Every year, it becomes more difficult for students and their families to afford the ever-rising cost of a post-secondary education. The Community Foundation is helping to ease that financial burden through its annual bursary program.

In 2023, twenty-four students from across the South Okanagan Similkameen received awards totaling $49,690 through the program. Four of those students were beneficiaries of the legacy of a performing arts pioneer in Penticton.  

The Sharon Amos Legacy Fund for the Arts was created in 2010 to support students pursuing a performing arts education. The endowment fund recognizes Sharon’s many contributions to the arts in Penticton. Maya Halverson, Samuel Kliever, Emily Nguyen and Ellia Schutz each received an award through the fund in 2023.

Emily’s award will help pay for her dance studies in Vancouver. “Ever since I started dancing at the age of three, it has been my dream to dance professionally in a big city,” says Emily. “This award brings me closer to realizing that dream and will ease the financial burden of my education for my family and me. I am incredibly grateful that there are people in our community who are willing to support young people’s dreams and goals in this way.” 

The Sharon Amos Legacy Fund for the Arts is just one of eleven bursary funds awarded annually through the Community Foundation. You can learn more about the program here. The Community Foundation also manages a number of bursary and scholarship funds that offer awards through other institutions and organizations.