Application Deadline: May, 2026
Internal Scholarships
Your scholarship application package must include:
- 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 if available
- Scholarship letter addressing the scholarship committee and explaining your academic plans. (NOTE: you only need one letter total - not one for each Internal award)
- List of community service and/or service to SESS you have completed or currently participate in
- A completed Teacher Recommendation Form
The recipients for Internal Awards are chosen by the SESS Scholarship Committee.
External Scholarships
The recipients for External Awards are chosen by the donor of each award. A copy of your scholarship application package will be provided to the External awards donors. For EACH individual External award you are applying for, please submit the following:
- 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)
- List of community service and/or service to SESS you have completed or currently participate in
- Transcript (may be requested from office staff)
- Any other documents or criteria listed individually in the External award's description.
External Award packages need to be submitted to the office in a sealed manilla envelope with your name and the name of the external scholarship you are applying for on the front. If you are emailing your applications in, we will do this for you.
Completed applications can be dropped off in the office or sent in digital format to:
- sessoffice@sd53.bc.ca
- Subject: Awards Application + Your Name (i.e., Awards Application John Smith)
Note: If you receive an award, please be sure to mail or drop off a thank you note. It is important to value the support provided by these individuals/organizations.
External Bursaries/Scholarships
External Bursary/Scholarship applications must be received in the office by May 4, 2026. 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 Bursary
Canadian Royal Purple Society, Keremeos Lodge #83 - Bursary $1000
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.
Corner Canco Gas - Bursary $500
Preference for this bursary will be given to students pursuing secondary education and financial need. Payment made directly to the student.
CUPE Local 523 - Bursary $500
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, 2025, but are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find supplemental application form here: CUPE Online Application
Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association - Bursary $500
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 Volunteer Fire Department - Bursary $500
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
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 $3,013
Awarded to grade 12 students who graduate + transition directly from high school (BC Adult + Graduation Diploma Not Eligible) to NVIT. Student must have applied and been accepted by June 30 and be registered in a minimum course load of First year post -secondary courses, each semester, for the upcoming year.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 192 - 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. Four academic scholarships and one trades scholarship are available.
World Hobby Horse Council Bursary - Bursary $500
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.
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
For graduating students looking for transcripts for applying to post-secondary please head here.
* you will need your Personal Education Number for this request.
Register Here
