TCF Refugee Awards

There are now four TCF Refugee Awards, each valued at $3,000. In order to apply for one of these awards, the student only needs to fill out one application. 

1) The Nicholas Collins Founders Refugee Award

Nick Collins was an active member of the EAL community for over 40 years. He taught at VSB, VCC, and 30 years at Capilano University. Nick was president of BC TEAL (1981-1985) and TESL Canada and chaired BC TEAL and TESOL International Conferences. Nick is a BC TEAL Honourary Lifetime Contributor and a founding member of the TEAL Charitable Foundation. (Source: https://bcteal.org/nick_collins.php) He originally established this award in 2019 with a $125,000 contribution.

2) The Taiga Galli Memorial Refugee Award

This award was established by Michael Galli, frequent contributor and TEAL Charitable Foundation past president, in memory of his first son, Taiga. For more information on Michael Galli, please click here: https://bcteal.org/michael_galli.php

3) The TCF Refugee Award

This award was established and endowed by the TEAL Charitable Foundation itself in response to a perceived need for more support for refugees.

4) The Dr. William McMichael TCF Refugee Award

The TCF’s newest award was spearheaded in the summer of 2023 by Nicholas Collins (see above) in honour of his friend and colleague, Bill McMichael, who had a distinguished career as Coordinator of Language and Literacy Education Program at the UBC Ritsumeikan Academic Exchange Program and served on the UBC Senate for many years. Bill also served on the BC TEAL Board and TESL Canada Board. Bill is a TESL Canada Lifetime Member. (Source: https://bcteal.org/dr_bill_mcmichael.php)

Each of the TCF refugee awards is awarded to an applicant who meets the following criteria.

1. Entered Canada as a refugee

2. Completed Grade 12 at a secondary school in British Columbia OR has completed high school equivalency, for example the GED.

3. Studied English language [EL] in British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada. A transcript is required documenting successful completion of a minimum of one English language course.

   • Applicants who are secondary [high school] students are required to submit a mark transcript documenting completion of a minimum of one English language course in British Columbia or Canada.

   • Applicants who are not secondary students are required to submit documentation showing successful completion of a minimum of one English language course completed in British Columbia or Canada.

   • Please note that preference will be given to applicants who studied the English language [EL] in British Columbia.

4. Wishes to study in a vocational or academic program at a post-secondary institution in British Columbia

5. Has documented school and/or community volunteer service.

To do: 

1. Visit the following website: TCF Refugee Awards

2. Two Personal Essays:

   1. A written description of the applicant’s life before and after coming to Canada. The description must be approximately 500 words in length and double-spaced.

   2. A personal essay with the original copy signed by the applicant. The essay must be two pages in length, double-spaced and approximately 500 words in length. Applicants must address the following two questions in their essay:

      1. How will having a post-secondary education make a difference in the applicant’s life?

      2. What post-secondary program is the applicant planning to enter and what is the reason for choosing that specific program?

3. Two Letters of Reference:

   1. One from a teacher or instructor regarding the applicant’s academic performance

   2. One from an administrator, counselor, coach, sponsor, or coordinator regarding the applicant’s school or community volunteer service

4. Documented proof that the applicant entered Canada as a refugee and has permanent residency or Canadian citizenship.

5. Transcripts documenting a minimum of one English language course completed in British Columbia or Canada.                   

   1. Please note that preference will be given to applicants who studied English language [EL] in British Columbia.

6. A letter of acceptance from a post-secondary vocational or academic institution.

   1. Please note that preference will be given to applicants who are able to attach a letter of acceptance from a post-secondary vocational or academic program.

7. This is a self-directed scholarship. If you would like assistance with the application, please see Ms. Kullman or Ms. Arnold. 

Due: January 31st.