British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:

The First Citizens Fund student bursary program is designed to reward students for successful completion of their term of study. When a student sends an application in, if all the eligibility criteria are met, funds will be committed to students on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, funding will not be sent out until a student’s official transcript is received. Once the student’s official transcript is received, if the student’s grades and enrollment meet the program requirements, a cheque will be sent out to the student. That cheque may be used for any purpose. If a student chooses, they may send in a transcript at the end of their fall semester and at the end of their spring semester, and receive half of their total payment after each term, depending on availability of funds. They may also simply send in one transcript at the end of the academic year, and receive the full payment. Students may apply for a bursary for the year they are currently enrolled in until May of that year. If students would like to receive funding for the next year, they must reapply with a new application form. They do not, however, have to send all the supporting documents again, unless they have switched programs.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

• Post-secondary students of Aboriginal ancestry (status, non-status, Metis, and Inuit).
• Applicants who are permanent residents in British Columbia for six months or more at the time of application (not including attendance at post-secondary institution).

• Applicants registered full-time in a minimum two-year academic program at any recognized post-secondary institution.
  
  Full time is considered as follows:
  
  • undergraduate students, at least 3 full time credit courses (60%) per term
  • students with permanent disabilities, a least 2 full credit courses (40%) per term
  • graduate students, a letter from your academic advisor confirming satisfactory progress at a full time level (for a maximum of 3 years for Masters students, and 5 years for Doctorate students).

WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA:

• The applicant is of Aboriginal ancestry.
• The applicant provides a recommendation in writing by a band council or recognized Aboriginal organization.
• The applicant attains a minimum 2.5 grade point average or C+ grade equivalent.
• Applicants completing graduate studies demonstrate satisfactory progress at a full time level.
• Applicants completing a 40% course load have provided proof of a permanent disability.
• The applicant demonstrates financial need.
• Students will not be eligible for a bursary to repeat a course or academic year, for which a bursary has already been received.

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HOW TO APPLY:

Students submitting an application must complete the following:

• A completed, signed and dated application form.

Only for first time applicants, or applicants who have switched programs since last applying:

• A letter written by the applicant on ancestry, family background, education and employment history, and career or academic goal.
• Proof of full-time registration in a college or university
• A letter of support from your band or recognized Aboriginal Organization.

• Supporting evidence of Aboriginal ancestry, or a further explanation.

• If a first time applicant, students with a permanent disability must include one of the following documents:

  • verification of receipt or qualification for federal or provincial assistance for persons with
    disabilities, or
  • a medical certificate from a licensed medical practitioner e.g. physician or specialist, or
  • a learning disability assessment, or
  •  a Verification of Permanent Disability form. (Note: Medical documentation must be signed and certified by the prescribing medical practitioner.)

• Graduate students must also provide:

•  an official transcript verifying enrolment,
•  a letter from your academic advisor confirming advisor’s role, full time level and satisfactory progress, advisor contact information, and dated and signed on university letterhead.

Any additional information pertaining to the application can be included on a separate page.

WHAT ELSE DOES AN APPLICANT NEED TO KNOW:

• Students may apply for a bursary at any point from the beginning of the current academic year until May of that academic year. The closing date for submissions for the 2007-2008 Academic Year is 4:30 pm May 28, 2008. Transcripts are not due until July 25, 2008. Documents must have arrived in our office by these dates, so please take into account mailing time.
• Applications can be made for each academic year required to attain a diploma, degree or graduate degree. In the event that a student changes programs, the first academic year in the new program will not be eligible; however, second and subsequent years will be considered.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
• Applicants may be asked to provide additional supporting information at the discretion of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
• A declined application can be appealed within 30 days of the date of decision. Consideration will be based on the submission of supporting information or a change in circumstances.
• T4As will be sent in February of the next year for tax purposes.
• If you are moving or have a change of circumstance, it is your responsibility to notify the bursary office.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: Students who do not submit their official transcripts for the 2007-2008 Academic year by July 25, 2008, may be ineligible for funding for the academic year.

WHERE TO SEND APPLICATIONS AND MAKE INQUIRIES:

Click HERE for Application Form (PDF)

All applications, official transcripts, correspondence, and telephone inquiries should be sent to:

BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres 200 – 506 Fort Street Victoria, BC V8W 1E6

Phone: (250) 388-5522 Fax: (250) 388-5502

Click HERE for Application Form (PDF)