A new $180,000 graduate student scholarship fund is being provided to Thompson Rivers University (TRU) to support students in priority areas, like science and technology, and boost research and economic growth throughout the province.

The new scholarships are part of a $12-million investment announced last month by Premier John Horgan to support 800 awards of $15,000 each, through 2021. The merit-based scholarships are research focused with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Other research disciplines and professional programs, such as TRU’s master of business administration, also will be eligible.

The $180,000 allocated for TRU will be administered by the university, which introduced its first graduate program in 2005. TRU offers six graduate degree programs, three of which have an environmental focus.

Student groups and other post-secondary sector partners have long advocated for a graduate scholarship program, as British Columbia lagged behind other provinces with a comparable graduate scholarship program.

About 16,000 domestic students are enrolled in graduate degree programs at B.C.’s 10 public post-secondary institutions. TRU has nearly 500 students enrolled in graduate programs.

The fund is part of a larger plan to increase support for the technology sector. B.C. is investing in 2,900 new tech spaces and Women in Technology scholarships, with 10 annual $10,000 scholarships awarded, including at least one award to an Indigenous woman.

Quotes:

Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training –

“Breaking down barriers for our graduate students in the Thompson region is a win for everyone. The B.C. Graduate Scholarship fund is an investment in people that will keep this region competitive. TRU grads are advancing research in a wide range of subjects, including land reclamation, community health and invasive species management, and their insights and solutions can have far-reaching economic benefits for the region and the province as a whole.”

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology –

“This graduate scholarship fund will help students interested in science, technology, engineering, math and professional programs develop the skills needed to work in B.C.’s thriving tech and innovation sector. To drive B.C.’s economy forward, it is critically important that our tech industry has access to the brightest talent, and this investment will help post-secondary students prepare to enter today’s most in-demand job market.”

Alan Shaver, president and vice-chancellor, Thompson Rivers University –

“We welcome this investment in our students and their research. It acknowledges the growth and value of our graduate programs and the community-relevant research undertaken by our students supported by our skilled faculty.”

Pate Neumann, master of science in environmental science student, recently awarded a Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship –

“The financial support that is now available is just incredible. Support like this gives you that added boost of confidence to continue to pursue whatever research you set out to do, and it allows you to be more focused on your educational goals.”