In October 2009, the Right Reverend James Cowan, Bishop of British Columbia, authorized the Bishop’s Gospel Choir to establish a new project: the Bishop’s Gospel Choir of British Columbia’s First Nations Computer Technology Fund.
The purpose of the Fund is to raise the necessary money to award laptop computers to First Nations post-secondary students in financial need residing within the Diocese of British Columbia. Each awarded computer is a new laptop equipped with licensed Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Published) loaded onto its system. (Many thanks to Microsoft for this software donation!) A printer is also provided. The computers are fully “plug and play” and are wireless capable. A protective carry case is also included.
The Fund has been developed to provide laptops to Aboriginal students who demonstrate significant financial need and who require computer equipment to undertake and complete their post secondary studies. The purpose of the Fund is to provide laptops to Aboriginal students who do not already have a computer (either a laptop or desktop computer whose operating system is Microsoft XP, Vista or Windows 7 or, similarly, an Apple computer that is only a few years old) or do not have access to a computer at their place of residence during their studies. For the purpose of assessing the Fund, successful candidates will also be asked to agree to provide their email address to the Fund (once they have established one) and to provide the Fund with a brief update at the end of the school year (March 31st) which indicates how the laptop has or has not benefited their studies.
The criteria for application for this award are as follows:
Candidates must be of aboriginal ancestry that originates within the boundaries of the Diocese of British Columbia (Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands).
Candidates must reside within the boundaries of the Diocese of British Columbia.
Candidates must be registered or commit to be registered in a post-secondary institution, vocational institute or other continuing education program with the purpose of entering an occupational path
The educational path must be such that a computer would be of significant benefit for the student to excel in their chosen field of study.
Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated financial need.
Preference will be given to applicants who have a substantial amount of time remaining for the completion of their academic studies.
The application includes a requirement for a personal letter as to how the provision of a laptop computer will be of assistance to the student’s educational and employment/career goals.
Only one award will be granted per applicant.
Applications must be fully completed.
The following are NOT criteria that the applicant must meet:
Applicant does not have to be a member of the Diocese of British Columbia or have any religious affiliation.
There is no minimum Grade Point Average level or requirement for outstanding scholastic achievement.
There is no requirement for the demonstration of leadership or community service.
The number of recipients will be dependent upon the number of laptops made available for any given year. Therefore, not all applicants who meet the selection criteria may necessarily be awarded a laptop.
Applications are now being accepted until May 31, 2012. Recipients will be notified by July 31, 2012 with the laptops being delivered before September classes begin. The application forms are available in PDF
format.
All money forwarded to the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia for the Fund is eligible for an income tax receipt. Cheques should be made out to: The Diocese of British Columbia: First Nations Computer Fund.
For further information, please contact:
Peter Rogers
Bishop’s Gospel Choir of British Columbia’s First Nations Computer Technology Fund
The Anglican Diocese of British Columbia
900 Vancouver Street
Victoria, BC V8V 3V7
Canada
A student from the Penelakut First Nation. In third year study for a Bachelor of Arts – First Nations Studies Program, her goal is to continue with her education to obtain a Masters of Arts and then work with her First Nations community.
A student in studies at the University of Victoria to obtain a Bachelors of Arts in Child and Youth Care. She wants to open a home for pregnant First Nations youth in crisis situations.
A student from the Stz’uminus First Nation who studying to obtain a Certification of Business Management and then a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. The goal is to become a manager of a First Nations business.
A student from the Quatsino First Nation in first year university studying First Nation studies and political science. She plans to continue on with her education to obtain a law degree to practise Aboriginal corporate law.
An Aboriginal student in first year at the University of Victoria studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Her goal is to work with and assist low income immigrant families.
A student from the Dzawada’enuwx First Nation studying in the Indigenous Family Support Program and then go on to complete the Early Learning and Care Program.
The 2010 Recipients of Laptop/Printer Awards:
A recent Grade 12 graduate from the Toquaht First Nation near Ucluelet, B.C. She will be attending the University of Victoria in September 2011 with the goal of completing a Bachelor of Science degree before entering Medical School to become a physician.
A student from the Tseycum First Nation near Victoria, B.C. who is enrolled in the Native Indian Teacher Education Program and will graduate with a Bachelor of Education degree. She hopes to work within her own First Nations community or another location that is in need of a First Nations teacher.
A First Nations woman who is enrolled in the Indigenous Studies program at Camosun College in Victoria. She hopes to pursue a Masters in English and become a teacher.
A student from the Tsartlip First Nation near Victoria, B.C. who will be enrolled in the Indigenous Family Support Program at Camosun College. She will pursue studies in the field of social work.
A Métis student living in Victoria and enrolled in the Community Mental Health program at Camosun College.
A student with the K'ómoks First Nation near Comox, B.C. She is currently upgrading courses to enroll in a four year Business Degree – General Management Program. She hopes to assist her First Nation move forward with the education and skills needed for a healthy and prosperous community.
A student from the Tsartlip First Nation who is completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Victoria.
A student from the Pacheedaht First Nation near Port Renfrew, B.C. She is enrolled in the Child and Youth Care Program at the University of Victoria. Her goal is to work with those in need within her community.
We would like to extend very special thanks to the following supporters:
The Healing Response Committee of the Anglican Church of Canada which provided a very generous grant from the Building Right Relations account. The Healing Response Committee expressed its pleasure to support the Bishop’s Gospel Choir of British Columbia’s initiative to assist Aboriginal post secondary students in their pursuit of higher education.
Microsoft Canada’s Donation Program and TechSoup Canada’s Product Donations Program for the donation of licenses to load Microsoft Office Standard 2010 onto laptops purchased by the First Nations Computer Technology Fund. Microsoft makes monetary and in kind contributions to eligible nonprofit organizations around the world to help improve lifelong learning for underserved youth and adults by providing technology-related skills through community-based technology and learning centres.
David Saele, President of Think Communications Inc. in Victoria, for providing the Fund with a Lenovo ThinkPad SL400. This laptop has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB memory, 160 GB storage, dual layer CD/DVD recordable drive and wireless communication. Thank you so much David and Think Communications Inc.!
Costco Langford, and Membership and Marketing Manager Sandi Danshin, for providing the Fund with a gift card that was used to purchase an Epson Work 500 Printer.
Many thanks to all of our supporters who have so generously provided financial gifts!
Knowledge is Power. Information is liberating.
Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.
Kofi Annan
Seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations
2001 Nobel Peace Prize
