OPENING PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION

Access And Inclusion

BCIT Foundation is committed to increasing student access to an education at BCIT. Through their gifts supporting our pillar of Access and Inclusion, our donors are helping our learners realize a better future not only for themselves but also for the communities where we live and work.

Learn more: bcit.ca/inspire/priorities/access-inclusion

Supporting His Family As Parents Battle Cancer

“Because of my parents’ health challenges, I had the sole financial responsibility in the family my parents, my family, that’s really what has pushed me to succeed. It’s just great to be recognized [by this award] for our hard work.”

Jeffry

First In Her Family To Earn A Degree

“[My mom] worked in a job that she hated she felt that had she finished her bachelor’s, life would have been different for her. [This BCIT award] really validates for me that there’s value in the work I’m doing here in my program and I have the support of the BCIT community.”

Holiday campaign raises $61K for students

During the 2022 holiday season, BCIT partners and donors came together to support students in need through BCIT Foundation’s annual holiday campaign. The campaign raised funds to support the educational journey of students at BCIT. Thanks to our generous donors— over 60 per cent of whom are BCIT alumni—more than $61,700 was raised. The donations will be used to help students who may be facing personal or academic challenges.

Forestry leader West Fraser helps to transform trades education in BC

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. recently announced a $250,000 commitment—in addition to the $500,000 gift the company had already made toward the Trades and Technology Complex—to the next generation of skilled workers in BC. Through a combination of entrance awards and bursaries, the forestry and wood production leader will be providing financial support to applicants who reside in or are from communities where West Fraser operates mills or sources timber.

As a long-time supporter of BCIT and donor to the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign, West Fraser continues to shape the lives of students, especially those in the School of Construction and the Environment. Their gift will not only impact students studying trades, but also help build the future BCIT Trades and Technology Complex and fill the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in British Columbia. West Fraser’s philanthropic partnership is integral to helping BCIT transform applied education in the province.

Students receive caring messages from donors and alum

This past National Philanthropy Day, hundreds of BCIT students were surprised to receive special messages of encouragement. The BCIT Foundation’s Caring Cards campaign encouraged donors and alumni to share their insights and inspirational advice for current students. The response was overwhelming. More than 450 heartfelt messages were received and then printed and distributed by BCIT Foundation staff to surprised and appreciative students throughout Burnaby Campus.

Mining alumnus pays his success forward by establishing entrance award for BCIT diploma students

A BCIT alumnus, Clifford Britch had a successful 45-year career in mining, rising through the ranks to senior executive positions on multi-milliondollar projects. He attributes much of this success to his start as a student in the BCIT Mining diploma program, from which he proudly graduated in 1968. In 2020, Clifford decided to give back pledging $81,000 to establish the Britch Class of ’68 Entrance Award, which is given to BCIT students in Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Forest and Natural Areas Management, and Mining Technology. This award supports a total of six students through their two-year diploma program. Thank you, Clifford, for supporting the success of the next generation.