The Bella Bella School Board Post-Secondary Student Support Program offers financial assistance to registered Heiltsuk Band members pursuing post-secondary education.
Students bear the responsibility of familiarizing themselves with the expectations associated with being a funded post-secondary student. The Student Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource where students can gain a thorough understanding of critical aspects, including key funding deadlines, documentation prerequisites for a comprehensive application, the appeals process, and various student categories.
For inquiries about the handbook, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section. Feel free to contact post-secondary funding for additional information and assistance.
Malcolm X
Fall/Winter Term Funding (September to April): The application period opens on April 1st and closes on June 30th.
Spring/Summer Term Funding (May to August): The application period opens on December 1st and closes on February 28th
Required Documentation for a complete application:
1. Updated application form (in full)
2. Copy of your acceptance letter from the college/university or training institute (first year only)
3. Copy of your registration of courses from the college/university or training institute
4. Copy of your last report card or official transcript (from the previous semester)
5. Two letters of reference from teachers, principals, employers, etc. (first-time applicants)
6. A written/typed summary of your educational goals or future career plans (one-page maximum)
Information release form:
By providing this authorization, it will grant permission to BBCSS to communicate with the Post-Secondary institution. NOTE: The sponsored student is required to submit an official transcript at the end of term.
Authorization for Post-Secondary Students Direct Deposit:
Ensure Direct Deposit form is submitted at least two weeks before the funding deposit date. If your direct deposit information is not provided, allowances will be issued by cheque and sent to the address listed within the application form.
Please reach out to post-secondary funding for further information.
Among the government's designated educational institutions in Canada, we exclusively sponsor public institutions categorized as Junior Colleges or Universities. For an exhaustive list of schools, please click here.
The best time to submit your application is as early as possible within the application intake period. Other required documentation can be sent as it becomes available. If you're unable to submit all documentation before the application deadline, please include the dates when you anticipate submitting them. For instance, if University X's student course registration begins in mid-August, specify that you will send your registration after this date.
Full-time students are expected to be enrolled in a total of 9 credits. The credit value per course is determined by the Post-Secondary institution. For instance, at University X, 1 course is equivalent to 3 credits, meaning that 3 courses would fulfill the requirement for 9 credits.
Maintenance refers to a living allowance that is deposited into your account on a monthly basis.
Following the funding deadline (June 30th for Fall/Winter and February 28th for Spring/Summer), the School Board will convene to review the applicants. The Post-Secondary Clerk will subsequently notify students of the Board's decision no later than July 15th or March 15th (or earlier).
The appeal process is detailed in the PS student handbook (Number 11). Initiate the process by submitting a written appeal letter to the Post-Secondary Specialist, accompanied by any supporting documentation explaining the validity of the appeal. The appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the decision. Within 10 working days of receiving the appeal letter, the committee will review and, if necessary, contact the student. Following the Board meeting, the board's decision will be conveyed to the student within two working days (or earlier).
Students can have their funds deposited into any bank they choose.
The allowances you qualify for will be deposited on the 25th of every month, if the 25th falls on the weekend or holiday it will be deposited on the Friday.
In the Fall/Winter term students can send in an unofficial transcript at the end of the first term (Sept-Dec). The unofficial transcripts need to be submitted by January 20th for continuous funding payments. At the end of the second term (Jan-April) students need to send an official transcript as soon as possible. Most Colleges and Universities allow students to pre-order transcripts to be sent when the final grades are submitted.
Inform the school board of your plans of transferring as soon as possible. Contact the institution that you would like to transfer to and arrange a meeting with one of their advisers. Check the BC transfer guide website to see which courses transfer from your institution to the new institution. Update the school board on how the process is going and ask for assistance if need be.
Notify the school board promptly about your intention to withdraw. Reach out to your institution and schedule a meeting with one of their advisers to discuss available options. Keep the school board informed about the progress and seek assistance if necessary. Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to cover course fees and other funding payments to the School Board
For access to funding for trades program, see Mid-Coast First Nations Training Society