District / Authority Scholarship

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what are District / Authority Scholarships

District/Authority Scholarships are offered by the BC Ministry of Education to recognize graduating BC students for excellence in their chosen areas of interest and strength. These scholarships are intended to help students pursue post-secondary education.

The Ministry will allocate 5500 awards for the upcoming school year, pro-rated to school districts and independent schools across the province, based on enrollment. The award is a $1250 voucher that can be used toward post-secondary education tuition.

Student Application
Nomination Form

Chemainus Secondary

  • Tuesday, May 10
  • 9:30am – Library

Frances Kelsey

  • Wednesday, May 11
  • 1:00pm – DOME

Cowichan Secondary

  • Thursday, May 12
  • 9:30 – Library

CVOLC

  • Friday, May 12
  • 12:30pm – Library

Lake Cowichan School

  • Friday, May 14
  • 9:00am – Room 105

Procedures and Steps for Winning a Scholarship

Specific Procedures & Rules

  1. Students applying for a District/Authority Award need to demonstrate superior achievement in one of the seven categories, and provide supporting evidence.
  2. The supporting evidence should be substantial and could take a number of forms: performances, objects/items, photos, letters of reference, certificates of achievements, awards, portfolios, etc.
  3. The body of work should represent 60-100 hours beyond that of ‘regular’ class time.
  4. Consideration is given to students who can show a connection between their area of excellence to their future goals /education.
  5. Consideration is given to the student’s involvement in school and community affairs.

Part A. Application

  1. Student must provide the Associate Superintendent with the following information no later than May 5th of the school year by delivery to the School Board Office – Education:
    1. District/Authority Scholarship Application Form
    2. List of all courses taken in Grades 11 and 12 with grades (Unofficial transcript)
    3. Personal resume (highlighting skills pertinent to the scholarship application)
    4. Two Nomination/letters of reference (one must be a staff member of the school)
    5. A cover letter outlining future educational and career plans
  2. Candidates are encouraged to request teacher or school counsellor assistance to give guidance in the selection, preparation and presentation of their application or presentation.

Part B. Presentation

  1. Candidates will be required to present at a showcase with the District Scholarship Judging Committee, to discuss and to demonstrate their outstanding achievement(s) in their chosen area of interest.
  2. Scholarship Showcases will be held at each secondary school and are scheduled in the middle of May.
  3. Successful recipients will be notified by presentation at each secondary school’s Award Ceremony.
  4. A student who wins a District/Authority scholarship is mailed a certificate and a voucher for tuition in October.

Scholarship First Steps

To win a scholarship, students must apply to the local scholarship committee and

  1. Meet the basic eligibility requirements:
    1. be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) at the time of registration in the school year for which the scholarship is awarded;
    2. be a BC resident;
    3. be enrolled in, or registered as a home schooler with:
      1. a BC public school (including Distance Learning schools); or
      2. a Group 1, 2 or 4 BC Independent School; or
      3. a Continuing Education centre
    4. Meet criteria determined by the local scholarship committee, which requires a student to demonstrate outstanding achievement in any of the following areas:
      1. Indigenous Languages and Culture demonstrated at school or in the community
      2. Fine Arts (e.g. Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, Music)
      3. Applied Skills (e.g. Business, Technology, Home Economics, Information Communication Technology, Media Arts, Tourism)
      4. Physical Activity (e.g. Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Fitness, Outdoor Education, not limited to Physical Education)
      5. International Languages from the International Languages curriculum or External Assessments, including AP and IB courses
      6. Community Service (Voluntary Activity), which includes demonstration of local and global issues and cultural awareness
      7. Technical and Trades Training (e.g. Carpentry, Automotive, Robotics, Coding, Woodwork, Culinary Arts)
    5. Fulfill the BC graduation requirements of either the 2004 Graduation Program or the Adult Graduation Program by August 31st of the students graduating year
    6. Have not previously received a District/Authority Award or a District/Authority Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

Demonstrated superior achievement in non-academic area of study

  • Substantial evidence, portfolio, or body of work
  • Superior level of ability
  • Keen interest
  • Formal training

Demonstrated commitment to their non-academic area of study

  • Represents 100+ hours beyond ‘regular’ class time over the course of years, and/or
  • Represents 60+ hours in grade 12 beyond ‘regular’ class time
  • Clearly articulated motivation for pursuing area of interest
  • Evidence shows achievement both in school and in community
  • And Plans to continue

Demonstrated plan for the future

  • Has a clearly articulated post secondary plan
  • Able to connect area of excellence to future goals/education
  • Area of Excellence will play a role in student’s future

Demonstrated commitment to their non-academic area of study

  • Evidence of volunteering in school or community
  • Evidence of initiative, leadership, positive mindset
  • Evidence of citizenship awards, letters of recommendation, community awards