September 16, 2009
Burnaby Residents Receive BC Housing Education Awards

BURNABY - Sixteen Burnaby residents, all of whom live in subsidized housing,will be taking the next steps in their educational journey with the assistance of a total of $13,000 in awards and bursaries through BC Housing's Education Awards Program.

"Encouraging people to further their educational goals is something that every community should be supporting," said Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy. "The Education Awards Program from BC Housing is a valuable initiative that helps residents of social housing develop their skills and abilities, which will in turn provide them with a healthier economic future. The fact that 16 people in Burnaby are working hard to take advantage of this opportunity is great to see."

Tenants living in subsidized housing, receiving rental assistance or in the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program were eligible to apply for one of the 93 bursaries and awards made this year to put towards tuition and school expenses.

Sisters Nada and Hanin Elmasry will be using their $750 bursaries to study science at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby. Since arriving in Canada three years ago, the sisters have been active members of the community involved in sports and multicultural activities.

"I love helping others, especially children," said Hanin. "And the fact that I would rather be dealing with numbers than writing an essay makes me more interested in becoming a math or physics teacher."

Her sister Nada explains, "I would like to take care of people who are suffering, so I am more interested in becoming a doctor. My goal is to get my bachelors' degree and then continue my studies."

Applicants submitted a personal statement describing their educational and personal goals and challenges they have overcome, as well as letters of reference and academic transcripts. BC Housing's Education Awards Program now offers five types of awards and bursaries with the introduction of the new BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies:

BC Housing Bursary - 72 bursaries, worth $750 each, to support youth or adults between 17 and 64 to pursue adult basic education, vocational  education or post-secondary education.

BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies - 10 awards, worth $1,000 each, to support youth or adults between 17 and 64 pursuing post-secondary or vocational education on a full-time basis.

Alexandra Thorpe Award for BC Women - Alexandra Thorpe was a bright young woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. Although she struggled with depression and drug addiction, she hoped to return to school, and this award is a tribute to her spirited life. Five $1,000 awards are funded in partnership with the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, Edge Consulting and BC Housing to support women in financial need.

Margaret Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award - Margaret Mitchell was a dedicated housing advocate and helped develop the BC Housing Education Awards Program. This $750 award, named in her memory, recognizes a youth graduating from Grade 12 for excellence in academics, sports, the arts or community involvement.

Minerva Foundation Award for BC Women - Five $1,000 awards are funded by the Minerva Foundation for BC Women and BC Housing to help Aboriginal women pursue full-time, post-secondary education. These awards are designed to help single mothers advance their education, assist women with children fleeing abusive relationships, retrain mature women returning to the workforce, advance women in non-traditional fields of study, and support women with disabilities to overcome educational barriers.

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