Financial Aid and Awards

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 AUG application form from the StudentAidBC website, 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. This year College of the Rockies/SIDIT will offer $23,000 in awards for students enrolled in full-time programs at College of the Rockies.

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 2020/21 academic year starting August 1, 2020 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

Deadline to apply:

November 15, 2020 for the fall semester or February 28, 2021 for the winter semester.

$45,000 in scholarships available this year!

Application Deadline: November 1, 2020

The Columbia Basin Trust’s Bursaries are designed to assist students of the Columbia Basin in need pursuing post-secondary education/training in the region. These bursaries are based demonstrated financial need and community service/volunteerism will be considered. The awards are from $250 to $1,000. You must apply to be considered. 

Eligibility and How to Apply:

The application is now part of our internal online scholarship application  You must fill in the required information by November 1, 2020

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)

2020/2021 Entrance Bursaries

• Complete one application for any of these Entrance Bursaries
• Deadline to apply is August 15, 2020
  

Entrance Bursary Application Form

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Career and Job Fair Entrance Awards

The Career and Job Fair Entrance Award is for students entering into the Business Administration 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 is to be awarded to a female or male student in financial need entering into the Engineering Program at College of the Rockies with plans to continue to a degree program and pursue a career in engineering. Financial need and academic achievement may be considered. Preference will be given to a female or a single parent.

College of the Rockies Entrance Award for Licensed Practical Nursing

The College of the Rockies Entrance Award for Licensed Practical Nursing is 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 for new students entering University Studies in Arts or Sciences for  Fall 2019-20

JM Fleming Entrance Bursary

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

Professional Cook Training Entrance Bursary - awards up to $1,000

The Professional Cook Training Entrance Bursary is for new students entering into the Professional Cook Training program - Cook 1 in September 2019.

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, 2019 for the fall semester

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2020/2021 Entrance Bursaries for Kootenay Residents

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.

Entrance Bursary Application Form

Note: Entrance Scholarship applications are closed for 2019-2020.

College of the Rockies offers over $50,000 in entrance awards to first-time students entering into full time programs at the College.

Eligibility:

• Students must be Canadian Citizens or a Permanent Resident.
• Students must be entering College of the Rockies for the first time directly from Secondary School in 2020.

Scholastic Distinction Scholarships:

The most valuable and prestigious scholarships awarded by the College. These awards are available to all East Kootenay Secondary Schools Students with a minimum of 85% grade average in their completed grade 11 and 12 academic classes.

Students can receive up to 2 years of free tuition! (a value of approximately up to $7,000)

Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarships:

Open to all East or West Kootenay Secondary School students who have a minimum 75 percent grade average in their completed grade 11 and 12 academic classes.
Awards are from $500 up to one year of free tuition!

Tembec Industries Inc./Rotary Club of Cranbrook Entrance Scholarship:

A $1,000 tuition scholarship for a Mount Baker Secondary School graduate entering first or second level of an approved Apprenticeship Trades Training program:

• Electrician
• Heavy Duty Mechanic
• Industrial Mechanic
• Plumber
• Welder

Assessments for awards are considered on the student's academic merit, performance. Applicants must submit a reference form from an instructor or employer that identifies the student's potential for program completion.

How to apply for all entrance scholarships:

Apply online through the Entrance Scholarship Application - Online application is available from January 1- March 31, 2020.

After you have completed your Grade 12 first semester, obtain an official Secondary School transcript containing completed and in progress courses. (You can obtain these from your secondary school office or your provincial Ministry of Education and it must included your fall semesters marks) You must supply a copy to Financial Aid and a copy to Admissions.

Mail or drop off your documents by the deadline to:

College of the Rockies
Financial Assistance and Awards Office
PO Box 8500, 2700 College Way
Cranbrook BC, V1C 5L7

Note: Entrance Scholarship application deadline is  March 31, 2020.

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.

