Since Rick and Marg Jensen moved to Cranbrook in 1976, their love of the mountains and our valley has grown with each passing decade. Along with their son and daughter, Rick and Marg have been involved in many businesses and community organizations over the years. In 2018, they established the Rick & Marg Jensen Family Foundation as a way to give back to a region that has given them so much.
In 2022, the Foundation created the Rick and Marg Jensen Family Foundation Bursary to support Carpenter and Electrical foundation students starting their educational journey at College of the Rockies. Each year, for at least the next three years, two $1,250 bursaries will be presented to students entering the Carpenter or Electrical foundation program. Preference will be given to students from Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere, or Fernie.
“In reviewing the various needs in our region where funding would be appreciated, Marg and I felt it would be valuable to help support students needing funding assistance to attain a higher level of education, and hopefully, apply their knowledge and skills working in our region,” Rick said.
As someone involved in the construction industry for the past 50 years, Rick, who is also one of the owners of New Dawn Developments Ltd., was interested in supporting students in the construction trades.
“I know the importance of individuals with the proper training and education for this field,” he said. “We are continually looking for qualified carpenters and this is one way we can help individuals obtain those qualifications. We were originally going to provide awards for Carpenter students only but expanded that to Electrician students as well. We may expand to other trades going forward.”
Rick and Marg feel having College of the Rockies in the East Kootenay region has a number of benefits, and not just for Trades students.
“The College provides education opportunities for various careers, introduces people to our spectacular region, offers courses for all ages – both part time and full time, establishes programs to help satisfy current and future employment needs, allows local students the ability to stay home to get their education, and so much more,” Rick said. “It plays a crucial role in our communities.”
With the demand for skilled tradespeople in our region and beyond, Rick and Marg are confident their new bursaries will be well-received and hope to be able to provide additional support in the years to come.
“We plan to grow the Foundation’s assets to allow our granting program to increase each year,” Rick said. “If this bursary is as successful as we believe it will be, we would consider adjusting the number of bursaries and the term in the future.”