The Education Awards Program helps individuals living in subsidized housing or those on the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) pursue their educational goals. The bursaries and awards can be used towards post-secondary educational and training programs. Our Education Awards Program:

Encourages tenants to pursue educational goals and new skills.
Promotes education as a way to success and personal growth.

Bursaries and Awards:

BC Housing Bursaries (BCHB) at $750 is awarded to tenants between the ages of 17 and 64 living in accommodation subsidized by BC Housing. This award can be used towards tuition and other school-related expenses.

BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies (BCHA) at $1,000 is awarded to tenants between the ages of 17 and 64 living in accommodation subsidized by BC Housing who are pursuing full-time studies. This award can be used towards tuition and other school-related expenses.

The Margaret Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award (MMA) is awarded to a graduating grade 12 student for excellence in academics, sports, the arts or community involvement. Margaret Mitchell was a housing advocate who helped develop the Bursary Program. This $750 award is named in her memory.

The Alexandra Thorpe Award for BC Women (ATA) at $1,000 is awarded to women between the age of 17 and 64 living in accommodation subsidized by BC Housing. Alexandra Thorpe was a bright young woman whose goal was to return to school despite her struggle with depression and drug addiction. This award is a tribute to her spirited short life, offering hope for a healthy future.

The Minerva Foundation Award for BC Women (MFAA) at $1,000 is awarded to Aboriginal women pursuing post-secondary education.

To be eligible for bursaries and awards, you must be:

Living in accommodation subsidized by BC Housing or recipients of the Rental Assistance Program.
Attending post-secondary school or vocational training in the coming year
Between the age of 17 and 64
Not receiving employment and Government Income Assistance

Click here to view a description and eligibility requirements of each bursary and award and for instructions of how to apply - Education Awards Program Brochure.

Download Application Forms:

BC Housing Bursary (BCHB)
BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies (BCHA)
Margaret Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award (MMA)
Alexandra Thorpe Award for BC Women (ATA)
Minerva Foundation Award for BC Women (MFAA)

Application deadline
The deadline for the 2010 bursaries and awards was 4:00pm on April 30. Please note that applications for the 2011 Education Awards Program will be available to download in early 2011.

To keep up to date on BC Housing tenant information, click here to go to the tenant newsletter, News for You , or here to register for email notifications.

For more information
To find out more about the Education Awards Program, contact (604) 454-5432 or toll free 1-866-465-6873 or email educationawards@bchousing.org.