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NorKam Secondary School
Scholarships/Bursaries
Guidelines and Information
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How Do I Apply for Scholarships and Awards?
STEP 1
Read this “Awards Information Booklet” --- Read ALL the details! This cannot be emphasized
enough. Most questions students have are covered in this booklet.
STEP 2
Highlight important things as you read them --- write questions in the margin to ask your counsellor.
STEP 3
If you haven’t already done so, access the “AMAS: Awards and Scholarships School District
#73 List of Scholarships and Awards” online at www.sd73.bc.ca/amas/.
STEP 4
Review the AMAS website. Highlight any awards that interest you.
STEP 5
Follow the instructions in this Awards Information Booklet. For NorKam specific awards you must
fill in the NorKam Awards Application Package. Be sure that there is not an additional application that
you need to complete (this will be stated) and submit it along with the NorKam Award Application
Package. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
STEP 6
From the additional information you obtain, decide if you want to apply for the award(s).
STEP 7
Prepare your application package. WATCH THE DEADLINES. Some are earlier than others.
STEP 8
If an “All Schools” or District award, follow directions for submission. Be sure to read the instructions
regarding where to submit your applications. Ensure you send your award application to the correct
place. If you are unsure, please confirm this information with your counsellor. If a NorKam award,
submit by deadline of April 16th, 2014.
THE DO'S
DO read the information carefully with a highlighter in hand. Note the awards you wish to get more
information on. Highlight any special details that you need to pay attention to (e.g. “based on
financial need”).
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DO get cracking on any of your awards that are due soon – the AMAS website is organized by DATE
and can be helpful when sorting this out.
DO put together a generic package that you can then edit for
individual awards. Use a computer and make sure your print outs are good quality.
DO be prepared for the fact that once you get more information
on an award you may realize you aren’t eligible. No need to get discouraged, this is part of the
process and there are many awards available.
DO ensure your application is neat, complete and visually attractive. Hard to read applications,
incomplete application or applications filled with errors are often dismissed immediately by
committees.
DO get your application in on time. There is no concept of the “I” for award applications. If it is
late, it will not be considered.
Do keep your original form in a clean, flat envelope. Do not fold it all up because it will most likely be
photocopied.
Do make sure that you have a complete photocopy of the original form so that you can do a rough
draft. NEVER attempt to do it all in one shot. You are bound to make a mistake. The universities and
colleges HATE getting scholarship forms covered with whiteout, erasures, and other glaring errors.
Do make sure that you are sending off your application at least
two weeks earlier than the deadline. Don't wait for the last minute!
Do read ALL of the instructions before you start writing your rough draft. Pay special attention to the
deadline date and whether or not you will require letters of recommendation.
Do get a parent, a mentor, or a trusted teacher to proofread your rough draft. Although they cannot
write your essays etc. for you,
they can give advice and check your spelling and grammar.
Do your final copy and have someone do a final proofread.
Do spend time packaging your final application form. Be sure you have all your letters of
recommendation, transcripts, and a fully completed application form ready to go in the envelope.
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Do keep a good photocopy of all completed forms. You might need them
for future reference.
Do keep a calendar of when you sent off an application AND when you expect to hear back from the
scholarship sponsor.
THE DONT'S
DON'T try to do it all on one weekend. Pace yourself.
DON'T dismiss yourself as a candidate for many awards because you don’t think you have a
chance. Surprisingly, many awards don’t get distributed because no one bothered to apply.
DON'T be overly modest with your application. This is where you need to celebrate yourself and
your accomplishments.
DON'T forget the many small things you have done. Those First Aid certificates, swimming badges,
years in Guides etc. all have a place on your resume of activities and experiences.
DON'T be put off by the application form. If it were easy to apply everyone would be doing it.
Scholarships should go to those who are willing to put some effort into applying for them.
DON'T ever lie on an application form. Aside from being fraudulent, this could lead to tones of
shame and the loss of a major scholarship.
DON'T trust important application forms to ordinary mail. You should always use priority post or a
courier.
DON'T talk yourself out of trying! Your chances of winning a scholarship improve if you have
quality and quantity working for you.
Quality means that your applications are neat and complete. Quantity means that you have applied for
as many scholarships as possible. Once you have done one scholarship application, you are set up to do
several. Why not make use of that skill and apply for many!
DON'T do award applications by halves. Commit time to doing a good job on the whole process.
Remember: you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
DON'T forget: paperwork is a fact of life. If you can master it early on, you will be ready to apply for
mortgages, medical school and even dog licenses. If you have been asked by your school to apply for a
scholarship and decide that you can't find the time to do the application, give it back to the scholarship
committee in time for him or her to find another candidate. Scholarship opportunities should never be
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wasted.
SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY INFORMATION

