The Beedie Luminaries Foundation is awarding 280 British Columbia students with $12 million in scholarships this year.
Four students from the Okanagan are among the recipients this year. They are Madyson Bourrassa from West 麻豆精选, Olivia Oriewicz and Omaya Eleiweh from 麻豆精选 and Serena Bakx from Summerland.
鈥淚 am incredibly excited by the growth of Luminaries since we welcomed our first cohort in 2019,鈥� said Ryan Beedie, founder of Beedie Luminaries and president of Beedie.
鈥淭his year, we are almost doubling the number of scholarships and welcoming the inaugural cohort of trades students, which is amazing. My goal has always been to continue to expand Luminaries so more deserving students can achieve their post-secondary dreams.鈥�
Beedie Luminaries was established in 2018 through a $50 million donation from Beedie. Its mission is to provide scholarships and support to students facing socio-economic challenges and other challenges as they pursue post-secondary education.
Since its creation, the foundation has awarded more than $46 million to more than 1,000 students.
鈥淎lthough I feel like I say this every year, this year鈥檚 cohort is among the most inspiring we have ever encountered,鈥� said Martina Meckova, executive director of Beedie Luminaries.
鈥淪o many have faced exceptional challenges yet still remain committed to their education goals. It is a privilege to be able to support them.鈥�
The students receive scholarships worth up to $44,000 for undergraduate studies, $50,000 for graduate studies and $20,000 for skilled trades. Recipients also receive wrap-around services, including access to mentors, student success advising, workshops and peer support, worth up to $30,000 per student.
Scholarships are awarded in five different streams: SHINE (Soaring Higher IN Education) supporting Grade 12 students, RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Student Education), SPARK (Single Parent Award for Resilience and Knowledge), a Graduate Studies stream for those who have obtained their undergraduate degree with support from Luminaries and BUILD for those pursuing a career in the trades.
The scholarships will be presented at the Vancouver Convention Centre West on June 24.
