Laura Barreca
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Overview
BCITSA Supporting Student Success
The BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) is here to help you achieve your goals with a variety of awards and funds. Whether you’re seeking to finance a professional development opportunity, cover costs for a student competition, or be recognized for your dedication to the campus community, we have the resources to support you. Explore our Student Initiative Fund, Student Competition Fund, and several Annual Achievement Awards including the BCITSA Volunteer Award and Distinguished International Student Award. Discover how we can help you succeed. Your passion and commitment deserve to be celebrated!
$64,000
Awarded since 2010
7,000
Available each year
128
Awarded since 2010
14
Awards this year
Award
Student Initiative Fund
Every year, the BCITSA Student Initiative Fund (SIF) allocates funding for students to access professional development opportunities. Students can access funding for initiatives that align with their field of study and further their professional development. You must be currently enrolled as a student (full-time or part-time) and can access funding for one initiative, once per academic year. Funding is provided as reimbursement, and SIF will cover 75% of the total cost, up to a maximum of $500.
- You must be enrolled as a BCIT student in the current academic term (full-time or part-time).
- Funding can only be used for registration costs (not for travel, hotels, etc.).
- Funding is only available for initiatives that relate to your field of study at BCIT and support your professional development.
Examples of professional development initiatives include, but are not limited to:
- Industry conferences, webinars, and events (in person and virtual)
- Professional networking events
- Industry-related training and learning resources (e.g., non-credit courses from online learning platforms, or or access to other platforms for practice with coding or other relevant topics)
- Initiatives pertaining to communication skills, time management, studying tools, effective teamwork, leadership, etc.
Funding is not available for the following requests:
- Competitions, co-ops, or internships
- LinkedIn subscriptions
- Professional memberships, associations, or club fees
- Certifications or accreditations (course/exam fees), including First Aid
- Personal development initiatives (hobbies) or anything unrelated to your field of study
- Textbooks or course materials
- Courses for credit; courses offered by BCIT or other post-secondary institutions (credit or non-credit)
These examples are not exhaustive. All decisions are made at the discretion of the committee.
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Submit your application (including your signed FOI form) by 4 PM on the deadline for your chosen intake.
*If you submit your application late, it will be processed in the following intake. - All applications are reviewed by a committee, which meets the week after the application deadline.
- If your request meets the criteria, the committee will approve it, and you will be notified by email. (If your application is not approved, you will also be notified by email, and you may re-apply if you choose.) You will receive these emails 10-12 days after the application deadline.
- Once you receive notice that your initiative has been approved, you will be prompted to submit documents to us, including your T4A (tax document), bank details/void cheque for direct deposit, and receipt showing your proof of payment. You will have two weeks to submit these documents.
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At the end of this two-week window, we will begin to process your documents and you will be reimbursed via direct deposit. This reimbursement will be for 75% of the total amount shown on your receipt, up to a maximum of $500.
* Please note that if you are late submitting your documents, your payment will not be processed until the following SIF intake, which means your reimbursement will be delayed by 2+ months. - If you are late submitting your documents by 8 weeks or more, we will consider your application to be expired and we will be unable to issue payment.
Apply Today
March 2, 2026 @ 4PM
Mark Your Calendar
April 13, 2026 @ 4PM
Mark Your Calendar
May 18, 2026 @ 4PM
award
BCIT Student Competition Fund
The BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) allocates funds on behalf of BCIT to support student clubs with their participation in competitions. The maximum funding request is $5,000, or 75% of the competition costs (whichever is less). A maximum of 20 students can be funded per club, and a maximum of $250 can be funded per participating student. Funding is available for student clubs that aren’t from the School of Business.* BCIT provides the funding, and a committee allocates it. Decisions are made based on the availability of funds, and if the clubs meet the criteria. Clubs can only apply once per academic year. Please note, at this time, funding is quite limited, and all requests may not be able to be accommodated.
Funding is to be used for competition costs such as travel expenses and accommodation costs. As a BCIT student, you MUST be:
- Enrolled as a part-time or full-time student
- Attending the competition within your attending year(s)
- Maximum $250 per participating student
- Maximum 20 students funded per clubFunds are only to assist in the costs of the flights and hotels and only up to 50% of those cost. The registration fees, materials, supplies, and meals are the direct responsibilities of the participating Clubs and student members.
Funding is NOT available for:
- Registration fees
- Costs incurred for hosting a competition
- Materials and supplies
- Meal expenses
- Competitions against only BCIT Students
- School of Business Students and/or competitions*
*Funding is available for School of Business students/clubs through their school directly. Contact your Program Head or Associate Dean for more information.
Complete the online application form
- If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Club Program Coordinator through email clubs@bcitsa.ca.
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If you are applying as an individual or non-club team, each person must fill out the application individually.
- If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Club Program Coordinator through email clubs@bcitsa.ca.
- If you are applying as an individual or non-club team, each person must fill out the application individually.
Apply Today
March 2, 2026 @ 4PM
Mark Your Calendar
April 13, 2026 @ 4PM
Mark Your Calendar
May 18, 2026 @ 4PM
Awards
BCITSA Annual Achievement Awards
The BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) is proud to offer several annual achievement awards, recognizing students who have made significant contributions to the BCIT community. These awards celebrate a range of achievements, from dedicated volunteerism with the BCITSA and exceptional leadership as a Set Representative, to impactful contributions that create a positive, lasting effect on student life. The awards also honor international students who have worked to foster a more connected and supportive community. Through these awards, the BCITSA and its partners, including the family of former BCITSA President Laurie Jack, aim to acknowledge and reward the outstanding efforts of students who go above and beyond to improve the campus experience for everyone.
BCITSA Volunteer Award
Application Deadline
April 20, 2026 @ 4PM
The BCITSA Volunteer Award celebrates students who have shown exceptional dedication by volunteering their time and energy to support Student Association services, events, and initiatives. Through their efforts, these students help build a vibrant, inclusive, and engaged campus community Each academic year, two students will be awarded $500 in recognition of their contributions.
Application Requirements
Your application consists of:
- Online Application Form
- Personal Statement (approximately 1 page) explaining how you meet the specific award criteria and why you deserve the award
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Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a fellow BCIT student
- One from a staff or faculty member (from BCITSA or BCIT)
Steps to Apply
- Review the eligibility criteria for each award.
- Write your Personal Statement (approximately 1 page).
- Identify one student and one faculty/staff member to write letters of recommendation nominating you for the award. These two people must submit their letters of recommendation directly through our online nomination form.
- Complete the Online Application Form, where you will upload your Personal Statement. Your Application Form and both letters of recommendation must be received before the deadline stated on our website.
Approval Process
You’re eligible if:
- You are a current student (full-time or part-time) who volunteered with the BCITSA in the current academic year (September – May).
A great candidate will have:
- Gone above and beyond as a volunteer, showing consistent commitment to supporting the BCITSA’s mission.
- Helped to enhance student life by supporting BCITSA programs and services, and/or spreading awareness of BCITSA offerings.
Laurie Jack Award
Deadline to Apply
April 20, 2026 @ 4PM
Laurie Jack was a BCIT student and the President of the BCITSA from 1971–1972. He tragically died in a plane crash in 1975. His parents and the BCITSA together sponsor two annual awards of $500 in his honour. These awards are given to two students in their graduating year who have made outstanding contributions to BCIT, creating a lasting, positive impact on student life.
Application Requirements
Your application consists of:
- Online Application Form
- Personal Statement (approximately 1 page) explaining how you meet the specific award criteria and why you deserve the award
-
Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a fellow BCIT student
- One from a staff or faculty member (from BCITSA or BCIT)
Steps to Apply
- Review the eligibility criteria for each award.
- Write your Personal Statement (approximately 1 page).
- Identify one student and one faculty/staff member to write letters of recommendation nominating you for the award. These two people must submit their letters of recommendation directly through our online nomination form.
- Complete the Online Application Form, where you will upload your Personal Statement. Your Application Form and both letters of recommendation must be received before the deadline stated on our website.
Approval Process
You’re eligible if:
- You are a full-time student graduating from a Technology or Trade program (June Convocation).
A great candidate will have:
- Made notable contributions to enhancing student life, both in their program and beyond. Contributions may be in advocacy, student government, clubs, campus life, leadership, intramurals, or other areas.
Distinguished Set Rep Award
Deadline to Apply
April 20, 2026 @ 4PM
Set Reps are eligible to apply for the Distinguished Set Rep Award. This award recognizes Set Reps who have gone above and beyond in supporting their peers and who consistently take initiative to foster the growth and success of their set. Seven $500 awards will be distributed to outstanding Set Reps—one from each BCIT School, one from the Downtown campus, and one from the specialty campuses.
Application Requirements
Your application consists of:
- Online Application Form
- Personal Statement (approximately 1 page) explaining how you meet the specific award criteria and why you deserve the award
-
Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a fellow BCIT student
- One from a staff or faculty member (from BCITSA or BCIT)
Steps to Apply
- Review the eligibility criteria for each award.
- Write your Personal Statement (approximately 1 page).
- Identify one student and one faculty/staff member to write letters of recommendation nominating you for the award. These two people must submit their letters of recommendation directly through our online nomination form.
- Complete the Online Application Form, where you will upload your Personal Statement. Your Application Form and both letters of recommendation must be received before the deadline stated on our website.
Approval Process
You’re eligible if:
- You are a Set Rep and current student (full-time or part-time) in good academic standing.
A great candidate will have:
- Regularly attended and actively participated in most Set Rep meetings.
- Effectively communicated meeting information to their Set.
- Been actively involved in school activities, such as volunteering or Clubs.
Distinguished International Student Award
Deadline to Apply
April 20, 2026 @ 4PM
The Distinguished International Student Award recognizes international students who have made a meaningful contribution to enhancing student life for their fellow international students. The award aims to encourage connection and mutual support among international students. At the end of each academic year, two students will be awarded $500 each for their efforts in this area.
BCITSA, as a registered charity, can accept donations (either cash or gifts-in-kind) from individuals and/or companies. We are always looking for prizing and giveaways at our events. Additionally, the BCITSA works on several initiatives each year that help us invest in our students.
BCITSA Donations Policy governs the solicitation, acceptance and stewardship of all donations to BCITSA and BCITSA Student Clubs. Its purpose is to ensure that all facets of BCITSA remain compliant with the Income Tax Act and Revenue Canada-established practices and standards.
Career Prep
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