SCHOLARSHIP BOOKLETS - The school no longer prints booklets; students can print
out the School District #73 list of awards from the website (http://www.sd73.bc.ca/amas/).
Information does change on the website so you need to check it regularly.

APPLICATION FORMS - Many of the application forms are downloadable directly from
the website, while others are available in the NorKam Award Application Package.

APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES - Be sure you read the due date, some
state they must be received by a certain date (not postmarked). Canada Post estimates at least
five days for mail to arrive at the coast so allow at least a week for mail to arrive there.

LETTERS OF APPLICATION - Some applications will request a letter indicating your
reasons for applying for the scholarship, usually asking for information on career and personal
goals.

RESUMES - Similar to what you would provide if you were applying for a job. (Refer to the
sample on Page 7)

TRANSCRIPTS - Transcripts should be as current as possible. Ask in counselling for
copies. Please request copies a few days in advance of when you require them. If you are
applying for a number of scholarships, try to request them all at once.

REFERENCE LETTERS - Many scholarships will request letters from teachers,
principals, counsellors and people in the community. Be sure that you give people who are
writing letters and gathering information (i.e. predicted grades) enough time to compile the
information. Do not expect teachers or secretaries to gather information in a day or two, give
them at least a week, or you may not get the information you require. The letters can be used for
various applications and only need to be photocopied. Attach your Activity Record and/or
Resume to the Letter of Reference – Request Form (available in the counselling office or see
sample on page 16-18) as a means of providing the writer with as much information as possible.
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Give people a minimum of two weeks to write the letters. It is also proper etiquette to give
those people who have written a reference letter a thank you card. This can be done near the end
of the school year.

COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT - "Rack your brains" for all the
things you have done both inside and outside the school. Be sure to read carefully for the
number of years the applications request information. Most will be three to five years. "Activity
Record for Scholarship Application" on pages
6 – 8 of the NorKam Awards Application Package.

FINANCIAL NEED - Bursary awards will request information on how much money you
and your family earn. Some awards will have their own form to fill in, or you can use the
"Supplementary Information Form" (page 8) of the NorKam Award Application Package.

INTERVIEWS - Some of the local awards will require interviews if you are short - listed.
Remember you are competing against other students and need to impress. See your counsellor
for some pointers.

MARKS (What is The Minimum?) - The range varies with the award, with some
requiring close to an "A" average in your academic courses. Others will require less in the area
of marks, and some emphasis placed on citizenship and involvement. Awards that are exclusive
in some way (i.e. limited to sons or daughters of a particular organization) are sometimes less
competitive as the number of applicants are fewer.

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM OTHER SOURCES - Check the calendars of the
institutions to which you are applying. Make sure your parents are aware of any awards that
may be available through their work place or organizations to which they belong.

BURSARIES – Based primarily on financial need so long as you have a" C" to "C+"
average. Higher marks do not exclude you. If you are unsure if you should apply, apply any
way, the worst they can say is no. Application process is generally the same as for school
scholarships except a financial statement will always be required.
How To Develop your Resume
KEY POINTS:
1) Print on quality paper;
2) Make sure your resume is grammatically correct, e.g. spelling and punctuation.
3) Use either a cover page (letter) or a folder to present your Resume.
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FORMAT:
Always include:
A) What are your intentions for presenting your resume? (brief statement)
B) Academic Achievement
C) Areas of involvement - start with your strongest and try to include three areas. If you have little
involvement in a particular area, you may be better off not to include it.
D) Statement of your future goals. You should include some or all of the following:
a) Travel and Conferences
b) Work Experience
c) Interests
d) Career Plans
e) References (make sure you have permission)
• The length of your Resume should be no more than 2 pages.
SAMPLE RESUME
Allison L. Berg
123 Someplace Lane
Kamloops, B.C. V1S 1X5
(250) 579-4321
Academics:
(list all courses at the Grade 11 and 12 level)
Grade 11 - Final Marks:
English 11 89%
Math 11
88%
Grade 12
English 12
Math 12
Academic Achievements: (start with the most current achievements)
2002 Princpals List
2001 Top Math Student Grade 11
1999 Top Junior Home Economics Award
School Involvement: (a short introduction is acceptable)
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Current Marks
91%
88%
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My studies have always been important to me; however I believe that school is more than academics.
Therefore, I have made it a priority to participate in a variety of activities at NorKam Secondary
School.




