Funding futures, one student at a time.
Create an award that supports students today and carries your impact forward.
Create a scholarship.
Creating an award is a meaningful way to make a difference in a student’s life. It’s an opportunity to honour someone important to you, give back to your community, or support something you care deeply about.
These awards help remove financial barriers and open doors to post-secondary education, while creating something that continues to have impact year after year. For many donors, it’s also a way to leave a lasting legacy, one that continues to support and inspire students for years to come.
Individuals, families, and businesses all create awards for different reasons, but the outcome is the same. A student is supported, and a future is shaped.
Why create awards for students?
Creating a scholarship is a way to support students in a way that reflects what matters to you. It allows you to recognize the qualities, experiences, or goals you believe deserve support, and see that carried forward through the students who receive it.
Scholarships are created by individuals, families, alumni, businesses, and community organizations, each shaped around what they want to support.
You might choose to:
- Honour someone important to you or create something in your own name
- Support a field of study, passion, or future career
- Recognize resilience, leadership, or community involvement
- Help remove financial barriers to post-secondary education
What a scholarship can look like.
Every award is different, but each one is built around a purpose, a set of criteria, and the student it is meant to support.
Click through academic, memorial, and bursary examples below to see how these come to life across our community.
Ethier/Pearson Women in Science Bursary
These bursaries support graduating female students pursuing post-secondary studies in computer science, physical sciences, or engineering. The award is designed to encourage women entering science-based fields while helping reduce financial barriers to continuing their education.
Who it supports
Graduating female students entering post-secondary studies in computer science, physical sciences, or engineering, with a minimum of 86% in Math 11.
What it recognizes
This bursary considers multiple factors, including a student’s chosen field of study, financial need, and academic performance. Preference is given to students pursuing computer-related programs and those demonstrating both aptitude and need.
Amount
3 awards at $3,500
Additional requirements
Proof of registration in a qualifying post-secondary program is required before funds are released. Funds must be claimed within two years.
Selected by
Committee
Justin Smith Scholarship
Presented in loving memory of Justin Smith, an eight-year-old Nanaimo boy who lost his battle with leukemia in 1998. Justin’s strength and courage inspired all who knew him, and this award continues his legacy by supporting students pursuing a future in science or medicine.
Who it supports
A graduating SD68 student entering university in the field of science or medicine. Preference is given to students who have been affected by cancer.
What it recognizes
This scholarship recognizes strong academic achievement, meaningful involvement in school or community service, and personal resilience.
Amount
1 award at $2,500
Additional requirements
Students must submit a brief essay outlining their future plans and why they would like to be considered. Proof of post-secondary registration is required before funds are released.
Funds must be claimed within two years.
Selected by
Donor
Dean Shahi Adversity & Resiliency Bursary
Created in honour of Dean Shahi, a John Barsby graduate who transformed his own medical journey into a source of strength, this bursary supports students who continue to move forward despite challenges beyond their control. It reflects his legacy of resilience, growth, and determination.
Who it supports
A graduating student who has experienced adversity and demonstrated the ability to grow through challenges.
What it recognizes
This bursary recognizes resilience and personal strength, with consideration for students who have overcome barriers and continue to pursue their education.
Amount
1 award at $1,000
Additional requirements
Adversity is the primary consideration in selection, followed by financial need
Selected by
School