Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Community Benefit Agreement that will see a $500,000 contribution over 20 years toward funding annual awards for students in Trades, Social Work and Applied Research programs, and the Environmental Science graduate program. The annual gift will increase the growing need for education in BC’s Interior.

As part of a Community Benefits Program, Trans Mountain has been pursuing agreements with local governments along the pipeline corridor. To date, Trans Mountain has signed 15 agreements in 12 communities, representing more than 85 per cent of the pipeline corridor, which will provide direct benefits to communities along the proposed route, if the expansion is approved and constructed. Today’s MOU with TRU is the first agreement with a post-secondary institution. Additional agreements with educational institutions along the pipeline corridor are being considered as Project planning continues. “TRU is pleased to continue its longstanding relationship with Kinder Morgan,” said Christopher Seguin, Thompson Rivers University Vice President Advancement. “For 21 years this company has provided bursaries to students in the area of science, engineering or technology. This agreement would expand that support to include students in trades, social work and applied research programs.”

“We believe today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada. “We are proud to support education and training programs that promote the academic interest in Trades, Environmental Stewardship, Social Work and Research, providing more opportunity for students to study in BC’s Interior.”

All agreements take effect with approval of the Expansion Project, which is in the midst of a National Energy Board review scheduled to conclude in October 2015, with approval decision in spring 2016. Upon initiating the award in 2016, Trans Mountain will receive naming rights to a classroom in the Trades and Technology Building.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

School of Trades: $200,000 in bursaries awarded over 20 years

  • $10,000 granted annually in amounts of $1,000 to $4,000, based on financial need and GPA
  • Full-time students enrolled in Foundation Trades in Instrumentation, Electrical , Heavy Duty Mechanic, Pipefitting and Welding
  • Preference given to student from Trans Mountain Pipeline communities

Faculty of Social Work: $100,000 in bursaries awarded over 20 years

  • $5,000 granted annually in amounts of $2,500 to two students in Human Services
  • Full-time students enrolled in TRU’s Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development, studying social work and human services
  • and Social Work
  • Preference given to a single-parent student, and/or from a rural community planning to return to work in a rural area post-graduation

Applied Research: $100,000 in bursaries awarded over 20 years

  • $5,000 granted annually in amounts of $2,500, based on financial need and GPA
  • Full-time undergrad students enrolled in TRU’s Faculty of Science, studying in the area of applied research in math, computers, physical science or engineering
  • Preference given to students with a focus in applied mathematics and from Trans Mountain Pipeline communities

Faculty of Science: $100,000 awarded over 20 years

  • $5,000 awarded annually based on financial need and GPA
  • Full-time graduate students enrolled in TRU’s Faculty of Science, specifically studying environmental science
  • Preference given to students with a focus in environmental reclamation and from Trans Mountain Pipeline communities