BC Technology Industry Association Announces 2012 Scholarship Winners

VANCOUVER, BC, June 14, 2012 – Continuing its investment in the growth of BC’s technology industry by investing in people, the BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) presented a total of $12,000 in scholarship grants to four deserving secondary and post-secondary students from British Columbia. The scholarship awards were presented by BCTIA Board Member, Mr. Bill Sayles, Executive Vice-President and Chief Information Officer – Business Transformation – TELUS.

“Support for education is a critical ingredient for building a knowledge-based economy,” stated Bill Tam, President and CEO of the BCTIA. “BC technology companies are proud supporters of these scholarships and we look forward to the great innovation that these bright young people will create in their futures,” Tam added.

The BC Technology Scholarship program is designed to support accomplished young people in their pursuit of technology-related careers. Applicants must be enrolled in either business or science programs in a technology-related field and are selected on a basis of academic excellence and need.

Two grants valued at $5,000 each were awarded to the following post-secondary students:

Mr. Trevor Engh, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Having completed a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology and the Engineering Bridge program at Camosun College, Trevor is currently enrolled in his third year of an Engineering degree at the University of Victoria (UVic), specializing in Mechanical Engineering.

With two co-operative work terms left to go at UVic, Trevor is interested in gaining experience in the green energy and biomedical sectors.

Mr. Adam Grey, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Currently working on his Masters of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria, Adam has an interest in renewable energy and his research work currently involves study into energy systems analysis and optimization.

Adam is an accomplished inventor. During his undergraduate studies he developed and fabricated a novel bicycle power measurement device; and with student colleagues built a stabilized camera gimbal for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Two grants valued at $1,000 each were awarded to the following two BC high school students, who are seeking post-secondary studies in technology-related fields:

Mr. Brandy Au, Aldergrove Community Secondary School, Aldergrove, BC
Graduating with a bilingual Dogwood certificate, Brandy is an Honours student who is pursuing Computer Sciences at the BC Institute of Technology. Beginning in their diploma program, Brandy intends to continue onto the Bachelor of Technology Degree, with an emphasis in computer gaming.

Ms. Stephanie Cutler, Rossland Secondary School, Rossland, BC
An Honours student, Stephanie has been accepted into the Engineering program at the University of Victoria where she intends to complete a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Stephanie has chosen the biomedical field as it will allow her to pursuing her love for technology and design while using her knowledge of biological sciences to develop equipment to improve healthcare.

TELUS is proud to support the BCTIA Technology Scholarship Fund,” said Bill Sayles. “It’s a perfect example of our commitment to Give Where We Live, investing in the educational pursuits of BC students attending BC post-secondary schools who will become the future BC-based knowledge workers in our industry.

The BCTIA launched the Technology Scholarship Fund at its 2005 Technology Impact Awards dinner, seeding the fund with a donation of $10,000. Through the generosity of the industry has helped to grow the fund to over $250,000.00.