for post-secondary attendance).

An Independent School Selection Committee established by the Federation of Independent School Associations (FISA) determines Dogwood District/Authority Awards for independent school students. This committee is comprised of representatives from independent schools around the province. FISA sends specific details for the application and selection of these awards to Group 1, 2, and 4 independent schools. For further information on the Dogwood District/Authority Awards for independent schools, contact the Federation of Independent School Associations.

Passport to Education Program

The Grade 10 and Grade 11 awards are worth $250 each. The Grade 12 award is worth $500. These are awarded to students according to Ministry of Education guidelines and the individual school’s criteria, which may include academic achievement, demonstrations of citizenship and social responsibility, and school and/or community service.

See Handbook of Procedures for further details.