Financial Aid and Awards

Applications for the 2021/2022 academic year are now open!

International Student Excellence Scholarships are open to current College of the Rockies International Students who were enrolled in the Fall 2021 semester.

College of the Rockies International Student Excellence Scholarships are open to College of the Rockies international students planning to return to College of the Rockies and enrol in University Studies, Business Administration, Tourism or Recreation Management, and other programs as approved by the Awards Committee in the Spring or Fall of 2022.

Up to five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to successful applicants. Assessments for awards are considered on student academic merit, community involvement, and an assessment of performance from one of your current instructors.

Career and Job Fair Entrance Awards

The Career and Job Fair Entrance Award is for students entering into the Business Management or Bachelor of Business Administration Program for the first time. Two awards of $1,500  will be presented to students entering directly from high school and four awards of $1,500 will be awarded to a mature student over 20 years of age entering college for the first time.

Chevron Canada Resources/Molnar Bursary

The Chevron Canada/Molnar Entrance Bursary for $1,000 is to be awarded to a student entering into the Engineering or University Studies Sciences Program at College of the Rockies with plans to continue to a degree program and pursue a career in engineering or the science field. Financial need and academic achievement may be considered. Preference will be given to a single parent or a mature student who is returning to school to change careers.

College of the Rockies Entrance Award for Licensed Practical Nursing

The College of the Rockies Entrance Award for Licensed Practical Nursing is a $1,000 scholarship each year for new students entering the Practical Nursing program in September.

College of the Rockies Entrance Awards for University Studies – Arts and Sciences

College of the Rockies Entrance Awards for University Studies – Arts and Sciences is a $1,000 scholarship for new students entering University Studies in Arts or Sciences for Fall 2021-22.

JM Fleming Entrance Bursary

A $250 bursary offered to a mature student from the East or West Kootenay entering any Health Sciences program for the first time and has demonstrated financial need.

Kokanee Ford Automotive Entrance Bursary – New!

A $1000 bursary awarded to an Automotive Service Technician student in the Foundation program or any level of apprenticeship training. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents from Creston, BC.

Midge Bursary for Cook Training – $500

This bursary is for new students entering into the Professional Cook Training program for the first time in September 2021.

Professional Cook Training Entrance Bursary – up to $750

The Professional Cook Training Entrance Bursary is for new students entering into the Professional Cook Training program – Cook 1 in September 2021.

Eligibility and How to Apply:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be a  student entering Cook 1 of the Professional Cook Training program at College of the Rockies for the first time
• Submit a completed application form before August 15, 2021 for the fall semester

Yoki Fine Arts Entrance Bursary – $250

This $250 entrance bursary is being offered this year to a student entering into the Fine Arts Certificate Program for the first time and has demonstrated financial need.

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Brandon Salviulo Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 entrance award is for a female or male student form the East or West Kootenay in financial need entering into the Fire Services Training program. Financial need, volunteerism and community spirit will be considered.

Elk Valley Resident Entrance Bursary

The Elk Valley Resident Entrance Bursaries are open to first-year students entering a full-time post-secondary program at College of the Rockies.  Elk Valley Resident Entrance Bursaries, ranging from $250 tuition bursary to $1,000 tuition bursary, are available to students who demonstrate financial need.

Kimberley Resident Entrance Bursary

The Kimberley Resident Entrance Bursaries are open to first-year students entering a full-time post-secondary program at College of the Rockies.  Kimberley Resident Entrance Bursaries, ranging from $250 tuition bursary to $1,000 tuition bursary, are available to students who demonstrate financial need.

Kootenay Resident Entrance Bursary

The Kootenay Resident Entrance Bursaries are open to East or West Kootenay first-year students entering an eligible full-time program at College of the Rockies.  Kootenay Resident Entrance Bursaries, ranging from a $250 to $1000 tuition bursary are available to students who demonstrate financial need.

Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG), formerly ABESAP, provides needs-based grants to students enrolled in developmental programs. These grants are intended to off set the costs associated with tuition, fees, books, unsubsidized childcare and transportation for students most in need of financial assistance.

To be considered for an Adult Upgrading Grant, a student must meet all the following criteria:

• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
• You are a BC resident.
• You are enrolled in an approved Adult Upgrading, Adult Special Education (ASE), or English as a Second Language (ESL) course(s).
• You can demonstrate financial need.
• You have not received AUG or ABESAP funding to support your enrolment in this course or courses, in the past.

How do you apply?

Print and complete the Adult Upgrading Grant application form then submit it with your Tax assessment and registration documentation to the Financial Assistance and Awards Office for approval.

If you need assistance with the application, or cannot fill it in on line, please contact the Financial Assistance and Awards office or Student Services to pick up a paper copy.

The College of the Rockies/Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust Post-Secondary Awards Program is designed to assist students pursuing post-secondary education/training in all programs. These awards will be based on financial need and will range from $250 to $1000.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the post-secondary College of the Rockies/SIDIT awards.

• Applicants must be enrolled full-time in any program during the 2021/22 academic year starting August 1, 2021 or later at College of the Rockies
• You must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and a resident of the Southern Interior
• You must demonstrate financial need
• Submission of the completed on-line application to the College of the Rockies

Selection:

The emphasis for award selection will be on financial need. The budget must be filled in with this application.

Application instructions:

• Fill in the general Scholarship, Bursary and Award application online. Opens September 1, 2021.
  

The Trust’s Bursaries are based on demonstrated financial need. The awards are from $250 to $1500. You must apply to be considered.

Eligibility and How to Apply:

Applications are now closed.

Our friends at CIBC are graciously donating $500,000 over the next two years (2020 and 2021), to help the next generation of health care professionals realize their goals. This two year initiative will support 300 students, like you, entering the first year of a healthcare program with a $2,500 bursary.

Two (2) bursaries will be awarded to College of the Rockies’ students entering their program in Fall 2021.

Eligibility:

Domestic students entering first year studies in Practical Nursing, Biology & Medicine Pre-Major, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

Applications are now closed.

Tuition Awards Available

How would you like to take a college course for free?* That’s exactly what you’ll get if you are one of the first qualified applicants for one of our 35 tuition awards.

Students are entitled to earn “dual credit” if they earn credit that leads to a post-secondary credential from a post-secondary institution which is a member of the British Columbia Transfer System or offered in French through the auspices of Educacentre.

We’re offering regional secondary students tuition awards for Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 dual credit University Studies courses (online and face-to-face). Awards are granted to the first qualified applicants. Apply Now!!

Number of awards available

• School District #5 – 15 awards available
• School District #6 – 15 awards available
• Prince Charles Secondary (School District #8) – 5 awards available

First, Download and complete the Dual Credit Award Application which includes a Dual Credit School Permission Form and submit them to College of the Rockies.

Next, Download Application Form or Apply Online (Note: $30 application fee will be waived)

Note: Permission from your school Principal/Counsellor is required before final acceptance to College of the Rockies is granted.

Please note: If you do not qualify for the Dual Credit Award you can still take a dual credit course at the College of the Rockies but must submit a completed permission form from your school with your application. Regular fees will apply.

* The value of the award is equal to the tuition cost for one 3-credit course (excluding textbook)

Other external scholarship and award website information:

• Colleges & Institutes Canada Bursaries
• TC Energy scholarship information Students could receive a scholarship up to $5,000.
• Scholarships Finder – Scholarships for Students
• StudentAwards – now known as: yconic
• ScholarshipsCanada

Tuition Waiver Program for Former Youth in Care

Tuition for former youth in care will be waived for B.C. students who are between 19 – 26 years of age (inclusive), attending a BC public post-secondary institution(s) and who meet the following criteria:

