Some of the financial pressure faced by prospective business students in B.C. can be reduced, thanks to David Black (below), owner of Black Press.
Graduating high school students in 37 of the province’s school districts intending to study business at the University of Victoria's Peter B. Gustavson School of Business can apply for a $5,000 scholarship.
The Black Press Business Scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, leadership and a demonstrated desire to make a positive difference in the world. Students must apply to the Gustavson School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce Program before Feb. 28 to be eligible.
Last year's recipients include Surrey's Elgin Park Secondary grad Taylor Walters and South Delta Secondary graduate Kris Jantsch.
Walters, who is from White Rock, will be starting first-year studies at the University of Victoria this September and will be studying business in the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business in the hopes of obtaining her Bachelor of Commerce.
"After receiving my degree, my goal is to write my LSATs, go to law school and finally earn my law degree," said Walters. "From there I would like to find a job as a lawyer mostly focusing on business-related law."
Outside of school-related activities, Walters is keen on sports and fitness, especially soccer, skiing and personal fitness. She also plays the piano and is an avid reader.
Jantsch grew up in Tsawwassen and graduated from South Delta Secondary's French Immersion program last June, receiving a double Dogwood Diploma. He too will be starting his first year at Gustavson.
Throughout his years in Tsawwassen, Jantsch played competitive soccer for the local club and the senior school team.
"I hope to continue with this sport at UVic at the intramural level," he said. "I am also looking forward to focusing my commerce degree in the field of international business. My goal is to have an international career in finance and banking."
The scholarship was established in 2008 by Black to give students from across the province access to a business education.
Black chose the Gustavson School of Business because of the innovative program format. Students spend their last two years of their degree fully immersed in the business school where they can specialize in entrepreneurship, service management, international business or management where they customize a program that suits their interests.
Every student takes at least two paid co-operative work terms, has the opportunity to participate in an international exchange, and learns about sustainable business practices.
Information about the Black Press scholarships is online at: www.gustavson.uvic.ca/blackpress.