Scholarships

Transformative and Life-Changing

In today’s world and technology-driven economy, it is less likely that boys graduating high school with no post-secondary education plan will fulfill their human potential – artists, musicians, and boys stepping into family businesses nothwithstanding. Our goal is to start engaging boys in thinking about and planning for post-secondary attendance, from as early as middle school years, so that they graduate with a solid and flexible plan for qualifying and funding their post-secondary years.

After years of working with boys, we have identified several primary streams of interest and focus for BCN members – namely trades, business, sciences, computer science and digital media, mechanics (auto, marine and aircraft), culinary arts, and policing.  There are exceptions of course, but we have found that most BCN boys are quite specific about what exactly they wish to do to earn a living, and they are less inclined than general school populations, to choose general studies or liberal arts.

BCIT – British Columbia Institute of Technology
We have forged a meaningful partnership with BCIT, affording qualifying BCN boys the opportunity to attend the world-class institution on scholarship.  To date, 70+ BCN boys have gone through the program – enrolled in trades primarily, but also business, computer science, robotics, medicine, and Auto CADD.  If needed, BCN will underwrite books, computer suite, trade equipment, etc.   To qualify or scholarship, boys must be committed BCN members, and participate fully and authentically in their weekly chapter meetings and/or curriculum. Entrance qualifications must be met, but allowances are made for boys needing to top-up or otherwise improve their transcript after high school graduation, or to take some gap time to work or mature.   BCIT graduates enjoy +95% employment rate on graduation.  We are extremely grateful to BCIT for their commitment to BCN and to our remarkable boys.

BCIT has added a provision to allow boys still in high school to attend single courses during evenings, weekends, holidays, to get a feel for their skillset and tolerance.  The minimum age for attendance is 16.   Also relatively new, is the BCIT/BCN Trades Sampler, which encourages boys interested in trades, to sample a little bit of each, before deciding which course of study to pursue.

*POST-COVID UPDATE: BCIT Scholarship support has been reduced as institutions recover from COVID-related funding shortfalls, though applications are still considered on a case by case basis.

Beedie Luminaries Scholarship Program
In 2023, BCN became a partner of coveted Beedie Luminaries Scholarship Program.   The Beedie Luminaries Scholarship is for students with potential who are facing financial adversity; students who are smart, but constrained by circumstance; students who are resilient and gritty; students who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. Four BCN graduates received Beedie Luminaries Scholarships valued at $44,000 CAD, in 2023.  We are so proud to be associated with the Beedie Luminaries program, and very grateful to our core funder Ryan Beedie for initiating the partnership.

Kirmac Collision & Auto Glass
We have a unique opportunity to enroll BCN boys in Kirmac’s unique early-education in-house apprenticeship training program. Qualifying boys can learn all aspects of the industry, earn an apprentice income while earning their ticket, and if they graduate successfully, could qualify for a well-paid job in any department of interest,  within the Kirmac family of companies. Two BCN boys are currently working for Kirmac, one as a full-time employee, and one as an apprentice while completing high school.

Scholarships in Memorium
BCN Mentor Travis Kubin (1971-2018)
BCN Alumni & Entrepreneur Anthony Zerr

Boys wishing to attend culinary school and/or apprentice with well-known working chefs/mentors, can participate in BCN’s culinary program that places qualifying boys with work experience and mentorship, and assistance with culinary school tuition if needed.

*POST-COVID UPDATE: Culinary Scholarship support has been interrupted due to the reduced capacity of partner chefs and restaurants to fund apprenticeships, though applications are still considered on a case by case basis.

Boys wishing to work in policing can apply for funding assistance, and receive mentorship from BCN mentors working in or retired from the VPD and RCMP.

We have a longstanding and very successful partnership with the Face of Today Foundation’s ‘Vault Studio’, where a handful of boys meet all day every Saturday, working together to write, compose, perform and record original music. Boys who are passionate about writing, performing, and producing music may apply to participate.  Enrollment is limited and seasonal.

We have a close relationship with UBC, and boys wishing to attend can receive one-on-one academic counselling and advice, and also apply for funding assistance.

All scholarship inquiries should be made via email.