B.C. secondary students who wish to become teachers can now apply for one of twenty $5,000 Pathway to Teacher Education scholarships. Scholarship winners will be awarded a $5,000 voucher to redeem upon entrance to one of B.C.'s faculty of education programs.

These new scholarships were announced last October on World Teachers' Day. Since that time, representatives from stakeholder groups have been working to determine eligibility requirements and an adjudication process for the program. Application information for scholarships is available at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca./awards

The Pathway to Teacher Education scholarship program complements other awards available to secondary students:

• The Provincial Examinations Scholarship program awards $1,000-$2,500 to students for academic excellence on their provincial exams.

• The Passport to Education Program recognizes student achievement in a broad range of academic and non-academic areas with awards of $250 and $500.

• Dogwood District/Authority scholarship winners receive $1,000 for excellence in their chosen field(s). This year, two new categories have been added, technical and trades training, and community service.

The Provincial Awards Program is currently undergoing review in conjunction with the graduation program review. Initial feedback supports a more personalized awards program with more involvement from parents and the community.

Quote:

Education Minister Don McRae -

"These new scholarships will help attract a new generation of students into the teaching profession. As a teacher myself, I am confident that they will find teaching a challenging and rewarding career."

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. provincial awards program was established in 1987-88 and includes Passport to Education, the Dogwood District/Authority Award, the Provincial Examinations Scholarship and the Teacher Education Scholarships.

• The ministry funds the B.C. provincial awards program at $15-16 million annually.

Learn More:

BC Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

For more on student awards and scholarships, visit: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca./awards

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963