Twenty-two Vancouver residents are recipients of BC Housing Education Awards that will help them further their education, achieve their goals and improve their lives.

"The BC Housing Education Awards provide financial support for British Columbians working towards their academic goals," said Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines, Minister Responsible for Housing and MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove. "This year's award recipients are creating opportunities for themselves and the provincial government is proud to contribute to their future success."

"British Columbia is home to some of the finest post-secondary institutions in Canada," said Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of Advanced Education and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale. "I'm glad our government is able to support British Columbians who are pursuing the education they need to achieve their desired career."

Anyone in British Columbia who is living in subsidized housing, or receiving rent subsidies through BC Housing's Rental Assistance Program, is eligible to apply for the 98 bursaries and awards. The funds can be put towards tuition or other educational expenses such as books or supplies.

For Vancouver resident Janet Amara, the $1,000 BC Housing Award for Full-Time Studies will help the single mother complete her bachelor of education program at the University of British Columbia, and work toward her goal of becoming a secondary school teacher.

"I have always dreamed of being a high school teacher; however, I never thought I could make it through the post-secondary requirements that were needed to achieve this dream," Janet explained. "The sudden breakdown of my marriage in the middle of my studies left me emotionally broken, possibly homeless and financially ruined. This tested my endurance and dedication towards my goal. But now I know there is nothing that I cannot accomplish. I want to be a positive role model for every student I teach. I will be the teacher my students remember for the rest of their lives."

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. The BC Housing Education Awards Program offers five types of awards and bursaries:

• 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 on a full- or part-time basis.
• 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.
• Margaret Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award - Margaret Mitchell was a dedicated housing advocate and helped develop the BC Housing's Education Awards Program. This $750 award recognizes a youth graduating from Grade 12 for excellence in academics, sports, the arts or community involvement who will pursue education or vocational training on a full-time basis.
• Minerva Foundation Award for BC Women - There are five $1,000 awards to help Aboriginal women pursue full-time, post-secondary education. This award is 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.
• The Kinloch Education Award for women - 10 awards at $1,000 each are awarded to women who may have overcome significant barriers in their lives which hindered their educational opportunities and who are now pursuing post-secondary education on a full- or part-time basis.

Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 95,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

Visit www.bchousing.org to learn more about provincial programs and services to address homelessness.

Media Contact:

Michelle Frilund
BC Housing
604 456-8895