• Have received care* from the ministry or a Delegated Aboriginal Agency (DAA) through the Child, Family and Community Service Act for a minimum of twenty-four months (consecutive or accumulated) in any, or a combination, of the following categories:
  • Continuing Custody Order pursuant to sections 41 (1) (d), 42.2 (4) (d) or (7) or 49 (4), (5) or 10 (a) of the Act
    • A protective order in which the court has assigned permanent custody of the child to the Director of Child Welfare (the Director).
  • Temporary Custody Order
  • A protective order in which the court has assigned custody of the child to the Director on a temporary basis.
  • A parent of a child with special needs may voluntarily and temporarily agree to place the child in the care of the Director.
  • A parent voluntarily and temporarily places the child in the care of the Director
  • The Director enters into an agreement with a youth (ages 16 – 19) who needs assistance to live independently and cannot be re-established with family.
  • A parent voluntarily and temporarily places the child in the care of an adult who has an established familial, relational, or cultural connection to the child.
  • An order in which the court permanently transfers custody to another (non-parent) family member or another adult with an established relational or cultural connection to the child.
  • A protective order in which the court temporarily places the child in the custody of an adult who has an established familial, relational, or cultural connection to the child.
  • Special Needs Agreement pursuant to section 7 of the Act
  • Voluntary Care Agreement pursuant to section 6 of the Act
  • Youth Agreement pursuant to section 12.2 of the Act
  • Extended Family Plan pursuant to section 8 of the Act
  • Permanent Transfer of Custody Order pursuant to section 54.01 or 54.1 of the Act
  • Temporary Transfer of Custody pursuant to section 41(1)(b) of the Act

The intent is to take an inclusive approach. If an individual falls outside of the above eligibility criteria, government will consider exceptions on an individual basis.*Includes both in-care and out-of-care arrangements.

Students must complete a Tuition Waiver Request to disclose information to validate the students eligibility with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and submit to the financial aid and awards office.

The Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society is offering two great awards for Indigenous students.

• The BC Aboriginal Student Award was established in 2008 as part of the Provincial Government’s strategy to improve Aboriginal access and achievement. Its purpose is to support Aboriginal people in getting post-secondary education by reducing financial barriers. Application is now open. Deadline to apply is April 24, 2020.
• The new Aboriginal Teacher Education Award supports Aboriginal students enrolled in a teacher education program at a public post-secondary in British Columbia. Awards will be $5,000 annually for a maximum of four years. Application is now open. Deadline to apply is April 24, 2020.
• INDSPIRE – Building brighter Futures Scholarship/Bursary Program

Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarships (for study/work and travel overseas)

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Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarships will be given to British Columbia students who are chosen, on a competitive basis, from a pool of eligible applicants pursuing part of their post-secondary studies, co-op experiences, internship, and other approved experiential learning activities overseas. Successful applicants must clearly demonstrate academic merit as well as links between their study/work abroad experience and their educational and personal goals.

One World Scholarships: 

Awards from $1,000 – $3500

Irving K. Barber British Columbia International Scholarships will be given to British Columbia students who are chosen, on a competitive basis, from a pool of eligible applicants pursuing part of their post-secondary studies, co-op experiences, internship, and other approved experiential learning activities overseas. Successful applicants must clearly demonstrate academic merit as well as links between their study/work abroad experience and their educational and personal goals.

The One World scholarship program is open to eligible College of the Rockies students who are BC residents and enrolled in a program of at least one year in length, leading to a credential.

The study or work abroad program must carry:

• Academic credit recognized by their home institution. (These scholarships are valued at $1,000 to $3,500 each); or
• Offer an opportunity for experiential learning, usually involving language and/or cultural training, but does not carry academic credit. (These scholarships are valued at $1,000 each.)

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Premier’s Scholarships:

5 – 10 scholarships worth $6000 to $10,000 each

The Premier’s Scholarship  is open to eligible College of the Rockies students enrolled in a program of at least one year in length, leading to a credential. Students must have been accepted into a study or work abroad program that forms an integral part of their credential studies. Recipients are selected on a competitive basis from a pool of applicants across the province who are pursuing a portion of their post-secondary academic studies overseas. Selection of scholarship candidates will be based on criteria such as academic excellence, community and/or institutional involvement and suitability for study/work abroad.

How to apply: Visit the IKBBC website for more information and to find the application .

Deadline to apply: March 31, 2021

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International Learning Travel Awards

Whether for one week or a full semester, there are enormous benefits to studying abroad. However, the cost to do so may be a barrier to some students. College of the Rockies makes a significant investment to reduce the costs of College-organized field schools and field trips abroad. We ensure that what you pay is only about half the total per-student cost for these experiences.

With respect to semesters abroad or summer schools with a College partner, the College offsets student costs through International Travel Learning Awards to eligible students.

