More than $50,000 in Columbia Basin Trust bursaries awarded to College of the Rockies students

Additional Columbia Basin Trust bursaries will be awarded in spring 2019.

College of the Rockies Bachelor of Science in Nursing student Emily East, seen here atop Mount Fisher, is one of almost 100 recipients of Columbia Basin Trust Bursaries. — Photo courtesy COTR

Close to 100 College of the Rockies students received the news in November that they are the beneficiaries of Columbia Basin Trust (Trust) bursaries.

Trust bursaries, which range from $250 to $1,500, are awarded to full-time students who have resided in the Columbia Basin for at least three years. They are issued based on financial need, with consideration given to community service and volunteerism.

This year, Columbia Basin Trust increased their annual contribution to the bursary fund by $10,000, bringing it from $35,000 in 2017/18 to $45,000 in 2018/19 with an agreement to continue to contribute $45,000 per year through the 2020/2021 academic year. An additional $5,000 was carried forward from last year’s award allocation, making the current year’s availability $50,000.

“Columbia Basin Trust continues to be a significant supporter of students in our region,” said Pat Bowron, College of the Rockies Vice President, Partnership and Advancement. “Alongside our donors, community, and industry partners, College of the Rockies is continuously working to provide the best educational experiences possible to our students to help them become educated, passionate and influential global citizens who are prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. These annual bursaries help our students as they continue their journey in that direction.”

One of this year’s bursary recipients is Emily East, a third year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at College of the Rockies. In addition to her full-time studies, East is very involved in the Cranbrook community.

"Growing up in Cranbrook and being able to pursue my education at home, within our beautiful mountains has been the best experience,” East said. “Throughout my post-secondary education, I've thoroughly enjoyed volunteering as a coach for middle school basketball teams, and tutoring at College of the Rockies. I feel passionate about community involvement and appreciate the time and energy my coaches invested in me as a young athlete, so it's nice to be able to give back to my community.

“This financial support from the Trust is the greatest gift and I’m so appreciative of the help. I faced some unexpected barriers last spring so financial help this year has been extra special for me.”

“We’re proud to partner with local colleges to deliver this funding to students in our region,” said Aimee Ambrosone, Director of Delivery of Benefits at Columbia Basin Trust. “Our bursary program supports students in continuing their studies right here at home.”

Additional Columbia Basin Trust bursaries will be awarded in spring 2019. Applications open on January 1, 2019. See cotr.ca/financialaid for more information.

About College of the Rockies

For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region. Each year, we deliver instruction to approximately 10,000 learners, in a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.