COBSS Allocation Week

Photo: Contributed

Central Okanagan Public Schools develop lifelong learners who graduate with a wide range of dreams to further their education. This week, the generosity of donors and the work of the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society (COBSS) will begin to make hundreds of those dreams come true.

"Our goal as a district is to ensure that each learner graduates with dignity, purpose, and options for their future," says Superintendent of Schools and CEO Kevin Kaardal. "We've taught them to thrive in a rapidly changing world, and we are very grateful that so many citizens and organizations in the Central Okanagan are willing to support them as they transition to post-secondary education."

While young people are eager to take on new challenges, many local citizens and organizations recognize the increasing cost of post-secondary education. "The increasing costs of post-secondary training can deter promising students from seeking higher education," says COBSS vice-president Shandi Schwartz. "Our generous donors recognize both the achievements of learners and their variety of goals. Young people in the
Central Okanagan are so grateful for this support from their community."

Thanks to their work to grow community support, COBSS will distribute more than $500,000 this year. The number of bursaries available to students grew from seven in 1971 to 585 in 2019. Every year at this time, COBSS staff and donors review hundreds of student applications to allocate funds. COBBS will distribute the bursaries to deserving local students to help further their education the year following graduation.