Education Awards help recipients return to school

BC Housing distributed 98 education awards and bursaries to people across the province enrolled in post-secondary educational and training programs in fall 2011. Every year, the Education Awards Program  helps people living in accommodation subsidized by BC Housing fulfill their dreams to pursue post-secondary academic studies or vocational training.

Single mom Janet is using her award to complete her bachelor of education degree at UBC. “I’ve always dreamed of being a high school teacher, however, I never thought I could make it through the post-secondary requirements needed to achieve this dream. The sudden breakdown of my marriage in the middle of my studies left me emotionally broken, possibly homeless and financially ruined. But now I know there is nothing I can’t accomplish. I want to be a positive role model for every student I teach. I will be the teacher my students remember for the rest of their lives.”

For Hailey, her BC Housing bursary is helping her pursue her love of learning at SFU where she is majoring in international studies. “Growing up in a single parent home, there is great financial need. My mother has shown me the importance of having an education and I hope to fulfill my dream of attending university and using my degree to making a positive contribution to my community.”

Patricia is a single mother of two in Ladysmith. Her bursary is helping her complete the school and community support worker program at Vancouver Island University. “I have worked extremely hard to attain good grades while holding down two jobs and balancing time with my children. My biggest goal is to provide for them financially and emotionally.”