Eligibility:

1. Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant), protected person living in Canada, or convention refugee studying at College of the Rockies who has been selected to participate in an exchange program abroad with a College partner.
2. Enrolled in a program delivered at or by the College of at least one year or two semesters in length during the academic year.
3. Completed at least one semester (full time; minimum 60% course load) at the College by the time of the proposed travel.
4. Arranged with the College to ensure that credit for studies abroad will transfer as credit in the student’s program at the College.

Amount Available:

For full-time semester abroad studies with a College partner:

• $2,500.00

For summer school participation with a College partner:

• $1,500.00

How to apply:

• No separate application process is necessary. All students who apply and who are accepted for a semester abroad or summer school abroad with a College partner and who meet the eligibility requirements above will receive an International Learning Travel Award.

2021 Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship Program

$5000 Scholarships

Applications are now open for the 2021 Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship Program. Over 150 Scholarships of $5,000 each will be available to students transferring between BC post-secondary institutions in order to complete their degrees.

The goals of the scholarship program are to increase educational opportunities for students from public colleges across BC and to recognize outstanding public college students by providing them with scholarships to complete their degrees in British Columbia.  Students from other post secondary institutions, but excluding research universities, may also be eligible for scholarships if they must transfer elsewhere to complete their degree program.

Detailed eligibility criteria and access to the online application can be found on the Society’s website: https://www.ikbbc.ca/transfer-scholarships/about-this-scholarship/

The application deadline is 12:00 pm Sunday, May 30, 2021.

The Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal was established in 1979 by the Ministry of Advanced Education. The Medal is awarded to full time students to recognize excellence in vocational and career programs two years or less and has now been expanded to include two-year diploma programs, as well as four-year undergraduate programs. Eligible recipients include British Columbia residents, out-of-province and international students in good standing enrolled in their last year of studies who will graduate during the academic year.

Also new, students will be now nominated for demonstrating outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy and/or reconciliation on campus or in their community. Nominations will be submitted to the Financial Aid and Awards Office by the deadline.  The recipient will then be chosen by the Scholarship and Awards Committee and presented at the graduation ceremony.

Nominations are now closed.

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Award Criteria:

Demonstration of one or more of the criteria will be required to identify an award recipient.

Students must be nominated for one or more of the following criteria:

Inclusion:

Inclusion and Diversity are sources of strength and at the heart of the success of B.C. communities.

This award criterion recognizes students who have promoted diversity and inclusion on campus or in their community. Students must demonstrate strong collaboration and unifying efforts, through the promotion and display of tolerance, and respect for others. Institutions may wish to consider the significance, impact and outcome of a student’s contribution, and the personal example set by the student, when making nominations under this category.

Examples:

• A student may be recognized for their work in building community through the organization and coordination of events, activities or services, that contribute to a more welcoming and supportive environment on campus,
• A student may be recognized for their work organizing a community response to an act of intolerance.

Democracy:

This criterion recognizes students who have strengthened democracy through civic engagement or the advancement of human rights. Students must demonstrate recognition of the fundamental rights and dignity of all persons at a local, national or global level. Institutions may wish to consider the significance, impact and outcome of a student’s contribution, and the personal example set by the student, when making nominations under this category.

It is important to note that the Lieutenant Governor’s medal program for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation is a non-partisan award. Activities directly tied to or coordinated by a political party or movement are not considered grounds for nomination.

Examples:

– A student may be recognized for their contribution to student governance or promoting social change and public discourse on campus, in their community or online.

– A student may be recognized who has supported, advocated or empowered minority rights and/or the most vulnerable in society such as those with mental health or addiction challenges, the homeless, new immigrant youth or refugees.

Reconciliation:

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada urgently called Canadians to take action to transform society by establishing a renewed relationship with indigenous peoples.

This criterion recognizes students who have answered this call to Reconciliation and are undertaking important efforts to heal their communities.

Institutions may wish to consider the significance, impact and outcome of a student’s contribution, and the personal example set by the student, when making nominations under this category.

Examples:

• A student may be recognized for their collaboration with a local Indigenous community to start a for-profit business where proceeds support programming for indigenous women.
• A student may be recognized for teaching indigenous ways of knowing and doing (an indigenous language, law, dance, or another custom) to other students.
  
