# 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.

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</div>### 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 ](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/page/das-district-authority-scholarships)(DAS)**  
    Learn about eligibility, timelines, and requirements for District Authority Scholarships.
- [HCOS Scholarship &amp; Bursaries ](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/hcos-policies/page/scholarship-and-bursary-policy)  
    Review HCOS policies and information related to scholarships and bursaries.

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</div>### External Scholarship Resources

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

- [ScholarshipsCanada](https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/)  
    A comprehensive Canadian scholarship search website:
- **[Additional Scholarship List](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cojYQ3ypAhhxl5D_BM8nLWoLZ0j7EscZWuXBU4EIlUE/copy)**   
    A document compiled by HCOS to support students in their search, including timelines and deadlines.

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</div>### Finding Volunteer Opportunities

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

- [Volunteer BC](https://volunteerbc.bc.ca/)
- [GoVolunteer](https://govolunteer.ca/)
- Local community boards and program guides
- Conversations with neighbours, church mentors, coaches, and friends

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</div>### How to Apply for Scholarships &amp; 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](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vlCGofaS-zdQqRpR7pUvqNwspZdBFTPSXDH4d_PIgf4/copy).

#### 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.)

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</div>### 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

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</div>### 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.

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</div>### Types of Scholarships, Bursaries &amp; 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 &amp; 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](https://yconic.com/?redirect_from=studentawards)
- [ScholarshipsCanada](http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/)
- [ScholarTree](https://scholartree.ca/)
- [StudentScholarships](http://www.studentscholarships.org/)
- [Maclean’s](http://www.macleans.ca/oncampus) (Scholarships tab)
- [EducationPlannerBC](https://educationplannerbc.ca/plan/finance/scholarship)

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