Cindy Ross Friedman Graduate Bursary for Environmental Activism and Social Justice

What you will need

• ✓ Resume
• ✓ Statement explaining how your graduate program will contribute to the betterment of the environment and social justice
• ✓ Essay explaining how environmental activism contributes to social justice
• ✓ Outline of previous experience illustrating commitment to volunteer work and undergraduate or graduate research in environment and social justice
• ✓ Detailed budget for your year of study to demonstrate financial need

About this award

You will receive a minimum of $1,000. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a graduate student dedicated to environmental activism and social justice, especially if your work combines both areas. You must apply by April 1. You will be notified of the result by the end of June, and you must claim your award by December 31 of the year it is given. The BC Interior Community Foundation Student Awards Committee and the fundholders choose the winner based on your application materials. Selection criteria aren't published — ask BC Interior Community Foundation how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask BC Interior Community Foundation during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with BC Interior Community Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must originate from or be studying in the South Cariboo and Thompson Nicola area of British Columbia. You must be enrolled in a graduate, post-baccalaureate, or professional program (such as Law or Medicine) at an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada. Your studies must focus on environmental activism and/or social justice, though a preference is given to those focusing on both. Additionally, you must show financial need and must not have previously received this award.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to graduate students
• ✓ Resident of British Columbia
• ✓ Studying Environmental Science, Law, Education, Urban Planning, Political Science or Public Health

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• EssayAvoid writing a generic paper on social issues. Instead, explain specifically how environmental activism contributes to social justice. Use a real-world example from your own research or community work.
• SupportAvoid providing a basic list of your roles. Instead, create a detailed outline of your previous experience that proves your commitment to volunteer work and research in these specific fields.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the geographic requirement. Instead, clearly state your connection to the South Cariboo and Thompson Nicola area of BC in your personal statement to show you fit the local mandate.
• RealismAvoid submitting a vague estimate of your costs. Instead, provide a detailed budget for your year of study to prove your financial need clearly.

Questions students ask

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