Scholarships and Bursaries

The Bowen Island Community Foundation manages various scholarship and bursary funds. Find information and instructions for applying below:
If you have any questions about our scholarships and bursaries, e-mail us at [email protected]

Bowen Island Community Foundation Trades & Training Award

You’d rather build a house than a spreadsheet; test a recipe than your academic knowledge. We understand, and that’s why we created the Bowen Island Community Foundation Trades & Training Award. Anyone with a demonstrable connection to Bowen Island, proof of enrolment in a trade or technical school or a vocational training program, and a letter of reference describing their ability or inclination to pursue a career in the trades or other form of vocation is encouraged to apply.

We provide up to five $1,000 BICF Trades & Training Awards annually, granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for this award are accepted year-round and there is no age restriction for candidates applying for the award. Please note that there is a limit of one award per person per calendar year.

Some examples of studies that would be eligible for this award include:

  • Carpentry
  • Mechanics
  • Plumbing
  • Culinary arts
  • Cosmetology
  • Health care support

If you are unsure whether or not your course of study is eligible for this award, please contact us at [email protected].

Eligibility: Students of any age pursuing trades or vocational training

To apply, prepare an application that includes the following:

  • A letter summarizing your connection to Bowen Island
  • Proof of enrolment in a Canadian trades or technical school or vocational training program
  • A reference letter from a mentor, employer, instructor or other person who can speak to your interest in pursuing a career in the trades or other vocational path

Combine all documents into a SINGLE .pdf file saved with the file name “YourLastName – Trades Award Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: none (applications accepted year-round)

Bowen Island Community Foundation Academic Scholarship

Any student with a demonstrable connection to Bowen Island, strong grades, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution is encouraged to apply for a $2,500 Bowen Island Community Foundation Academic Scholarship. Preference will be given to students entering their first year of post-secondary studies. The applicant with the highest grade-point average will be selected. In the event of a tie to two decimal places, preference will be given to the student demonstrating more community involvement.

Eligibility: Post-secondary students (preference given to first-year students entering from high school)

To apply, prepare an application with the following:

  • A letter summarizing your connection to Bowen Island and your community activities
  • A transcript that includes your grade-point average for your two most recent semesters
  • Proof of enrolment in a Canadian post-secondary institution

Combine all documents into a SINGLE .pdf file saved with the file name “YourLastName – BICF Academic Scholarship Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Aaron Sluggett Memorial Scholarship 

Are you breaking ankles with your crossover? Crushing your dance recitals on the regular? Maybe you’re always the last one picked and you have a closet full of “Participant” awards but you love sports all the same. You might want to apply for the Aaron Sluggett Memorial Scholarship, open to high school students.

Aaron Sluggett, a community-minded and sports-loving nineteen-year-old Bowen Islander, looked poised to succeed in sciences at Simon Fraser University when his life was tragically cut short. Aaron did not have the chance to complete his studies, but it is the hope of his family that the $1,500 Aaron Sluggett Memorial Scholarship will help someone else on their journey.

Eligibility: High school students advancing to post-secondary studies

To apply, prepare an application with the following:

  • A letter of reference from a teacher, mentor, coach, or other person who can attest to your dedication to community involvement and/or sports
  • A high school transcript
  • A brief letter discussing your connection to Bowen Island

Combine all documents into a SINGLE .pdf file saved with the file name “YourLastName – Sluggett Scholarship Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Maggie Cumming Legacy Fund Bursary

Do you know all the secret trails on the island? Can you hike Mt. Gardner in the dark backwards? Are you happiest when you’re lost in the woods? The Maggie Cumming Legacy Bursary might be your speed.

Maggie Cumming, a devout hiker and environmentalist, left more than her footprints on Bowen Island. She generously created a legacy fund to preserve and expand Bowen’s trail system. She also directed that a $500 award be granted to a Bowen Island student in good academic standing who shares Maggie’s love of the environment and needs a little financial help. Learn more about Maggie Cumming and the bursary.

Eligibility: High school students advancing to post-secondary studies

To apply, prepare an application with the following:

  • A letter discussing your:
    o Connection to Bowen Island
    o Concern for the environment
    o Respect for and enjoyment of parks and recreation
    o Career goals
    o How the bursary would make a difference
  • Proof of acceptance at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution, including your student number and the address of the institution
  • A transcript from your current or most recent educational institution

Combine all documents into a SINGLE .pdf file saved with the file name “YourLastName – Cumming Bursary Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Knick Knack Nook Scholarship for Environmental Sustainability

Are carbon emissions your arch nemesis? Feel sick to your stomach thinking about the garbage vortex in the Pacific Ocean? Do you have Mother Nature’s back at every turn? The Knick Knack Nook Scholarship for Environmental Sustainability is probably your cup of kombucha. Award amounts vary based on the student and their relative need.

Eligibility: Students pursuing academic studies in the field of environmental sustainability

Review the application criteria here.

Combine all documents into a SINGLE .pdf file saved with the file name “YourLastName – KKN Scholarship Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Bowen Island Golf Association Junior Scholarship

Did you know the Bowen Island Golf Course offers scholarships for Juniors heading off to pursue post-secondary education? Applicants must have been a full-play junior or intermediate member of the Bowen Island Golf Club for at least two years. The Bowen Island Golf Association Junior Scholarship will be awarded to students proceeding from grade 12 to any academic, vocational, or technical institution. Post-secondary students may also apply.

