Oct. 26, 2011
Abbotsford residents receive education awards
ABBOTSFORD - Two Abbotsford residents are recipients of BC Housing
Education Awards that will help them further their education, achieve
their goals and improve their lives.
"The BC Housing Education Awards provide financial support for British
Columbians working towards their academic goals," said Rich Coleman,
Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing. "This
year's award recipients are creating opportunities for themselves and
the provincial government is proud to contribute to their future
success."
"Education is a proven avenue for people to improve their livelihoods,"
said Michael de Jong, Minister of Health and MLA for Abbotsford West. "I
hope these students will go on to accomplish great things as a result of
their education."
"I would like to applaud these individuals for making a decision to
pursue an education despite, in some cases, many obstacles," said John
van Dongen, MLA for Abbotsford South. "I wish them all the best in their
studies and in their future careers."
"All of Abbotsford should be proud of these residents," said Randy
Hawes, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. "They will undoubtedly go on to
become outstanding members of our community. Their commitment to
improving their lives through dedication and hard work is something we
should all aspire to."
Anyone in British Columbia who is living in subsidized housing, or
receiving rent subsidies through BC Housing's Rental Assistance Program,
is eligible to apply for the 98 bursaries and awards. The funds can be
put towards tuition or other educational expenses such as books or
supplies.
For Abbotsford resident Jessica Gregoire, the $750 BC Housing Bursary
Award will assist her as she pursues her registered care aide diploma at
the University of the Fraser Valley while working towards her ultimate
goal of becoming a registered nurse.
"My life has been far from typical. After growing up in a religious
community, my husband and I made the bold decision to leave everything
we ever knew and start a new life," Jessica explained. "Dormant dreams
of getting an education awoke within me. I wanted to become a nurse,
like my grandmother, to help people and comfort the sick. At times, it's
overwhelming to be both a mother of four and a full-time student. But
when I kiss my children goodnight, I remember it's for them I push on. I
hope I can inspire them to know that nothing has to keep them from their
dreams."
Applicants submitted a personal statement describing their educational
and personal goals, and challenges they have overcome, as well as
letters of reference and academic transcripts. The BC Housing Education
Awards Program offers five types of awards and bursaries:
* BC Housing Bursary - 72 bursaries, worth $750 each, to support youth
or adults between 17 and 64 to pursue adult basic education, vocational
education or post-secondary education on a full- or part-time basis.
* BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies - 10 awards, worth $1,000 each,
to support youth or adults between 17 and 64 pursuing post-secondary or
vocational education on a full-time basis.
* Margaret Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award - Margaret Mitchell
was a dedicated housing advocate and helped develop the BC Housing's
Education Awards Program. This $750 award recognizes a youth graduating
from Grade 12 for excellence in academics, sports, the arts or community
involvement who will pursue education or vocational training on a full-
time basis.
* Minerva Foundation Award for BC Women - There are five $1,000 awards
to help Aboriginal women pursue full-time, post-secondary education.
This award is designed to help single mothers advance their education,
assist women with children fleeing abusive relationships, retrain mature
women returning to the workforce, advance women in non-traditional
fields of study, and support women with disabilities to overcome
educational barriers.
* The Kinloch Education Award for women - 10 awards at $1,000 each are
awarded to women who may have overcome significant barriers in their
lives which hindered their educational opportunities and who are now
pursuing post-secondary education on a full- or part-time basis.
Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide
affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families.
This year, more than 95,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial
social housing programs and services.
Visit www.bchousing.org to learn more about provincial programs and
services to address homelessness.
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