Ministry of Education
VICTORIA – Helping students to succeed in a rapidly changing world is front and centre in the redesigned Provincial Scholarships Program launching this fall.
The revised program provides more flexibility to recognize well-rounded students who excel beyond the classroom, supports a broad range of student achievement and reflects the different pathways students follow to earning their Dogwood Diplomas.
It also better aligns with the objectives of BC's Skills for Jobs Blueprint to connect students with skills for in-demand careers and the increasing focus on harnessing students' individual interests and passions in the classroom.
The revised program also increases the dollar value of scholarships to further support students in their transition beyond high school.
The program now consists of four major scholarships:
• BC Excellence Scholarship – commitment to a particular career path and a demonstration of community involvement/leadership skills;
• Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship – academic achievement and commitment to a teaching career;
• BC Achievement Scholarship – achievement in grades 10, 11 and 12 courses required for graduation and top elective courses; and
• District/Authority Scholarship – criteria determined by local districts to celebrate achievement in a variety of areas including technical and trades training, fine arts, physical activity, applied skills, international languages, community service and indigenous languages and culture.
The changes follow months of consultation with students, parents, educators, school districts, independent school authorities, stakeholders and the general public.
The new program will be phased in beginning this fall with full implementation expected in the 2016-17 school year.