A Burnaby-born developer and philanthropist is preparing to give a leg up to another batch of B.C. high school graduates looking to pursue post-secondary studies.
Beedie Luminaries, founded by Ryan Beedie, president of Beedie, plans to award $4.2 million in scholarships in 2021 and is calling on Grade 12 students who are facing financial adversity to apply.
The foundation will award 105 scholarships next year, each worth up to $40,000 towards post-secondary studies at any public university, college or trade school in B.C.
Twenty of the scholarships handed out last year went to students from Burnaby.
“It is difficult to put into words the staggering, life-changing effect that Beedie Luminaries has had on me,” Burnaby recipient Avery Chan said in a news release. “The financial support combined with the mentorship provided by Beedie Luminaries has truly allowed me to dream big and succeed in an increasing turbulent world.”
Past Beedie Luminaries have demonstrated not only academic readiness, but also shared compelling personal stories of adversity and resilience, according to the release.
More than 70% of last year's recipients live in rental or social housing, 48% come from single-parent or foster families and 26 per cent are the first in their family to attend post-secondary schools, the release said.
“It is more important than ever to eliminate the cost barriers that keep deserving B.C. students from pursuing their post-secondary education,” Beedie said in the release. “I have been blown away by the tremendous success of our students in their post-secondary studies so far and how they have come together to support each other, showing their determination and resilience.”
Now in its fourth year, Beedie Luminaries launched in November 2018 with a $50-million donation from Beedie to coincide with his 50th birthday.
In its first year, the program was only open to students from Metro Vancouver but expanded to include students from all over B.C in its second year.
B.C. Grade 12 students looking to apply for a Beedie Luminaries scholarship can do so online at beedieluminaries.ca.
The deadline is Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. (PST).
Successful applicants will be announced in early May 2021.