• 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

• INDSPIRE - Building brighter Futures Scholarship/Bursary Program

• Ch'nook Scholarship Program - accepting applications and the deadline to apply is September 22.

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

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.)

Application deadline for travel after May 1, 2018 and before April 30, 2019, is extended to October 31, 2018

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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. Check the website for more information and to find the application .

Your study/work abroad program must begins between May 2018 and April 2019 and be a minimum of one semester in length.

Application deadline is March 31, 2020

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International Learning Travel Awards

There are enormous benefits to studying abroad. However, the cost to take part may be a barrier to some students. To reduce the costs of College-organized field schools, field trips and semesters abroad, the College provides International Travel Learning Awards to eligible students. The purpose of College of the Rockies International Learning Travel Awards is to help offset costs for:

1. Domestic students who will participate in a student exchange program abroad with a College partner, and
2. Domestic and international students who:

• Have been selected to take part in a College-organized field school abroad or field trip abroad, or
• Have been selected to travel abroad to contribute to and learn from the College’s international work, or
• Otherwise intend to engage in an international experience that has academic merit and that is linked to the student’s education and personal goals

Eligibility:

1. Enrolled in a program delivered at or by the College of at least one year or two semesters in length during the 2019-2020 academic year
2. Completed at least one semester (full time; minimum 60% course load) at the College by the time of the proposed travel
3. One of the following:

• A 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 a student exchange program abroad with a College partner, or
• A domestic or international student studying at College of the Rockies who has been selected to take part in a College-organized field school abroad or field trip abroad, or
• A domestic or international student studying at College of the Rockies who has been selected to travel abroad to contribute to and learn from the College’s international work, or
• A domestic or international student studying at College of the Rockies who a credible plan to undertake an experience outside of Canada and the United States that has both academic credibility and learning outcomes relevant to the applicant’s program of studies and learning goals

4. Committed to register in and receive credit for at least one course delivered by the College related to the learning abroad opportunity, preferably in the student’s program of study.

Amount Available:

For full-time semester abroad studies:

• $2,500.00

For field schools or field trips abroad:

• $750

• + For students paying tuition to College of the Rockies:
  • $525 for a one-course field school
  • $700 for a two-course field school

How to apply:

• No separate application process for International Learning Travel Awards is necessary. All students who apply and who are accepted for a student learning abroad opportunity will be eligible for a College of the Rockies International Learning Travel Award according to the formula described above.
   
• Funds are deducted from the gross amount that students accepted for field trips / field schools / College international activities are expected to pay for their experience.
   
• Students participating in a student exchange program abroad at a partner institution, upon signing a letter of agreement, are provided with a cheque for 90 percent of the value of their award, with the final 10 percent provided upon completion of the semester abroad.

International Student Excellence Scholarships are open to current College of the Rockies International Students who were enrolled in the Fall 2019 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 2020.

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.

How to apply: Fill in the general Scholarship, Bursary and Award application online, print and submit to the Financial Assistance and Awards office by the deadline.

Deadline to apply is TBA

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 2020 semester.

The Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship Program

$5000 Scholarships

The Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship program has been established through the support of Irving K. Barber and the Province of British Colombia. It provides scholarships for students transferring from public colleges to other public institutions in British Columbia 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.

The Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship Program is open to students who, after completing two years of study at an eligible sending institution must transfer their credits into full-time studies at another post-secondary institution in BC to complete their degree.  Successful applicants must clearly demonstrate academic merit as well as significant involvement in their community and/or school.

Applications must be submitted to the Financial Assistance and Awards office at College of the Rockies. Application is now closed.

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.

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.

Reconcilliation:

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.

To nominate a student, please complete the nomination form and return to the Financial Aid and Awards office by April 15, 2020

Student Volunteer Opportunities

Visit the Volunteer section on our Student Job Board!

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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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Other Award Opportunities:

Other external scholarship and award websites:

• Scholarships Finder - Scholarships for Students
• StudentAwards - now known as: yconic
• ScholarshipsCanada

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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/