  In granting this award, institutions may also give consideration to students who have overcome significant personal challenges and/or may be members of historically disadvantaged groups that face sociocultural barriers to full participation in B.C. society. For example, single mothers, members of the LGBTQ+ and two-spirit students, or students with refugee status.

The Teck Scholarship offers six, $2,000 scholarships to students entering College of the Rockies in the Heavy Mechanical or Electrician Foundation program in the fall or winter semester. These scholarships will be awarded to two female students, two Ktunaxa Nation members and two other students in either program.

Complete the Teck Scholarship Application Form and submit by August 15 for the Fall 2021 semester.

“Ujamaa is a Swahili word for ‘cooperative or collective economics.’ It can also be used to define ‘community’, or it can be a neutral term when describing something communal e.g. brotherhood, sisterhood. 

Ujamaa is one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba). Kwanzaa is such a significant and symbolic holiday for the African and the Black community as it is a chance for us to celebrate ourselves, our unique history and our culture, hence it being a perfect fit for the bursary as well as its introduction during Black History Month.” – Michelle Chan, BBA, Black History Month coordinator – 2021

Amount: $1500 to be split between up to three applicants to be applied to any education-related or living expense. This bursary is available in the fall semester.

Eligibility: The student must be a member of the Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC) Community. Student must have attended classes at the College for at least one semester (on a full or part-time basis) and plan to attend classes at the College in the following semester. Students from ALL program areas are eligible to apply. This bursary is open to both International and Domestic Students.

Selection: Demonstrated commitment to furthering their education. Student must submit a short essay (up to 300 words) stating how this award will benefit them and their community. If there are multiple qualified applicants, grades may be used to determine the recipients.

Applications are now closed.

Student Volunteer Opportunities

Visit the Volunteer section on our Experience Portal!

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Volunteer Kootenays

Do you want to volunteer?

Volunteer Kootenays can link you to organizations looking for volunteers whether you want a long term position or a one time experience.  Volunteer Kootenays can help you reach your volunteer goal whether its just for fun, to build your skills, to meet an expectation of school or community service or to build your connection to the community.

Volunteer Kootenays can put you in touch with other Community Agencies to fill a variety of volunteer positions.

Volunteer Kootenays
Phone: 250-426-8019
Website: http://kootenays.cmha.bc.ca/get-involved/volunteer

Conditions and Restrictions:

Any award may be withheld, reduced, or cancelled for any of the following reasons:

• Lack of suitable candidates
• Failure to meet terms and conditions of the award
• Withdrawal from the College
• Reduced income on invested funds
• Withdrawal of the award by the donor

Please note that at the present time all of the awards listed here are available only for Canadian or landed immigrant students, unless otherwise stated in the award’s eligibility or selection criteria.

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Eligibility Enrolment Requirements

To be eligible for a College of the Rockies financial award, students must be enrolled full-time (minimum 60% course load) in a College of the Rockies program.  If a student can demonstrate that they are carrying the maximum course load possible in some circumstances, exceptions can be made.

Students with disabilities, including those who are on a reduced course load, are eligible to be considered for awards. Students must identify themselves to the Financial Aid office and must have documentation of the disability.

Except where the terms and conditions of an award specifically state otherwise, award recipients must return to the College of the Rockies or another public post-secondary institution in the next academic semester/year and enrol in a full-time program.

Except where the donor directs otherwise, the proceeds of awards issued by or through the College of the Rockies and the College of the Rockies Foundation will be applied towards tuition fees for the upcoming academic semester.  Deferral of an award for up to one year may be granted on written application to the Registrar’s office.

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Additional Resources:

Student Emergency Loan Fund:

Short-term loans may be made to students requiring immediate funds for educational or survival purposes. You must make an appointment for an interview with the Financial Assistance and Awards Advisor to apply for an emergency loan.

Student Lines of Credit:

Student lines of credit are different from traditional government loans because, once approved, you only take out what you need, when you need it, as many times as you want (up to your credit limit). And, you pay interest only on the funds that you use.

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Repayment Assistance:

The Repayment Assistance Program (RAP) is available to students who cannot afford to pay their student loan payments.

If you are finished your program and cannot make your student loan payments then you need to contact the National Student Loan program and apply for RAP.

They may pay part or all of your student loan payment.

Apply on line at https://csnpe-nslsc.cibletudes-canlearn.ca/