August 8, 2008
Burnaby Student Wins Pacific Leaders Scholarship

BURNABY – Burnaby student Jim Shen has been awarded the second annual Pacific Leaders scholarship, for children of BC Public Service employees, announced MLAs Harry Bloy, John Nuraney and Richard T. Lee.

“Jim Shen went above and beyond and has been recognized for his hard work,” said Bloy, MLA for Burquitlam. “I wish Jim all the success as he pursues his post-secondary education.”

“B.C.’s hard working students deserve recognition and this scholarship is a great way to do that,” said Nuraney, MLA for Burnaby-Willingdon. “Our students deserve every chance to get ahead in their educations.”

“It’s wonderful to see youth achieve well in school,” said Lee, MLA for Burnaby North. “It’s an important goal for this government to work towards making our province the best educated jurisdiction on the continent.”

Recipients will receive a $2,500 scholarship when they enroll as a full-time student in an undergraduate degree program or a trade, technical or vocational program at a recognized public or private post-secondary institution in B.C.  Applications were chosen based on academic achievement (with a minimum B average), communication skills and an essay written by the students on the value of the public service.  Each winner has at least one parent who has been a regular full-time or part-time employee of the BC Public Service continuously for the past three years.

The scholarships are one component of the Pacific Leaders program announced by Premier Campbell in March 2007. The program also provides scholarships of up to $7,500 for BC Public Service employees to support their career development and training, graduate student fellowships of up to $20,000 to attract top researchers to the public service, and forgiveness of B.C. student loans for employees who work in the BC Public Service for at least three years.

The Pacific Leaders program is meant to increase the competitiveness of the BC Public Service as an employer to help retain and recruit the employees needed to meet the needs of British Columbians. By 2015, 45 per cent of managers and 35 per cent of bargaining unit employees will be eligible to retire from the BC Public Service. The public service is the largest employer in the province, with over 30,000 employees living and working in more than 280 B.C. communities.

A list of the scholarship recipients is attached, and more information on the Pacific Leaders program is available online at www.pacificleaders.gov.bc.ca

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