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Applications open for 2016 CLBC-BCGEU Scholarship Fund

Applications are now open for a scholarship that enables BC adults with developmental disabilities to pursue jobs training or personal development.

Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) and the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) co-sponsor the $100,000 scholarship fund, established as part of their 2012 collective agreement. The fund is open to adults who are eligible for CLBC supports, and is being distributed over five years, starting in 2014.

The fund’s scope was developed based on feedback from self advocates, families, service providers and CLBC staff. Scholarships can be for any amount up to a maximum of $2,500 for:

  • skills training related to securing employment opportunities;
  • training courses being offered by accredited B.C. institutions;
  • indirect costs associated with attending post-secondary education and training; or
  • community recreation activities that promote quality of life and new skills.

The application deadline is March 18, 2016 and recipients will be informed by letter later in the year. The funding can be used between May 2016 and April 2017, after the recipient receives confirmation they have been selected. Awards are not transferable if the recipient’s plans change.

CLBC-funded adults may obtain application forms from local CLBC offices or at CLBC’s website, at www.communitylivingbc.ca/scholarship-application-form, by phoning toll-free to 1-877-660-2522 or emailing: CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca. Information on the scholarships is also available at BCGEU’s website at www.bcgeu.ca or at www.selfadvocatenet.com.

“We encourage people who receive CLBC funding to consider applying for a scholarship, whether they use it for jobs training or to learn more about an area of personal interest,” says Seonag Macrae, CLBC CEO. “Many of the more than 18,000 adults CLBC funds dream of having jobs and careers and this funding gives them a chance to take training towards that. The fund can also assist people who want to take something for personal enjoyment, because we recognize the tremendous value that also brings to people’s lives.”

“We are very proud to partner with CLBC to provide opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to succeed,” says Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President. “This tremendous scholarship fund reflects the caring our members bring to their work at CLBC every day. Education and personal development are key to finding the decent work that many individuals with developmental disabilities are looking for. The BCGEU is happy to support this initiative as part of our commitment to inclusion and strong, welcoming communities.”

“BCGEU members are very excited and honoured to able to offer the CLBC-BCGEU joint Scholarship Fund to eligible individuals once again this year,” says Charles Patridge, BCGEU-CLBC Bargaining Unit Chair. “The fund has been extremely well received over the past two years. Last year alone, we received over 180 applications, and over 40 individuals from across B.C. were granted awards, totaling about $20,000, to pursue exciting educational, training and recreational opportunities in their communities.”


For more information:

Visit: www.communitylivingbc.ca/scholarship

Email: CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca