Financial Aid, Grants, and Awards Through Literacy BC

Literacy BC administers a number of financial aid programs for literacy learners and literacy programs in British Columbia. Here are the programs we offer:

PGI Learner Achievement Tribute Award: For individual learners in a literacy program

PACE Bursary Fund: For adults in part-time continuing education

Paul Gallagher Community Access Program: For community programs, to help meet the short-term needs of learners

Family Literacy Fund: For family literacy programs and services in BC

2010 PGI Learner Achievement Tribute Award

If you are an adult learner who has been in a literacy program for at least six months or will complete your program by May 31, 2010, please write to us and tell us about your learning journey.

One learner will receive the 2010 PGI Learner Achievement Tribute Award. The recipient will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to the 20th annual PGI Golf Tournament for Literacy on July 13, 2010 in Vancouver. At the PGI, the recipient will be honored and presented with a cash award, a certificate, and a Learner Library for themselves and their school ($250
each), courtesy of Greystone Publishing.

Two more learners will receive honorable mentions and a special award.

We are currently accepting applications. Applications are due May 31, 2010.

Click here for more information on how to apply.

PACE Bursary Fund

Literacy BC administers the PACE Bursary Fund to support part-time participation in continuing education by adults. The bursary supports learners who are pursuing educational upgrades at a registered public or private institution, but who are not eligible for financial support from student loans or other government student assistance programs.

The value of a PACE Bursary can be up to $700. The deadline for receipt of applications is September 30 each year. Awards are determined and distributed by December 31. Check back in early summer for the 2010 PACE Bursary Fund Application.

Paul Gallagher Community Access Fund

The Paul Gallagher Community Access Fund, named in memory of the former Literacy BC President, provides financial assistance to community-based adult learning programs. Programs can use the funds to support their students with short-term needs such as transport, childcare, books or other costs that would make the difference between attending and not attending their literacy/ABE program.

Awards of up to $1000 are granted to community-based adult learning programs in BC that demonstrate a need for assistance related to student access where other financial support is not available. Priority is given to programs that demonstrate the greatest need.

Eligible applicants must be (or be in partnership with) a registered non-profit corporation/society/host agency, school board, or public college in British Columbia. Returning applicants must have submitted a report in order to be considered again.

Please check back in spring 2010 for the 2010 application. Grant decisions are made each year in the fall.

Family Literacy Fund

Literacy BC administers the Family Literacy Fund. Your organization may be eligible to receive a portion of the funds allocated to Literacy BC from the Vancouver Sun's Raise-a-Reader Program. These funds have been designed specifically for family literacy programs and services in BC to support the important work being done to assist children and families in the development of strong literacy skills.

Applications for the 2010 Family Literacy Fund Grants will be available in spring 2010. Please check back for more information.