AV-OP Connections: Scholarships/Awards

A host of scholarships, awards and bursaries are ripe for the picking by any full-time Aviation Operations student in either program specialty (Airport Operations or Airline and Flight Operations - Commercial Pilot program) who is engaged and motivated.

As you click through the links below, you will find that each opportunity may be a little different. Not all awards are based strictly on top grades. Some awards/scholarships/bursaries may be linked to specific corporate or personal values such as citizenship, passion and engagement, teamwork, leadership, community service, innovation, environmental action, or some other requirement - in addition to being a student in good standing. Some awards, such as the BCIT Entrance Awards, are open to all BCIT students in the first year of their full-time program. Others are available on graduation. Some awards must be nominated by instructors, some are nominated by peers and some are open to application. Some awards are available on an annual schedule, while others are awarded based on the funds or applicants available and may not be awarded at all in a particular year.

What are the benefits of earning a scholarship? Well, the obvious benefit is the opportunity to apply the extra funding to your education or student loans. Another benefit is perhaps more subtle. Students who have earned scholarships and awards are seen favourably by employers. Employers know that these awards are not given lightly, and earning a scholarship or award speaks volumes to the commitment and dedication that students have put into their school work and their commitments – both in and outside school.

How do you go about securing a scholarship? As with most goals, it helps to identify a goal as early as possible. Go through the list of links that follows, and check out which may apply to you. Check the dates the scholarships are available and when they close, check the requirements to ensure a good fit, and check the process. You will want to follow the process carefully to maximize your success, and once again the process for successfully earning a scholarship/award/bursary varies widely. Many of the awards available require a letter from the student outlining how they fit the requirements and why they would be a good candidate. Many also require the support of an instructor in your program. And here’s another situation that early planning can help. Make sure that your instructors know that you are an engaged and serious student with aspirations for the future. There is no need to go over the top, just let your passion for aviation show. The relationships and references you earn at school are likely people to cultivate for references when you begin your job search too!

There are lots of scholarships, but winning won may be very competitive. The application letter is a key element for several scholarships and awards. So, marshal your thoughts carefully for a first draft and keep in mind the many ways you meet or exceed the requirements. Don’t assume that everyone knows you, or that you don’t want to “blow your own horn”, you need to clearly indicate why you are a good candidate. Follow the rules for a formal letter (see AIRC 1001, Business Communication Essentials for guidance), and ensure your spelling and grammar are perfect.

References, as mentioned above, may be another element in the process. When asking for references or support in a scholarship application, make sure you give the reference enough time to do a good job. You may also want to remind them of a few of your accomplishments – perhaps you were the Class Rep, or took on an especially demanding or unique role at a recent event – gently remind them so they can prepare the most helpful reference letter they can. Everyone wants to help a committed and earnest student; you just need to help them help you!

The final important key is to gather your documentation, which may include transcripts, letters of application and letters of reference in addition to a completed application form. Ensure the address information is correct and send it off well ahead of the deadline. Wait - ahead of the deadline? Yes, if your application is sent in ahead of the deadline, you don’t need to worry about mail strikes and computer glitches foiling all your hard work. You also look organized and eager, which are two great attributes for any engaged student.

Oh, and one last tip. When your hard work and commitment has paid off, don't forget to send a good old-fashioned thank you note! Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will go a long way to gaining support for your next opportunity.

Check the following links for scholarship, award and bursary information that may apply to you (please check back from time to time as the links will be updated as new information becomes available, but this list should get you started):

Airports Council International (Spring and Fall)
Aviation Leadership Foundation, Stepping Forward
Live Learn BC Scholarships
British Columbia Aviation Council
BCIT Entrance Awards
BCIT Bursaries
BCIT Graduating Awards
BCGA Awards and Scholarships
Canada-China Scholars Exchange Program
COPA
External Awards
NWAAAE
Women in Aviation
99s
TAC
Kenn Borek Air
Garfield Weston Awards
Sassy Awards (students living in WhiteRock)
TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership

Other scholarship graduation on awards that may be available include:
Community Service and Positive Influence Award
Award Sponsor: Aviation Operations Instructors
Criteria: recognizes the volunteer efforts of students who work with us to provide Community Service to the Aviation Industry and demonstrate professionalism and commitment.

Top Pilot Award - PFC

Award Sponsor: Pacific Flying Club

Criteria: Top academic results in courses related to the Commercial Pilot license.

Best All Around - BCIT
Award Sponsor: BCIT
Criteria: The student that faculty would most want to work with in the industry, they demonstrate teamwork, collaboration, leadership, strong work ethic, willingness to help others

Air Canada Top Academic Award
Award sponsors- Air Canada and BCIT
Criteria: Top academic results in program based on CPGA

Central Mountain Air Interview Award
Award sponsor: Central Mountain Air
Criteria: An expression of interest with a letter of reference from an instructor, fellow student, or employer. Certain requirements exist.

(The award consists of an interview for a dispatcher position at the Smithers base, or a ramp operations position at the Vancouver base, which will lead to entry into the Tier 2 Pilot Training program)

Peter Shewring Memorial Award
Award Sponsor: Family of Peter Shewring
Criteria: Highest marks in AVFO 4272 and 4330

Geoff Smulders Memorial
Award sponsor: Family and friends of Geoff Smulders
Criteria: Candidate must have completed 50% or more of the Airline and Flight Operations commercial pilot program with an academic standing in the top 50% of the class. The candidate must send an expression of interest regarding their goal to pursue a career as a commercial pilot, demonstrate a genuine interest in the aviation interest and demonstrate a capacity for hardwork, self-sufficiency and ability to work well in a team environment as well as, the ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Geoff was an outgoing and people oriented person and not an “arm chair participant” of life.

