Stories & News

During the 2020 holiday season, our incredible community rallied once again to support BCIT students in need by raising over $160,000 towards the Student Emergency Response Fund, a fund designed to help students facing immediate and unexpected financial challenges as they navigate their future.

This incredible achievement by our generous donors, alumni, staff, and faculty has given students the hope and inspiration they need to continue their studies, providing a fresh start to the new year for so many.

With a lead gift from the BCIT Student Association, a non-profit organization focused on student service and advocacy at BCIT, more than 140 donors were inspired to contribute to this effort. Their donations will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on students in need.

“Your generous contributions provide BCIT students with the help they need so they can continue their studies, even while facing the unexpected financial hardships brought on by COVID-19,” says Jackie Jacob, Executive Director, BCIT Foundation. “Access to education has never been more important. Thank you to our valued donors for supporting our students.”

Thank you for believing in the power of education, and supporting our students in becoming the leaders and makers of tomorrow.

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Thanks to Ford and its donation of six 2020 vehicles worth more than $270,000, British Columbia Institute of Technology Automotive students will be able to develop their skills on the most up-to-date powertrain and drivers-assist technologies.

BCIT and Ford have been partners since 2002, with the launch of the Ford ASSET Program, a current option of the Automotive Service Technician and Operations diploma program. Since then, 140+ Ford Dealer Technicians have completed their apprenticeship training at BCIT. Through the partnership, Ford has donated more than 31 vehicles—including the newest six—to the Institute. The most recently donated vehicles include a Lincoln Aviator, Ford Escape SEL, Ford F-150 Raptor, Ford F-150, Ford F-250, and Ford Ranger.

Thank you, Ford, for your continued partnership and generous commitment to giving our Automotive students the most current training possible.

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Thank you, Transoft Solutions Inc., for your generous donation of $1M in software to the Civil Engineering program at BCIT and for your ongoing commitment to student success.

Milton Carrasco, President and CEO of Transoft Solutions Inc. and winner of the 2020 BIV BC CEO Award, is passionate about philanthropy. He says the collaborative vision behind his company’s philanthropic partnership with BCIT goes back to a time when he himself was the recipient of charitable funding.

“When I was a refugee in the UK, I received a grant from the government that allowed me to finish my university degree,” explains Milton. “During the early years of Transoft, I made it a commitment that if ever I was to build a successful company, I would like to give back to society in general, but specifically to focus on areas like education. Having received similar help in my early days was a key part of that desire.”

Meanwhile, BCIT alumnus Nelson Huang recently achieved a unique career milestone: returning to his alma mater to give a guest lecture to a class in which he once sat himself.

Now a Civil Technologist at Transoft, Nelson says access to industry standard and cutting-edge software at BCIT as a student—thanks to the generosity of donors like Transoft—set him up to hit the ground running when he graduated.

Transoft’s donation provides students with access to technology and gives them the opportunity to become familiar with civil engineering, further enhancing learning outcomes.

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Thank you to Dieseltech Truck Repair & Fleet Maintenance for their generous gift of a 2011 IHC Lonestar Sleeper Tandem ISX 18-Speed Semi to be used at the BCIT Motive Power Centre of Excellence campus on Annacis Island as a critical training aid for our students, giving them access to the tools they need to become the leaders and makers of tomorrow.

Dieseltech also provides financial support to programs at our Motive Power campus, including significant cash contributions. They are proud to hire our graduates and continue to provide guidance by volunteering their industry expertise through membership on our Program Advisory Committee. The great success of our programs is made possible by the ongoing support of industry partners and donors like Dieseltech.

“This semi-truck is truly a fantastic addition to our fleet and is integral to the success of students progressing through the truck transport apprenticeship,” says Steve Perry, Associate Dean, Motive Power.

Dieseltech was founded by BCIT Commercial Transport ELTT alumnus Brad Halco in 2008.

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Thanks to the generosity of digital health pioneer Ayogo, BCIT Nursing students have access to three new, inspirational awards.

David Thomas Memorial Bursary: David Thomas, a long-time “Ayogi” who lived with a severe form of degenerative Muscular Dystrophy, was an example of the strength, courage, and agility it takes to overcome challenges and inspire others. This award, established in David’s memory, will provide financial assistance for a Nursing student.

Jillion Diespecker Scholarship Award: A trailblazing nurse and entrepreneur, Jillion dedicated her life to creating a better world through creativity, service to others, and hard work. This award was established for a Nursing student who has demonstrated an interest in Nephrology.

Ayogo Graduating Achievement Award for the Bachelor of Science in Nephrology: As healthcare professionals, nurses are often the first to make frontline sacrifices, putting the needs of others ahead of themselves. This award was established to recognize academic and community achievement for a student with an interest in applied technology within health care and/or community involvement such as volunteering.

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Congratulations and thank you to Concert Properties, and their industry partners, for raising $100,000 in support of BCIT Trades Discovery students in need this year.

It is because of the generosity of donors like Concert Properties that our students have the confidence to pursue their dream careers in skilled trades at BCIT. Graduates go on to become fully qualified electricians, trade certified plumbers, metal fabricators, refrigeration technicians, heavy equipment mechanics, security alarm installers, ironworkers, and more.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced this year, we are reminded that when we come together, there is no obstacle we can’t overcome.

Watch the video:

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The 2020-21 school year may look different, but that hasn’t stopped our students from pursuing their dreams.

As we celebrate National Online Learning Day, we recognize Scotiabank for their unwavering vision of continued student success. Their generous donation of $500,000 toward the INSPIRE Campaign supports interdisciplinary and tech-focused education in Business, Computing, Financial Fraud, and Cyber Security at BCIT, as well as educational technologies allowing learners to work on real-world technology at the new Tech Collider Learning Centre at the British Columbia Institute of Technology Downtown Campus.

The ability to learn online – anywhere, anytime – is an education revolution for students of all ages.

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British Columbia Institute of Technology is grateful for donors like Wesgroup Equipment for their ongoing support of BCIT students.

The inaugural Wesgroup Annual Student Award, held virtually this year, recognizes a deserving Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation student and included a Snap On toolset valued at over $1000. Wesgroup’s generous donation provides a BCIT student with the “tools” they need to be successful in their career. Congrats to our 2020 award recipient, Ikkamdeep, and two finalists, Kevin and Raman.

This event was made possible thanks to BCIT’s Motive Power Campus team and Wesgroup Equipment. Through Wesgroup’s philanthropic leadership, learners have access to a BCIT education, and BCIT in turn has the crucial training tools required to deliver the world class education that we are known for.

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British Columbia Institute of Technology wishes to recognize and thank TB Vets Charitable Foundation for their generous contribution in support of Critical Respiratory Care for the BCIT School of Health Sciences.

Their gift has allowed for the purchase of the Juno Patient Simulate Manikin with Wound Care Kit, which will give BCIT students the experience they need to save lives while contributing to the delivery of healthcare in their communities. And to quote Vincent Van Gogh, “To save a life is a real and beautiful thing.”

TB Vets has been supporting the frontlines of respiratory care in BC since 1946.

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