Local Scholarships and Bursaries
For local scholarship and bursary awards (money provided by local businesses, non-profit organizations, and School District 53) to graduating students of SESS each year. Below is specific criteria for each bursary/scholarship, award amount, and who the application is addressed to. Students must apply in writing meeting all the necessary criteria.
Please see below for a full list of internal and external applications.
- Completed Bursary/Scholarship Application Form. Only one form is required for all the internal awards that you are applying for.
- A letter of acceptance from the school or training institute you will attend after graduation.
- Scholarship letter addressing the scholarship committee and explaining your academic plans. (NOTE: you only need one letter total - not one for each Internal award)
- Biography – a one-page biography outlining your interests, accomplishments, and future goals. You may want to search online regarding “How to write a personal biography.”
- Letter of acceptance from the school or training institute you will attend after graduation
- Letter of interest explaining why you are applying for each External award (Pro tip: tailor each letter of interest to the criteria of each External award)
- Personal Biography/CV
- Transcript (may be requested from office staff)
- Any other documents or criteria listed individually in the External award's description.
- [email protected]
- Subject: Awards Application + Your Name (i.e., Awards Application John Smith)
Internal Bursaries/Scholarships
Internal Bursary/Scholarship applications can be submitted electronically or in person to the school office by May 24, 2023. The Similkameen Secondary Scholarship Committee at the school will select the recipient of the award. Ms. Searcy is the Chairperson of this committee.
Amanda Munroe Memorial - Bursary $300
This bursary will be awarded to a student who plans to attend a college or university. The candidate should show a love for life, be considerate and empathetic towards classmates, family, and community. *TBC
Beecroft Family - Bursary $2000
This award will go to an Indigenous student furthering their education at a post-secondary institution, including apprenticeship programs. If no suitable student is found, the award may go to a student who would struggle financially with post-secondary education. Payment is made directly to student upon proof of registration. School start date must be within 18 months of graduation.
District/Authority - 4 Scholarships @ $1,250
This is a non-academic award available to students who excel in Fine Arts, Applied Skills (Business Ed, Tech Ed, Home Ec.), physical activity (not limited to P.E.), and second languages (including Indigenous Languages and Culture). Payment is made by voucher direct to recipient and can be redeemed when student is registered and attending a designated post-secondary institution. Additional District/Authority application must be complete.
Find supplemental application form here: District/Authority Form
Harry Robinson Memorial - Scholarship $500
The candidate must be a First Nations graduating student who shows talent or special interest in some aspect of his/her native culture and is planning to attend a post-secondary institution. The special interest/talent could include such areas as music, dance, art, storytelling, politics, history, or education. Payment is made to the institute of higher learning upon proof of registration. Studies to begin within 18 months of graduation in a recognized Canadian institution for further educational studies. *TBC
Hedley Centre - Bursary $500
Available to a student from Hedley or USIB. The student must be going on to either a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship. School start date must be within 18 months of graduation. *TBC
Judy and Greg Quaedvlieg Memorial - Bursary $1000
This bursary is for a student attending post-secondary school for full-time studies in the fields of either nursing or agriculture. Payment is made by Central Okanagan Foundation to the institute of higher learning upon receipt of proof of registration for up to 15 months after graduation. *TBC
Kars Under the K - Bursary $500
This award will go to a student furthering his/her education in the trades with preference given to the automotive trades. Proof of registration is required. Payment is made directly to the student by Kars Under the K representative at the commencement ceremony.
Keremeos Doctors - Scholarship $1000
Candidates must be pursuing a further education in any of the health disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, lab technology, etc. The award will be based on academic achievement and financial need. Studies are to begin within 15 months of graduation.
Music Under the K (Community Foundation South OK Similkameen) - Bursary $214.17
This bursary is for a student who is pursuing a career or education in the Fine Arts. Also, this award is based upon financial need, academic achievement, and leadership skills. *TBC
Okanagan Corrections Centre - Scholarship $500
Award will go to a student who will choose a post-secondary course in criminology, law, or law enforcement studies. If no student meets this criteria, then it goes to a student who will pursue post-secondary education in any other stream. School start date must be within 15 months of graduation.
Okanagan Similkameen Administrators’ Association - Scholarship $500
Criteria for selection will be focused on student leadership, service, and academic achievement. Payment will be made to the institute of higher learning upon receipt of proof of registration within 15 months of graduation.
Pat Clarke Memorial (Community Foundation of the South Okanagan) - Bursary $482.82
Student applicant must be pursuing a career in nursing or other health related sciences. Candidate must be a Canadian citizen and have resided in Keremeos, Cawston, Ollala, or Hedley for at least one year. Award will be based on financial need and academic achievement. Payment is made to the institute of higher learning upon proof of registration. *TBC
School District #53 Academic - 2 Scholarships @ $1,000
These scholarships are awarded for high academic achievement and the intent to build on this in post-secondary education. Studies are to begin within 15 months of graduation. Payment is made by School District 53 to the institute of higher learning upon proof of registration by the recipient, within 24 months of graduation. *TBC
School District #53 Non-Academic Trades - 2 Scholarships @ $1,000
This scholarship will be awarded to a student who has shown high achievement and enthusiasm in one of the trades. The student must show a willingness to continue in the trades at a technical college or place of higher learning. Payment is made by School District 53 to the institute of higher learning upon proof of registration by the recipient, within 24 months of graduation. *TBC
South Okanagan Similkameen Teachers’ Union - Bursary $550 & Scholarship $1,250
The bursary/scholarship will be awarded to deserving students who are pursuing post-secondary studies. SOSTU members’ children shall be considered first. When there are no SOSTU members’ children, consideration will be given to students pursuing the field of education or working with children and youth. Payments are made by SOSTU to the recipient or parent/guardian after proof of tuition being paid is provided. This award must be claimed within 3 academic years of graduation. Winner must fill out SOSTU form to claim award.
