| September 16, 2009 Ministry of Housing and Social Development Vanderhoof Resident Receives BC Housing Education Award VANDERHOOF- Kevin Hall of Vanderhoof is one of 93 people in B.C. to receive a BC Housing Education Award to help him pursue his education goals and achieve long-term life changes. "Any time we can find ways to help residents of social housing to attain greater independence, it is a positive thing," said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. "Supporting tenants to pursue their educational goals is something that the Education Awards Program at BC Housing has been doing since 1994. We all recognize that education leads to a healthier and more prosperous life for both individuals and the province." Tenants living in subsidized housing, receiving rental assistance or in the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program were eligible to apply for one of the 93 bursaries and awards made this year to put towards tuition and school expenses. Kevin Hall will be using his $750 BC Housing Bursary to further his studies in natural resources and environmental technology at the College of New Caledonia. For Kevin, the bursary will enable him to take the practical experience he has gained from taking part in his school-based tree planting program into an educational forum where he can work on finding better ways to keep our forests safe and restored to their natural beauty. "My goal is to become a role model for aboriginal students and make my family proud," said Hall. "With the help of teachers who have mentored me, I have developed belief in myself and have set attainable goals that will benefit myself, my family and students who share my aboriginal ancestry." 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. BC Housing's Education Awards Program now offers five types of awards and bursaries with the introduction of the new BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies: - 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. - 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. - Alexandra Thorpe Award for BC Women - Alexandra Thorpe was a bright young woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. Although she struggled with depression and drug addiction, she hoped to return to school, and this award is a tribute to her spirited life. Five $1,000 awards are funded in partnership with the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, Edge Consulting and BC Housing to support women in financial need. - Margaret Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award - Margaret Mitchell was a dedicated housing advocate and helped develop the BC Housing Education Awards Program. This $750 award, named in her memory, recognizes a youth graduating from Grade 12 for excellence in academics, sports, the arts or community involvement. - Minerva Foundation Award for BC Women - Five $1,000 awards are funded by the Minerva Foundation for BC Women and BC Housing to help Aboriginal women pursue full- time, post- secondary education. These awards are 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. -30- | |
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