2003
1999
2001
1999
Grad Executive
to present Students' Council Representative
School Representative on the District Healthy Schools Committee
- 2003 Member of the Canine Club
Community Involvement: (a short introduction is acceptable)
My involvement in community affairs has given me the opportunity
to learn new skills and to meet a variety of people while working towards the betterment of my
community.
 2003 Volunteered 15 hours at the Skate Canada Competition (November)
 2001 Canvassed five hours for the Canadian Cancer Society (Oct.)
 1999 - 2002 Volunteered as an usher at the Sagebrush Threatre
(3 hours/week, 20 weeks/year).
Involvement in Fine Arts: (start with the most current involvement)
2003 Lead flute player in Provincial Honour Band
2002 Participant in the District Honour Band
Involvement in Athletics: (start with the most current involvement)
2003 Captain of the Boys Soccer Team
2002 MVP at Salt Spring Invitational Soccer Tournament
Travel and Conferences: (start with the most current involvement)
2003 Encounters Canada participant. This week long seminar in Ottawa enabled me to learn about
Canada and discover a new sense of pride in our country.
Skills and Interests:
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Able to work well independently, as well as a team player.
• Good knowledge of computers and excellent typing skills
• I enjoy hiking and camping in the Kamloops area.
Work Experience: (start with the most current Work Experience)
 2000 - present Canadian Tire, Sales Representative Kamloops (North Shore), BC
 1999 Bob's Burgers (summer employment)Scotch Creek, BC
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Career Plans:
I plan to continue my education at Thompson Rivers University, by undertaking a Diploma program in
Computer Systems and Management.
My ultimate goal is to establish my own computer consulting business.
References: Include up to three references, which can include
personal and employment references. List the names, addresses and phone numbers of references.
Make sure you have permission first.
Mr. Bob Smith, Employer
2235 NorKam Road
Kamloops, BC V2B 8M9
579-1234
USEFUL PHRASES AND VOCABULARY
The use of the following phrases and words are very appropriate in creating your Resume.
Highlight Suggestions:
 Able to communicate and interact effectively with individuals of all levels.
 An experienced team player, bringing enthusiasm and energy into group efforts.
 Articulate and creative, offering innovative and practical solutions. Assertive, self - motivated,
goal - oriented, organized and efficient.
 Able to work with others toward a team goal.
 Able to direct and lead others to produce desired results.
 Able to work independently.
 Bring enthusiasm to team projects and encourage others to develop workable ideas.
 Cheerful personality.
 Dedicated and meticulous.
 Demonstrated effective leadership skills.
 Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
 Efficient and courteous.
 Enjoy working with people.
 Excellent communication skills.
 Highly imaginative with many innovative ideas.
 Honest, friendly, outstanding communication skills.
 Major strengths in planning, problem solving and communication.
 Self - motivated and assertive.
 Well - organized and efficient.
Experience Phrases:
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












Actively participated in <what>.
Chosen as the <what>.
Contributed to all aspects of <what>.
Demonstrated effective leadership and encouraged team concepts.
Demonstrated effective presentation skills.
Designed and prepared <what>.
Helped in preparation of <what>.
Instructed and trained <whom>.
Learned all aspects of <what>.
Maintained high standards of excellence.
Responsible for <what>.
Spearheaded <what> efforts.
Was instrumental in <what>.
Action Verbs:
Accomplished
Achieved
Aided
Classified
Co-authored
Coached
Communicated
Completed
Composed
Cooperated
Coordinated
Defied
Demonstrated
Designed
Developed
Devised
Directed
Drafted
Educated
Earned
Encouraged
Examined
Executed
Exercised
Explained
Facilitated
Handled
Helped
Illustrated
Influenced
Initiated
Instituted
Instructed
Integrated
Introduced
Launched
Led
Maintained
Managed
Mediated
Monitored
Negotiated
Operated
Organized
Participated
Performed
Placed
Planned
Played
Prepared
Promoted
Publicized
Received
Recognized
Recommended
Reconciled
Recruited
Referred
Represented
Revised
Scheduled
Selected
Served
Solved
Spoke
Supervised
Taught
Trained
Translated
Upgraded
Won
Wrote
Education Phrases:
 Earned a <what> grade point average while working part - time and being involved in campus
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