Download the application here.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Kipp Thompson Bursary for the Performing Arts

Kipp Thompson was a young man who grew up on Bowen Island; he was a talented musician who also experienced difficulties related to substance use and died at the age of twenty-four. The Kipp Thompson Memorial Bursary celebrates the many strengths of his life. As many of his friends and family have noted, he was happiest on stage, performing. This annual bursary of $1,000 will provide funds for a Bowen Islander to pursue the performing arts, in Kipp’s memory.

Eligibility: Bowen Islanders between the ages of fifteen and twenty-nine, pursuing the performing arts

To apply, prepare an application with the following:

  • A letter of reference from a teacher, mentor, coach, or other person who can attest to your dedication to a performing art
  • A brief letter discussing how your interest and talent in your chosen performing art has inspired you

Combine all documents into a SINGLE .pdf file saved with the file name “YourLastName – Thompson Bursary Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Margaret Witty Bursary Fund

The Marg Witty Endowment Fund was created and funded by the Witty Family in honour and recognition of Marg Witty’s contributions to Island Pacific School and the Community of Bowen Island. Marg served on the board of IPS as chair for the 1996–97 school year. Her phenomenal personality and her reputation in the community were invaluable. The Fund’s intent is to provide an annual bursary to one or more deserving IPS students.

Please contact Brad Carter at Island Pacific School for further details:
Brad Carter, Head of School
e-mail: brad.carter@islandpacific.org
phone: 604-947-9311

Island Pacific School Endowment Fund

The Island Pacific School Endowment Fund has been created by Island Pacific School, to be managed by the Bowen Island Community Foundation, and will provide an annual bursary (or bursaries) to one or more deserving students of Island Pacific School. Once a student is admitted to Island Pacific School, the family can then apply for financial aid directly to the school as needed.

Please contact Brad Carter at Island Pacific School for further details:
Brad Carter, Head of School
email: brad.carter@islandpacific.org
phone: 604-947-9311

Brian Biddlecombe Memorial Award

The Brian Biddlecombe Memorial Award provides for a $3,000 award to be available to members of the Bowen Island Volunteer Fire Department (and their immediate families) to pursue post-secondary education or vocational training.

Brian Biddlecombe gave forty-four years of dedicated service to the Bowen Island Fire Department, eleven years as fire chief. He was a fine leader and mentor. In addition, his company, Cormorant Marine, was an important provider of water taxi and ambulance transport services. Bowen Island has much to be grateful to Brian for. This award in his memory helps his considerable legacy of community service to live on.

Eligibility:

All applicants for the award are required:

  • To be residents of Bowen Island or have strong ties to Bowen Island
  • To be a Bowen Island volunteer firefighter or an immediate family member
  • To have contributed to the Bowen community in some way

There is no age restriction for the award. Its focus is community involvement and contribution. Academic achievement will be considered but will not be weighted more than community involvement.

To apply, write a letter that confirms the following:

  • That you are a resident of Bowen Island or have other, strong ties
  • That you are a volunteer firefighter with the Bowen Island Fire Department or an immediate family member
  • What your contribution to the Bowen community has been
  • Your plan for academic study or vocational training at a Canadian institution
  • That you have been accepted into a program or are currently enrolled (provide student number)
  • How your study or training will make a difference to you

NOTE: the award will be paid to the institution providing the course that you plan to attend when a place is confirmed.

Save the letter as a PDF with the file name “YourLastName – Biddlecombe Award Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Bowen Island Football Club Founders Award Scholarship

In recognition of its fifteenth anniversary in 2023, BI Football Club created the $1,000 Founders Award Scholarship, available to its former players.

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

  • Have participated in at least one year of BIFC league play, no matter at which level (i.e. U8-U12);
  • Have continued to embody the spirit of the BIFC beyond their membership in the club
  • Have contributed to the Bowen community in some way

There is no age limit or minimum for applicants. All relevant aspects of an applicant’s life will be considered. It is not necessarily the most academically strong applicant who will be chosen.

To apply:

Write a letter that speaks to the eligibility criteria noted above.

Save the letter as a PDF with the file name “YourLastName – Football Club Scholarship Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

Logan Family Health Care Scholarship

The $2,500 Logan Family Health Care Scholarship is available for a student pursuing a career in health care, or for someone wishing to increase their knowledge or certification in a health care related discipline.

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

  • Be a resident of Bowen Island or have strong ties to Bowen Island
  • Demonstrate aspiration to a career in health care or desire for further training
  • Provide proof of acceptance in a relevant course at a recognized Canadian institution

There is no age limit or minimum for applicants.

All relevant aspects of an applicant’s life will be considered including extracurricular activities, and their unique experience. Wherever possible, preference will be given to an applicant who is deserving of an opportunity in the eyes of the selection committee. It is not necessarily the most academically strong applicant who will be chosen.

To apply:

Write a letter that speaks to the eligibility criteria noted above.

Save the letter as a PDF with the file name “YourLastName – Logan Health Care Scholarship Application” and e-mail it to [email protected]. Please include your last name in the email subject line.

Improperly prepared applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline: 11:59pm, July 5

The Bowen Island Community Foundation wishes all applicants the very best of luck.