Hong Mar Memorial Endowment
Award sponsor: Wosk Family and the friends of late Mr. Hon Mar
Criteria: This award has been established to recognize graduates of the Airline & Flight Operations - Commercial Pilot program. The award is based on a combination of high academic standing, leadership, service and best all-round performance at graduation.

Anderson Family Flight Training Scholarship
The John Anderson family of North Vancouver BC has agreed with the BCAC to fund a scholarship, awarded in June each year to a young aspiring pilot aged 16-19. This Award, called the “Anderson Family Flight Training Scholarship”, will be administered by the BCAC. View complete Anderson Family Flight Training Scholarship details.

BC Aviation Council and Helijet $3,500 Aviation Training Bursary. The British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC) is pleased to announce that Helijet International has established a five-year annual corporate award of $3500 dollars aimed at mid-career candidates. The Helijet International Bursary Award will assist qualified candidates in completing Helicopter IFR training and on alternate years AME Certification Training. Helijet CEO Danny Sitnam commented, “we are very pleased to establish this bursary as a means of both supporting the industry and assisting individuals in upgrading their skills to provide both professional service and improved safety to our travelling public”.

Dr Peter Gardiner Aviation Grant
Full-time aviation (Airport Operations and Airline and Flight Operations) students are conditionally eligible to apply for the Dr. Peter Gardiner Aviation Grant, provided annually through the CHC Safety and Quality Summit.

The SWIFT Ambassador Scholarship
Full-time Airport Operations and Airline and Flight Operations students are eligible for this prestigious award that is offered to a student who demonstrates passion for education in an aviation program and plans to pursue a career within the aviation/airport sector. The person selected for the scholarship will assume the role as Ambassador for both their educational institute and the SWIFT committee at the annual conference. The conference convenes once a year over a period of four days to educate airfield professionals on the methods for maintaining a safe operational environment.

Leaders Stepping Forward Scholarship Program (Airport Operations and Flight Operations)

Great leaders are stepping forward in the world every day. The Aviation Leadership Foundation strongly believes there is a leader in every chair and we are dedicated to supporting these individuals during their leadership journey. This scholarship program recognizes and supports leaders ‘stepping forward’.

The Aviation Leadership ‘Stepping Forward’ Scholarship encourages individuals to develop their leadership abilities through structured learning, practical experience, personal reflection, and in community with mentorship partners and peers. It is annually awarded each February at the Aviation Leadership Forum.

This scholarship is open to anyone at any point in their leadership journey who is seeking leadership learning. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated leadership, citizenship, and be active contributors to their community in a leadership capacity. To be eligible for the ‘Stepping Forward’ scholarship, you must be an Aviation Leadership Foundation member. For more information, please see http://aviationleadership.com/membership.html.

CAC Gerry Bruno Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2016 in cooperation with InterVISTAS and is intended to celebrate the leadership and innovation of Gerry Bruno, the founding CEO of InterVISTAS Consulting and a respected leader in commercial airport management.

The scholarship is intended to foster similar qualities in tomorrow’s leaders. Mr. Bruno’s career in aviation has included government service, airport marketing and strategic planning, aviation policy and aviation consulting. Gerry’s approach to addressing problems and issues is always based on solid analysis, understanding the law and policy context of aviation in society, innovative thinking, and collaborative advocacy for the sector. Mr. Bruno has had a lifelong appreciation of the role of education throughout his career, earning two degrees, supplemented with airport specific studies and accreditation.

Independently administered by the Canadian Airports Council (CAC), in cooperation with ScholarshipsCanada, this scholarship recognizes students with high academic achievement who are working toward a career in aviation management, planning, marketing and/or policy. Participation is available students registered in any associated Canadian university or college program. The scholarship is awarded every two years at the Airports Canada Conference. Applications will also be available through several universities and colleges where programs offering related studies are available. ACI-NA/CAC GERRY BRUNO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Samples of external scholarships, awards, and bursaries for aboriginal students include:

Dr. Jacob Mckay Award - March, 2014
KPMG Aboriginal Services - July 15, 2014 [PDF]
Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool - search tool
Irving K Barber Aboriginal Awards - March 31
Aboriginal Learning Links Scholarships Listings
New Relationship Trust (NRT) First Nations Scholarship Program
BC Hydro Scholarships-packages accepted between Jan 27- April 15
The Minerva Foundation Education Awards
Inspire - Indigenous Education Bursary and Scholarships - Feb.16 & Nov.1
Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Award - Aug 31
Royal Bank of Canada Aboriginal Students Awards - Applications Available Dec
The First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program - May 23
Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship

For further information about these great scholarship opportunities for Aboriginal students, please click here

Note: Most scholarships, bursaries and awards are awarded to Canadian Citizens; however, some are available to international students as well. International students may want to contact their home government or agent to find out about further opportunities at home

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Some Scholarship and Award Examples (check the Scholarship and Award Label in the side column for many more examples!)