Village of Keremeos - Bursary $500
This bursary is offered to a student pursuing a post-secondary education.
External Bursaries/Scholarships
External Bursary/Scholarship applications can be submitted to the school by May 24, 2022. The donors of each award determine the recipient.
Auto Trades Bursary - $500 + tools
(Similkameen Tirecraft, K Mountain Auto Repair, Napa Auto Parts Keremeos, Direct Performance, Total Performance, Paul's Automotive) This award will go to a student attending post-secondary education in mechanics, heavy duty mechanics, or small engines. Payment is made directly to student upon proof of registration. There is an additional application form for this award.
Find supplemental application form here: Auto Trades Form
Canadian Royal Purple Society, Keremeos Lodge #83 - Bursary $500
Award will be based on academic achievement and financial need. Priority is given to sons, daughters, or grandchildren of members of the Royal Purple or Elks. To be awarded to a student who does not receive several other bursaries. Payment is made to the institute of higher learning upon receipt of proof of registration. Studies to begin within 27 months of graduation.
Catholic Women's League - $300
Candidates are required to be active members of the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Award will be based on scholastic achievement and financial need. Studies are to begin within 18 months of graduation. Payment is made to the institute of higher learning upon receipt of proof of registration.
CUPE Local 523 - Bursary $400
This will be awarded to a student who is a son/daughter of a member of CUPE Local 523, Okanagan Similkameen. It is based on financial need and academic standing. Studies are to begin within 15 months of graduation. Online applications are required. Application deadline is May 15, 2022, but are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find supplemental application form here: CUPE Online Application
Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association - Bursary $500 x2
First preference will be given to those candidates who are active club members or sons or daughters of KCSA. The next preference will be to students who plan to pursue a career in Wildlife Management, Fisheries Management, or Forestry. If none of the above is applicable, then the bursary may be awarded to a deserving student planning to attend a post-secondary institution. Studies are to be made within 18 months of graduation. The bursary will be a cash award upon proof of education.
Keremeos Elks #56 - Bursary $500
Preference will be given to any child or grandchild of a member of the Keremeos Elks Lodge. Payment is made to the institute of higher learning upon proof of registration. Studies are to begin within 15 months of graduation. *TBC
Keremeos Fas Gas - Bursary 3 @ $500
Preference for this bursary will be given to students pursuing secondary education and financial need. Payment made directly to the student.
Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department - Bursary $200
Priority will be given to candidates who are children of Fire Department members and/or honorary members. Award is based on academic achievement and financial need. Payment is made to institute of higher learning upon proof of registration. Studies are to begin within 18 months of graduation.
Linda Edwards Agricultural Fund – Scholarship $1000 x 3
The Linda Edwards Agricultural Fund (LEAF) Scholarship is awarded yearly to a maximum of three well-rounded high school graduates who have demonstrated service and leadership, both at school and in their communities, and who are pursuing post-secondary education in the fields of sustainable agriculture, environmental sciences, land and food systems, or other areas of study relevant to Linda’s passions and the valley’s needs. Recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship voucher that they can redeem with the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society (LSCSS) once they begin attending a designated post-secondary institution or B.C. authorized trades training provider. Studies to begin with 5 years of graduation.
NVIT Secondary School Entrance – Scholarship $1000
The student must have received a C+ within the last academic year. The student must be actively involved in either their community or secondary school community and demonstrates leadership abilities. The eligible student plans on attending NVIT in any program at the post-secondary level (100-level or higher) in a full-time course load (80% minimum) within 15 months of graduation.
Parent Advisory Council - Bursary $500
This bursary will be awarded to a student who has volunteered in the community and at school, and this student has a career plan. This award is based upon financial need and leadership skills. Payment will be made up to 15 months after graduation. *TBC
Pharmasave Keremeos - Bursary $500
Candidate should be pursuing a career in pharmacy or in a science-related field. Award will be based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Payment is made to the institute of higher learning upon receipt of proof of registration. Studies are to begin within 15 months of graduation.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 192 - 3 Scholarships @ $1,500
Scholarships are based on academic achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities and/or community activities. Payment is made directly to the student. Students are to write a short paragraph about what the Legion provides for the community and your involvement with the Legion. Two academic scholarships and one trades scholarship are available.
World Hobby Horse Council Bursary - Bursary $400
The bursary will be awarded each year to a grad who has demonstrated generosity of time and effort towards Cawston Primary School and its students, with particular emphasis on the student's commitment towards the noble sport of Hobby Horse Barrel Racing.
