ABBOTSFORD – New Democrat MLAs Pam Alexis, Dan Coulter, and Kelli Paddon say that graduate students at the University of the Fraser Valley will benefit from increased scholarship funding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and other in-demand careers as part of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan.

“Not only is it important to make post-secondary education as accessible as possible for students, but it’s also crucial so that we have a qualified and prepared workforce to help us thrive in an evolving world,” says Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford – Mission.

The University of the Fraser Valley is receiving $130,000 in funding for B.C. Graduate Scholarships in 2023-2024. 

“Supporting graduate students so that they can pursue in-demand careers in STEM is crucial for our growing economy,” says Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “I’m thrilled that this funding will help UFV bring more great minds to the Fraser Valley.”

“There shouldn’t be financial barriers for students to receive education,” says Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack – Kent. “When higher education is more accessible, more diverse groups of people can bring their fresh ideas forward and contribute to the field they’re passionate about, which benefits the whole community and enriches the entire province.”

This investment from the provincial government of nearly $15 million in graduate scholarships over three years will add $2,500 to each new graduate scholarship award and accelerate talent development, innovation, recruit and retain talent, and support graduate students in succeeding in British Columbia’s growing economy.

Earlier this spring, the B.C. government also invested $50 million into Mitacs to support 10,000 paid internships open to both undergraduate and graduate students over five years.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSFS0048-001319