KELOWNA, B.C.–Some 456 students here have received a happy email, as it informs them they have been awarded $1,000 each—for a total of $456,000—as part of the “Million Dollar Bursary Program” offered by Beem Credit Union.

“It’s one of the ways we show our commitment to education, financial literacy, and helping our members build strong, confident futures,” CEO Brian Harris told the Similkameen Spotlight. 

The program, now in its 11th year, has handed out over $5 million to more than 5,000 students since launching in 2014, according to the report. 

‘More than Books’

“Education is more than books and classrooms. It’s about supporting people on every journey,” Harris told the Spotlight. “This program is about showing young people we believe in them. Whether they’re starting post-secondary or learning to manage their finances, we’re here to support them.”

The Similkameen Spotlight reported that for the first time this year, students from BlueShore Financial were also eligible to apply. Beem and BlueShore merged on January 1, creating one of the largest provincially regulated credit unions in B.C. More than 50 BlueShore students were among this year’s bursary recipients, according to the credit union.

Interior Savings and Gulf and Fraser Credit Union merged to form Beem in 2023.

The program was open to Beem members aged 17 to 24.