HCOS Scholarship & Bursary Opportunities

This page is designed to support HCOS students and families as they explore, apply for, and manage scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Below you will find HCOS in-house opportunities, external resources, application guidance, and next steps after receiving an award.

HCOS In-House Scholarship Opportunities

HCOS offers several internal scholarship and bursary options for eligible students. Families are encouraged to review the following policies carefully:

• District Authority Scholarships (DAS)
  Learn about eligibility, timelines, and requirements for District Authority Scholarships.
  

• HCOS Scholarship & Bursaries 
  Review HCOS policies and information related to scholarships and bursaries.
  

External Scholarship Resources

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for external scholarships and bursaries in addition to HCOS opportunities.

• ScholarshipsCanada
  A comprehensive Canadian scholarship search website:
  

• Additional Scholarship List 
  A document compiled by HCOS to support students in their search, including timelines and deadlines. 
  

Finding Volunteer Opportunities

Many scholarships require proof of community involvement. Volunteer opportunities can be found through:

• Volunteer BC
  

• GoVolunteer
  

• Local community boards and program guides

• Conversations with neighbours, church mentors, coaches, and friends

How to Apply for Scholarships & Bursaries

Step 1: Assess Your Financial Need

Determine your financial situation and estimate how many scholarships and bursaries you plan to apply for.

Step 2: Create a Tracking System

If you are applying for multiple awards, staying organized is essential.

• Create your own tracking spreadsheet in Excel or

• Use the HCOS Scholarship Tracking Template.
  

Step 3: Suggested Tracking Fields

Include the following fields in your spreadsheet:

• Scholarship name

• Scholarship provider

• Contact information

• URL for additional information or application

• Deadline date

• Award amount

• Eligibility criteria (age, grade, GPA, etc.)

• Required documentation (transcripts, financial records, references, essays, etc.)

Helpful Hints for Scholarship Success

• Begin researching scholarship opportunities in Grade 11

• Volunteer consistently; many scholarships value long-term involvement

• Carefully review eligibility criteria for each award

• Apply for a variety of smaller awards, as they often receive fewer applications

• Maintain an up-to-date resume and adaptable cover letter

• Dedicate specific time each week for scholarship research

• Pay close attention to application deadlines, especially for hard-copy submissions

You Were Awarded a Scholarship or Bursary — Now What?

1. Thank Your Donors

Once you receive an award, it is important to write a thank-you letter to the donor. The mailing address is usually included with your award notification.

Sample Thank-You Letter:

Dear Donor,
Thank you for the scholarship. I am planning to pursue a career in teaching and will be attending UNBC in the fall. The funds will go toward tuition and books and is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Mya Scholarship

2. Award Deferral

If you are not attending post-secondary immediately after graduation, indicate in your thank-you letter that you are requesting a one-year deferral. Most scholarships and bursaries allow deferrals for one year only.

Types of Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards

I. Post-Secondary Institution Scholarships

These awards are connected to specific post-secondary institutions and often require acceptance of an offer of admission. They may include:

• Automatic awards (e.g., entrance scholarships)

• General scholarship applications

• Faculty-specific awards (e.g., Engineering, Education)

• Nominated scholarships (limited nominations per school)

• Need-based bursaries

II. Association & Community Scholarships

Community groups such as unions, clubs, businesses, organizations, and associations often offer scholarships. Criteria may include:

• Academic achievement

• Artistic or athletic ability

• Leadership

• Community service

• Financial need

Students are encouraged to explore opportunities connected to:

• Parents’ or guardians’ workplaces

• Cultural, professional, or service organizations

• Associations linked to parents or grandparents

III. Find-a-Match Scholarship Websites

These websites match students with scholarships based on their profile:

• Yconic
  

• ScholarshipsCanada
  

• ScholarTree
  

• StudentScholarships
  

• Maclean’s (Scholarships tab)
  

• EducationPlannerBC
  

If you have questions or need support, please contact your HCOS academic advisor. We encourage all students to apply broadly and start early.