Scholarships Help BC Students Become Global Citizens

A new Premier's One World scholarship to support up to five BC students pursuing post-secondary studies abroad and its first recipients were announced today by Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

Our global, knowledge-based economy means there are a different set of demands for graduates today," said Coell. "Studying abroad allows students to gain a fresh perspective, to exchange ideas and learn from other cultures - important skills needed by tomorrow's leaders."

The Premier's One World scholarships are funded from the returns on a $13 million endowment fund for international education established by the Province in 2006. Depending on the amount of revenue generated by the endowment fund, up to five scholarships of $20,000 each will be awarded annually to support students wishing to pursue post-secondary education abroad.

The international scholarships endowment fund also supports three other scholarship programs - two more that help students from BC study abroad, and one that supports students from a foreign country to study in BC.

"These scholarships recognize that, in our increasingly interconnected world, it is necessary to foster cross-cultural understanding," said Coell. "Our province has a lot to gain by supporting students in their studies abroad."

The Irving K Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society, in partnership with the Victoria Foundation, manages the endowment and awards the scholarships based on eligibility criteria and an application process.

"The Irving K Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society supports post-secondary education by providing easy to access scholarships for students attending public institutions," said society board chair Mike Apsey. "These scholarships are an investment in students in BC that will enrich their learning experience and help them to succeed."

For more information about this scholarship, or to find out about the society's other scholarship programs, visit www.bcscholarship.ca or call the Victoria Foundation at 250 381-5532.

First published on September 29, 2008