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Sylvia Helmer Scholarship Application

To recognize a student graduating from a BC Secondary School who has combined hard work with school and community involvement, and who wishes to further his/her training /education at a tertiary institution in BC. This student will have started their education in BC as a student with refugee status.

The Sylvia Helmer scholarship has been created to honour one of the long-time ELL educators in British Columbia. Before her retirement, Dr. Helmer dedicated more than 25 years to ELL pedagogy and research, working with both ELL learners and their teachers as mentor, advocate, blogger and scholar .  Sylvia’s contributions to language learning includes years as a highly respected consultant for the Vancouver School District, a UBC professor and an ardent supporter of BC TEAL, ESL PSA, and TESOL.  As well, Sylvia Helmer worked with Catherine Eddy to co-author Look at Me When I Talk to You.

To recognize a student graduating from a BC Secondary School who has combined hard work with school and community involvement, and who wishes to further her/his education/training at a tertiary institution in BC.  This student will have started their schooling in BC as a student with refugee status in Canada. 

All applicants must be members of BC TESOL currently working with English language learners in the public school system in British Columbia.

Amount of Scholarship $1000

Sylvia Helmer 2025 Application Form

 

Tenure

Any BC post secondary institution/training facility. 

Criteria

  • This student must have started their schooling in BC as a student with refugee status in Canada.
  • The student must be graduating from a BC high school and wishes to attend a tertiary institution to further her/his education or training for a specific type of employment;
  • The student should have school or community involvement or service to others; and,
  • The student must have ELL coursework at the secondary level.

Expectations

The recipient of this award is expected to commence her/his post-secondary education within one year of receiving the scholarship. The recipient must also provide the BCTESOL with: 

  • proof of secondary graduation, and
  • proof of acceptance to the chosen post-secondary institution.

Application Process:

Sylvia Helmer 2025 Application Form

  1. Complete the Application Form on pages 3 and 4. You may ask a school official to work with you to help you complete the required information.
  2. Obtain transcripts of your marks for Grades 8 to 11, including ESL Courses.
  3. Obtain a copy of your marks in Grade 12 so far. Your report cards would work well for this. Include ESL Courses, if taken.
  4. Write a personal essay [word process or type; two pages in length and double spaced. The essay should be about how going to a post-secondary program will help you to become a contributing citizen of Canada and BC. Sign and submit the original of your essay. Have one of your references sign it, also.
  5. Obtain three letters of reference regarding your academic and community performance. Get one or two of these from teachers, administrators or counsellors. Get the third letter from someone who can talk about your support of and service to others, such as a coach, sponsor or community program coordinator.
  6. Make two photocopies of everything you will be submitting – one original and one copy go to the BC TESOL and one copy is to keep for yourself.

Note:

  • Only applications that are complete and submitted on time will be considered.
  • Submit only the required documents. Do not submit additional information, photographs, etc.
  • Only successful candidates will be notified. No materials will be returned.

Mail completed application package to:

Deborah Gomes, CLE Scholarship Co-Chair
c/o Eric Hamber Secondary School
5025 Willow Street
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 3S1

Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Sylvia Helmer 2025 Application Form

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BC TESOL is a Provincial Specialist Association of the BC Teachers’ Federation.

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