A scholarship fund for people with disabilities has been launched by Community Living BC (CLBC) and it is looking for applications.
“We’re always promoting to the people we support the chance to advance their education,” said Inclusion Powell River Society executive director Lilla Tipton.
CLBC and the BC Government Employees’ and Service Union (BCGEU) launched a $100,000 scholarship fund to benefit adults with developmental disabilities being served by CLBC across the province, Monday, February 10. The fund was established as a result of bargaining negotiations between CLBC and BCGEU.
People being served by CLBC will be eligible to apply for a scholarship to support their personal and professional development. Applications will be accepted until March 31 and available online at BC Self Advocate Net www.selfadvocatenet.com, BCGEU www.bcgeu.ca, CLBC www.communitylivingbc.ca and all CLBC offices.
The fund was developed based on survey responses from self-advocates, families, service providers and CLBC staff. Scholarship funds will be distributed over five years and allocated equally to CLBC’s three regions (North/Interior, Fraser, Vancouver Coastal/Island). A maximum contribution of $2,500/person will be established and funding priorities will focus on: skills training related to securing employment opportunities; training courses being offered by accredited BC institutions; indirect costs associated with attending post-secondary education and training; and community recreation activities that promote quality of life and new skills.
Applications will be reviewed by a joint CLBC/BCGEU committee and the first round of successful applicants is expected to be confirmed in the spring.
Tipton said that while she does not specifically have any clients in mind at this point, this is a good opportunity. “Most people with disabilities do not have a large income and going to school would be prohibitive,” she said. “It provides that option.”
