THE SPENCERCREO IMPACT AWARD

Applications must be submitted by a support worker at an organization that is connected to and supporting the student. The organization must be able to provide ongoing support throughout the award period.

The application form is open year-round, so you may apply at any time. Applications are reviewed three times a year, before the Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters.

The number of awards offered at each review depends on available funding and the number of eligible applicants.

Funding is available for one- or two-year diploma, certificate, or apprenticeship programs offered by a public post-secondary institution, such as BCIT, Capilano University, Douglas College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, or Vancouver Community College.

Preference is given to vocational programs that lead directly to employment after graduation. As examples, past award recipients have studied Electronics Repair, Nail Technician, Massage Therapist, and Dental Assistant.

No, university transfer programs, Master’s programs, and other graduate-level programs are not eligible for SpencerCreo funding.

The award is intended to support students getting their first job-ready post-secondary education in one- or two-year programs that lead directly to employment after graduation, such as vocational, technical, certificate, diploma, and apprenticeship programs.

No, there is no age limit. Students of any age are welcome to apply provided they have not already completed a post-secondary diploma, degree, or certification.

Award amounts vary from student to student, based on their financial needs.

Applicants must provide clear and accurate information about their income, expenses, tuition, and other school costs. The selection committee reviews this information to determine how much support each student needs, and how many awards can be offered each year.

Eligible expenses include tuition and school fees, monthly living expenses, one-time expenses (for example, if the student needs a laptop), and support for the organization working with the student.

Students are generally expected to be enrolled full-time. Students with an approved disability may apply while enrolled part-time.

Yes. Students who receive other financial support, including SAJE funding, housing subsidies, or tuition waivers, are welcome to apply. Funding may be available to help cover their remaining eligible expenses.

Yes. Students who have already started a two-year program may apply for support for their remaining semesters.

For example, a student who applies during the Fall semester of their first year may be approved for funding starting in the Winter semester. Funding cannot be provided for semesters that have already been completed.

The number of awards varies each year based on available funding, ongoing commitments to students in two-year programs, and the financial needs of eligible applicants.

Your application will be reviewed during the next review period.

If you are selected for an award, we will contact the supporting organization with information about the next steps.

If you are not selected for an award, we will contact the supporting organization to let them know.

Supporting organizations play an important role in helping students succeed during the award period. By applying, the organization agrees to:

• Assign a support worker to work with the student for the duration of their SpencerCreo funding.
• Provide a monthly progress report on the student’s progress.
• Manage communication between the student and FSGV/SpencerCreo.
• Tell FSGV about any changes to the student’s course load.

Funding is intended for students taking a full course load that meets their program requirements. If a student changes to part-time studies, their funding may be adjusted depending on their circumstances.

Students receiving SpencerCreo funding are expected to:

• Stay in regular contact with their support worker throughout the award period.
• Provide their support worker with monthly updates on their progress, and any changes to their enrollment or financial needs. This information may be shared with the selection committee.
• Take part in a follow-up interview 3 to 6 months after graduation and share feedback about their experience.

Funds are paid in different ways depending on how the award is being used:

• Tuition support: FSGV pays tuition directly to the school.
• Monthly living support: Payments are deposited directly into the student’s bank account.
• Support worker costs: If the supporting organization has applied for compensation for the support worker’s time, they must submit an invoice to FSGV each month or once per semester.