Scholarships

We're proud to partner with School District 6 to support students through various scholarships. If you're passionate about making a difference and leaving a lasting impact on Golden Secondary School graduates, we'd love to chat with you about the opportunities available. Get in touch with us to start a conversation.

How Does it Work?

Applying for a scholarship is different for each one. Look at the description of each to see how to apply. Please reach out to navneet.rondeau@sd6.bc.ca for questions regarding the scholarship application.

Alec Heywood Scholarship

The Columbia Electoral Area A Television Rebroadcasting Society, known as CAATS, dissolved December 31 2023 (it formed in 1992!). As part of their constitution, the founders directed the Golden and District Community Foundation to create a trades scholarship in honor of Alex Heywood.In addition to his remarkable life, Alec Heywood's legacy includes the Alec Heywood Trades Scholarship, offering an annual $2,000 award to high school graduates pursuing a career in the trades. This scholarship reflects Alec's commitment to education and the skilled trades, honoring his passion for teaching and craftsmanship. Throughout his life, Alec cherished cats and dogs, enjoyed house and shop projects, and explored various countries, including a memorable journey on the Whyte Railroad in the Yukon and extensive travels across Canada in their motorhome.

How to apply

Atma Sandher Scholarship

The Columbia Valley Credit Union, Atma Sandher and his family have contributed to this fund to honor Atma’s long history of volunteer work in our community! Each year $400 is available to a graduating student from Golden Secondary School. 

How to apply

Aman Virk Memorial Scholarship

Greatly admired in the Columbia Valley, the Town of Golden’s Mayor, Aman Virk, passed away suddenly on March 26th, 2009, while visiting family in India - he was only 39 years old. A scholarship fund was started by family to help recognize his achievements and ensure that young people will always be able to share his passion for leadership and commitment to community. Each year, $2,000 is available to a graduating student of Golden Secondary School. 

How to apply

Credit Union Legacy Scholarships

For decades, credit unions have played a meaningful role in strengthening our community and supporting the local economy in Golden and the Columbia Valley. Building on that legacy, the Credit Union Legacy Fund was established by the former Columbia Valley Credit Union, which became Kootenay Savings Credit Union on January 1, 2026.

Each year, seven scholarships of $5,000 are available to local graduates pursuing post-secondary education, academic or vocational, full- or part-time, on campus or online. One award is reserved for a graduating student who identifies as Indigenous. Recipients are selected not only for their achievements but also for their potential to benefit from this support.

How to apply

David Braul Memorial Scholarship 

This fund was established by William and Stephanie Braul in 2005 to honour their late son David. Each year, a $400 scholarship is available to a student graduating Golden Secondary School with developmental disabilities. 

How to apply

Don Shuster Scholarship 

Donald Frank Shuster, a beloved adventurer and dedicated member of the Golden community, has left a lasting legacy through a generous estate contribution. Starting in 2025, this gift will fund trades and healthcare bursaries for Golden Secondary School graduates, empowering future generations to pursue their dreams. $5,000 will be available annually. From his work in the milling industry to his passion for the outdoors, Don’s life was one of service and adventure. His spirit will live on, inspiring and supporting the community he cared for so deeply.

How to apply

Future Contractor Scholarship 

Established in 2009 with funds raised through two spirited Contractors Golf Tournaments, the Contractors’ Trades Scholarship supports Golden Secondary School graduates pursuing a college-level trade program in the construction industry. There is currently $500 available annually.

By helping young people enter the building trades, this scholarship invests in the future of Golden’s skilled workforce while honoring the generosity and community spirit of the donors who started it.

How to apply

Golden Secondary School Legacy Scholarship

Established in 2003 by the Golden Secondary School graduating class with support from the Golden Youth Opportunities Council and the Golden & District Community Foundation, this scholarship recognizes academic excellence among graduating students. The inaugural class fundraised $2,500 and secured a matching grant from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, with additional support from the Columbia Basin Trust. Subsequent graduating classes of 2004, 2005, and 2006 have continued to contribute and successfully applied for matching grants, helping grow the fund.

Awarded annually to a Golden Secondary School graduate with a notable scholastic record, the scholarship currently provides $1,000, celebrating the dedication and achievement of local youth while fostering a tradition of community support and engagement.

How to apply

Henry M. Durand Bursary

Established in 2003 through the will of Henry M. Durand, a long-time Golden resident and philanthropist, this bursary supports graduating Golden Secondary School students pursuing post-secondary education. Mr. Durand, also the founder of the Durand Home for seniors adjoining the Golden Hospital, created this trust to provide lasting educational opportunities for local youth.

Administered by Golden Secondary School, the bursary is awarded each fall upon proof of registration and currently provides $1,932 annually. By helping students take the next step in their education, the Henry M. Durand Bursary continues his legacy of generosity and commitment to the Golden community.

How to apply

Jim & Maryann Dunnum Nursing Bursary

This bursary is a financial award designed to support students pursuing a career in medical sciences. This bursary is intended to assist individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the healthcare profession and will be enrolled in a medical science program following graudation. The award helps alleviate the financial burden of education, allowing recipients to focus on their studies and clinical training. By offering this $2,500 annual support, the bursary aims to encourage the next generation of compassionate and dedicated people in the healthcare field, ensuring they have the resources to succeed in their vital roles within the healthcare system.

How to apply

Major Family Arts Bursary

This bursary celebrates GSS students with a vibrant passion for the arts, whether in photography, music, fabric arts, visual arts, or beyond. This scholarship is designed to fuel the creative journeys of those who are driven by a love for artistic expression. While all applicants are considered, preference is given to those who exhibit a deep, unwavering dedication to their craft and meet any additional criteria set forth by GSS. By providing $2,000 annually, this bursary empowers students to explore and expand their artistic potential, helping them bring their creative visions to life.

How to apply

Tera Jubinville Memorial Trust Fund

Created in 2006 in memory of Tera Jubinville, this scholarship honors a remarkable young woman whose life touched the Golden community. Established by Tera’s family and friends, the scholarship is awarded to a full-time Golden Secondary School graduate who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in athletics, particularly in figure skating and soccer.

Administered by Golden Secondary School, the scholarship provides $600 annually, funded from the interest earned on the endowment. Through this award, Tera’s spirit of dedication, passion, and community involvement continues to inspire and support young athletes as they pursue their goals.

How to apply

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