Each year, the BCNF offers $500 in education awards to individuals living with NF who are entering, or are in post-secondary program. These awards can be applied towards tuition, on-campus housing, or any other academic expense. To be eligible, a student must be 17 years or older, a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status, and a current member of the BCNF. The education awards are given on the basis of educational commitment, volunteer work, and other achievements or interests.

The deadline to apply is June 14, 2013. All supporting letters and documents must be completed and received in order to be eligible. Application for Education Award 2013

We are proud to have supported students in past years and look forward to contributing to the success of many more each year.

BCNF educational award has a helped me immensely with my education. I’ve completed my post secondary education, and now I’m beginning my career as a sound designer. In August I’ll be in Scotland, working as head sound designer on theatrical production for one of the worlds largest theatre festivals, The Fringe Festival. With out the love, support and generosity of BCNF, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

– Laine Butler, past award recipient

I realize growing up with NF has made it harder for me to process information than the average student, but I never stopped trying. I just had to work that much harder at what I wanted to achieve. When I graduated from high school, I started a path towards video game design at BCIT. With the help of the BCNF student education award, I was able to do this. After three semesters, I found the full course load too intense so I switched to part time studies, and I also changed my career choice to website design. Being in part time studies now, it will take me a little longer to get my diploma, but I am willing to persevere to finish it. Thank you again BCNF for being so generous and having faith in me.

– Jeremy De Silveira, past award recipient

In June of 2006, I helped move a friend to Fort McMurray, Alberta. I had only intended on staying there two months however I ended up registering at Keyano college to do my Early Childhood Education diploma. In 2007 I was fortunate to be accepted for the Neurofibromatosis Education award which helped me graduate the next year with my diploma and certificate.

Since graduating in April 2008 I moved back to Vancouver Island and have worked as a substitute teacher in many pre schools and day cares. I decided I needed more education to get a full time job, so applied for the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care program. In September of 2010, I began my program at the Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. Fortunately my two years in Fort McMurray was transferable to my university courses and cut the program almost in half. I now have two years left and plan on adding a child protection speciality to my degree. Eventually I would like to work with young offenders and addictions.

– Andrea Meadows, past award recipient

If you would like to help us fund education awards for deserving students, please contact our Executive Director.