Coast Mountain College has initiated the Northern Learner Entrance Awards for top graduates from 22 high schools between Haida Gwaii and Houston.
Recipients can receive a total of $8,300 which includes $3,500 for tuition, fees and supplies, as well as a monthly housing allowance of $600 for on or off-campus living expenses.
Students must select a program that lasts longer than 28 weeks. They can choose from various academic courses, including Business, Arts and Sciences, and Health and Human Services. They can also pursue trades such as hairstyling, automotive technician foundations and professional cooking, among others.
In addition to high school graduates, one home-schooled Dogwood graduate can also secure this bursary.
鈥淥ften top students have their choice of many different college and university offers,鈥� says Dr. Laurie Waye, president and CEO of Coast Mountain College (CMTN). 鈥淏ut students who start their education at a community college are much more likely to finish their degree on time when they transfer to a university.鈥�
CMTN is making it easier for students to start their post-secondary education in the North. It offers a supportive environment for high school grads to save money, stay connected to their communities, and build funds for future priorities such as home ownership, travel, or further education.
These programs include transferable associate degrees, one-year certificate and diploma programs or studies that can contribute toward university credits.
The 22 eligible high schools are located in Terrace, Prince Rupert, Smithers, Kitimat, Daajing Giids, Masset, Hartley Bay, Houston, Hazelton, Stewart, Gitlaxt鈥檃amiks and Kitsumkalem.
They will each be invited to nominate their leading students who have achieved high marks in five academic subjects, including math and English, as well as one elective course. Home-schooled applicants may apply directly to the CMTN Foundation.
Selected students must maintain an average of 80 per cent in Grade 12 and enrol themselves in at least 80 per cent of the course load at Coast Mountain.
The Northern Learner Entrance Awards scholarship will apply to courses starting in the Fall 2025 academic year.