and community activities.
Enrolled in advanced courses in <what>.
Enrolled in summer programs in <what>.
Grade point average: <what> after <how many> semesters.
Maintained a <what> grade point average.
SAMPLE COVER LETTER: (Also see page 19 for a suggested template)
Allison L. Berg
123 Someplace Lane
Kamloops, B.C.V1S 1X5
(250) 579-4321
January 20th, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
Please consider my application for the ______________________
Award/Scholarship/Bursary.
I am in my graduation year at NorKam Secondary School and I am very much looking forward to
attending Thompson Rivers University in the Fall. My plan is to complete the two - year Theatre
Diploma Program at TRU before entering into a degree program in theatre or film at Simon Fraser
University or at the University of British Columbia. Following my university graduation, I am
determined to become a part of the film industry in British Columbia.
My marks throughout high school have been in the "A" to "B" range, and I have been on the Academic
and Effort Honour Rolls every term from grade eight to grade twelve.
Athletic involvement has been an important part of my life at NorKam Secondary School. I have been a
member of the volleyball team for four years. As well, I am a member of the basketball, golf and
wrestling teams. I have also participated in many community sports teams. I have been a part of the
Youth Bowling Council and the Minor Baseball League for nine years. This year I played minor
hockey, something I have wanted to do all my life. These endeavors have given me experience in
teamwork and practice in getting along with people who are working toward a common goal.
I have also been involved in a number of clubs. I was one of the founders of our school's Diversity
Team, a group established to stop the bullying and racism that occurs in our school and in the
community at large. I have taken the diversity training, which has taught me what I should do in any
uncomfortable situation. I have also helped to teach and demonstrate these techniques to students at the
Elementary School. I am also one of the ten graduating students chosen by my fellow classmates to be
on the Grad Executive Committee.
On this committee, my main responsibility is to organize the banquet following the Graduation
Ceremonies. I was also chosen by my peers to share the role of Class Valedictorian. In Grade 11, I
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served as 2nd
Vice - President of the Student Council, which has now evolved into the Leadership Class. In
Leadership, I have taken on such
responsibilities as organizing intramurals, school spirit weeks,
and school dances. One of the main focuses in Leadership Class this year is organizing the annual
YYYY, an event formerly put on by the community.
To help finance my education, I have been employed part - time at Canadian Tire as a Sales
Representative. I'm learning the inner
workings of the retail business and how to deal effectively with
customers. I have a hectic schedule with work and school, but I
enjoy all of my activities.
I have enclosed reference letters and my transcript of marks.
Thank you for considering me for these awards.
Yours truly,
Allison L. Berg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS:
What is a scholarship? Are they different from bursaries?
 A scholarship is an award of money given on the basis of merit. Merit means that
something is done well like academics, sports, or community service. A certain amount of fame
and recognition goes with every scholarship.
 Bursaries are a sum of money given out on the basis of financial need. There is no fame (or
blame for that matter) involved in a bursary.
How many scholarships are out there anyway?
 Would you believe thousands of scholarships are available; and each one is worth
thousands of dollars?
Who gives out all this money?
 Virtually every single college and university has some kind of scholarship available. Some
big universities like the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto have
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hundreds just for students entering their first year. In addition, banks, private foundations,
unions, employers, companies, embassies, and provincial and federal governments award
scholarships.
When should I start looking for scholarships?
 The personal "quest" for scholarships should start early in high school – even as early as
grade 10. Don't wait until your last year to start thinking about it if you don't have to.
 Well, there are no guarantees in life. Have a look at the application form. If you can
honestly fill in more than half of the entry space with good personal information then you
should consider sending off a proper application. Let the selection committee decide if you are
the right person. Some scholarships have gone for years with NO applicants!
Who can help me with all the paperwork and forms?
 See your high school counsellor. It is likely that the forms you need have been sent to the
Counselling Office or are in the NorKam Award Application Package especially if it is a
NorKam specific Award. Take the time to discuss your application with your counsellor. How
can I be sure I have a chance to win a scholarship?
Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
 Certainly! There is no central authority restricting scholarship applications. Apply to as
many as you can. You may find that you will win a varied "portfolio" of scholarships. There has
been individual students that have in the past accumulated $30,000 from a variety of sources.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Be sure you read the due date.
Do a rough copy of the application before you do the final copy.
Be sure that you give people who are writing letters enough time.
Make sure you read the application carefully and you have all the documentation you require.
Keep copies of all the forms you complete and reference letters. Build an organized file.
If you have questions, see your counsellor.
If you are a recipient of an award, you are expected to write a letter thanking the donor. If you
do not have an address, check with your counsellor. A simple thank you card is enough. The
gesture will help ensure that donors will continue to provide funds in the future.
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DATA SHEET FOR REFERENCE LETTERS
Name:_________________________________________ Student # ___________________________
Post Secondary Plans (be as specific as possible): ________________________________________
Date Submitted to Teacher:
_____________________________
Date Required:
_____________________________
Award/Scholarship being applied for: __________________________________________________
A good reference letter requires 2-4 hours to write. As a courtesy, give the person writing your letter at least
one week's notice. The accurateness and completeness of the information you supply has a direct bearing on
the final quality of the letter. Some general rules to follow are:
1.
Complete the academic side of this form first. Give Grade 12 level information first, and then work
backward to grade 11. Indicate awards, honours, contests (including placement), special courses, etc.,
that you have received or been involved in.
2.
Complete the activity record section (on the back of this page) next. Note leadership roles and the
depth of involvement and dates/duration of involvement. (Saying you did something for five years has
different significance if it took place between ages five and ten, rather than between twelve and
seventeen.) When applicable, give the duties/accomplishments/involvement which you played a direct
part in with respect to the activities of the club/group.
3.
There is a "brag" section for you at the end (other things you consider important and accomplishments which you are proud of). Don't
be afraid to use this section to blow your own horn! Remember the more complete your data sheet is, the better your letter of reference
will be!
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
GRADE 12 COURSES BEING TAKEN THIS YEAR (include marks for all terms if available)
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GRADE 11 COURSES TAKEN
ACADEMIC AWARDS RECEIVED (Awards, Honours, Contest, Special Courses, etc.) e.g. Honour Roll – Grade 8,9,10
SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
IN-SCHOOL ACTIVITY: Fine Arts, Athletics, Service Clubs etc.
Activity/Role
GRADES
# OF HOURS
Indicate role/duty:
INVOLVED
PER WEEK
IN
i.e.
8 – 12
12 hrs/week
Basketball Team – Manager – Grade 11 & 12
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#OF WEEKS
PER YEAR
20 weeks
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COMMUNITY ACTVIITES: FINE ARTS, ATHLETICS, SERVICE, CLUBS, ETC.
Activity/Role
GRADES
# OF HOURS
# OF WEEKS
(use above example format)
INVOLVED
PER WEEK
PER YEAR
IN
OTHERS THINGS I CONSIDER IMPORTANT OR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WHICH I AM
PROUD:
Please attach a separate sheet if needed.
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This template MAY be used in preparing a letter to accompany scholarship applications.
Organization Name
123 Street Address
City, Postal Code
Dear (members name):
FIRST PARAGRAPH (Use block format. Do not indent paragraphs. Left justify and double space
between single spaced paragraphs.
> Introduce yourself and briefly outline your educational and career goals. Be sure to identify your
intended program of study, the institution you plan to attend, and your anticipated start date. Also
indicate if you have been accepted into the program.
SECOND PARAGRAPH
> Briefly summarize your academic achievement (general achievement level, major awards, honour
roll etc.).
THIRD PARAGRAPH
> Briefly summarize your school involvement.
FOURTH PARAGRAPH
> Briefly summarize your community involvement.
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CLOSING PARAGRAPH
> Thank the committee for considering your application
> Any closing thoughts/remarks
Yours truly,
(Leave four spaces here to sign your name in ink)
Type full name here
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