Literacy BC provides direct financial assistance to part-time adult learners through the PACE Bursary.

“I am working part time just making enough to pay for my rent, and hardly have any money left for the high cost of post-secondary education. I want to do something worthwhile with my life, therefore continuing with my education after high school is a must. I owe it to myself for the best and to accomplish all that I can. I will be forever grateful for assistance.”

More learner stories

The bursary supports learners who are pursuing educational upgrades at a registered public or private institution, but who are not eligible for financial support from student loans or other government student assistance programs.

You could be taking post-secondary course work or continuing studies courses; you might be training to be dental hygienists, internet support workers or educational assistants.

Don't let financial barriers prevent you from succeeding. Literacy BC's PACE Bursary enables learners to fund tuition costs as well as transport, childcare, and books in order to continue and complete your studies.

The value of a PACE Bursary can be up to $700. The deadline for receipt of applications is September 30 each year. Awards are determined and distributed by December 31.

Who can apply

How to apply

Application form

Donate to Literacy BC: Help us keep the PACE Bursary going

Who Can Apply

• BC residents aged 19 or older

• attending a registered public or private post-secondary educational institution

• registered in fewer than three courses or attending school less than 18 hours per week

• not eligible for student loans or the ABE Student Assistance Program

• demonstrable financial need

• Note: bursaries are not awarded in advance

How To Apply

• Download the application form (pdf or Word document). Print it out and complete all sections.
  Be sure to include your Social Insurance Number (SIN). To comply with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency rules we must have your Social Insurance Number.

• Attach photocopies of all receipts for pre-paid course related expenses, tuition and other course related receipts, such as books, daycare and transportation. Bursaries are not awarded in advance.

• Attach a brief letter that outlines your personal financial needs, your employment situation and why your application should be considered

• Submit all material by September 30 to:

PACE Bursary Committee
c/o Literacy BC
601 - 510 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1L8

Incomplete applications will not be processed. Copies of receipts must accompany the application.

Awards are granted and distributed by December 31 of each year. Applicants will not be notified of the status of their application before that date.

Awards will not exceed $700.

What people say

“I am a single mother of two and have been working graveyard shifts with small pay. I have decided to pursue my career further, which will benefit my family. I want to take the Certified Education Assistant course that will allow me to find work during hours similar to my children. Being able to put my own children to sleep, feeding them dinner and discussing their day at the dinner table (would be) rewarding.”

“I am trying to further my education to help me stay away from the streets.”

“I have young children and would like to get out of the ‘low income circle’ of being able to only afford the bare necessities. I have decided to return to school and attend the Dental Hygiene program.”

“I was unexpectedly laid off from my full-time job. Since then I have been on EI. I have applied for countless jobs that would support me as a student, but have been unsuccessful at finding one that would allow me to continue my studies.”

“I am a 55 year old on disability. Having the support of the PACE bursary last year enabled me to take additional courses to complete my first program. With the skills I am continuing to acquire, I am going to apply to work at a community based internet provider.”

Application form

The application form is available in pdf or Word formats.