Special to the Times

Osoyoos Times

A university student from Osoyoos is a little richer, thanks to a scholarship for students switching universities.

Steven Keful, a Langara College student who will be transferring to Simon Fraser University, was one of 171 undergraduate students in B.C. who was gifted with a $5,000 post-secondary transfer scholarship this year.

The transfer scholarship is awarded annually by the Irving K Barber BC (IKBBC) Scholarship Society to undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of full-time studies at a public, post-secondary school.

The scholarship supports students who transfer to another degree-granting institution by assisting them to complete their education and is named after Irving K Barber, a supporter of public education and research in B.C. who passed away in 2012.

“Supporting students who transfer between post-secondary institutions makes their pathway to success more affordable,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

The society awards the scholarships from a return on a $15 million provincial endowment that was established in 2006. Since then, the society has awarded more than $16 million to B.C. students.

“IKBBC remains committed to facilitating the ability of deserving students to move from one institution to the next in pursuit of knowledge, opportunity, and success,” said Rajiv Gandhi, chair of the Irving K. Barber British Scholarship Society.

In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must show a history of community involvement through volunteering and have a strong academic record.

Recently, the society expanded its scholarship programs to include Indigenous students and women who are studying technology.

The deadline for students who wish to apply for the scholarship next year is February 28, 2019.