New scholarships for Tourism students

Tourism Powell River is providing a financial boost to local students studying at Malaspina University-College.

Two new $300 scholarships have been awarded to Nicola Diplock and Brittney Robinson, both residents of Powell River. Diplac just completed first year in the Hospitality Management program while Robinson completed first year in the Tourism and Recreation Management program.  Both students are studying at Malaspina's Nanaimo campus. 

“We’re pleased that two Powell River youth have qualified for these awards,” said Chris McNaughton, president of Tourism Powell River.  “We’re strongly encouraging our youth to work, live and learn in our region, and tourism is an industry that's leading in providing jobs for British Columbians. By encouraging youth to consider a career in the tourism and hospitality industries we are helping to build a skilled workforce.”

McNaughton said Tourism Powell River is in discussion with  Malaspina about offering a dual credit Tourism certificate program locally. “This would encourage students as early as grade 10 to consider tourism as a career choice,” he said.  

Arlette Raaen, campus principal for Malaspina, said support of industry is a tremendous boost to students and to campus activity.

“The tourism sector is an important and growing aspect of our region’s economic vitality,” she said. “Developing a skilled workforce will be most successful if education works along side with industry, to ensure that our programs are relevant. We really appreciate the support that students have been given in the form of bursaries, and the interest that the tourism sector is showing in post secondary education.”