Mark Foan Memorial Fund

What you will need

• ✓ Completed application form
• ✓ Most recent transcript (final transcripts for current Grade 12 students can be submitted later)
• ✓ At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or employer
• ✓ A letter outlining your plans after the course is completed
• ✓ A detailed budget for your year of study
• ✓ Proof of registration at a Canadian educational institution (required to receive payment)

About this award

One bursary, valued at up to $1,500, is awarded annually. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep — there is nothing to repay. You can only receive this award once. This is for you if you are a hardworking student with a strong sense of community who wants to build a career in the trades, information technology, or aviation. You must submit your application by March 1st. You will hear if you won the award by the end of June. A committee from the BC Interior Community Foundation reviews the applications to choose the winner. Selection criteria aren't published — ask BC Interior Community Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Once you provide the BC Interior Community Foundation with proof that you are registered at a Canadian educational institution, the money will be credited directly to your account at that school. Confirm this with the foundation so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — since you can only receive this award once, it is not renewable. Confirm with BC Interior Community Foundation if there are any other reporting requirements after you receive the funds.

Who qualifies

You must be from the Thompson, Nicola, or South Cariboo area, or from the areas served by School District No. 33 (Chilliwack) or School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade). This award is open to graduating Grade 12 students, mature students, or students in any year of a program. You must be planning to attend a Canadian post-secondary institution for a diploma, trades certification, or a degree in the trades, information technology, or aviation. You must have had at least a C+ standing when graduating and show a clear financial need.

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 high school or post-secondary students
• ✓ Resident of British Columbia
• ✓ Studying trades, information technology or aviation

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

   Order your transcript1–2 weeks

   Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

3. 3

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

4. 4

   Submit your application

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

Tips for applying

• Future PlansAvoid writing a vague goal like "I want to succeed." Instead, write a detailed letter outlining exactly what you plan to do once you complete your course. List the specific job roles or certifications you are aiming for.
• ReferencesAvoid using a family member as a reference. Instead, ask a teacher or a former employer to write a letter that speaks to your work ethic and citizenship. Ensure they provide specific examples of your reliability.
• StrategyAvoid submitting a generic budget. Instead, create a detailed breakdown of your expected tuition, books, and living costs for the year. This proves your financial need to the committee.

Questions students ask

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