Ryan Beedie, through his foundation, Beedie Luminaries, is awarding $6.9 million in scholarships worth up to $44,000 each to 116 Grade 12 students, 10 refugee and immigrant students and 20 single parents in B.C. For the first time, the foundation is also awarding 10 Graduate Studies Awards of up to $50,000 to previous Beedie Luminaries scholarship recipients who have finished their undergraduate degrees and are now pursuing graduate or second-entry undergraduate studies.

"This year we have the special honour of not only welcoming a new cohort of promising, hard-working students to the Beedie Luminaries program, including the first cohort of RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Student Education) Awards, but also celebrating Beedie Luminaries from the inaugural cohort of 2019 as they graduate from their post-secondary programs," says Ryan Beedie. "It has been inspiring to see the success that this talented and determined group of young people has achieved over the past four years. I can't wait to see what they will accomplish as they move forward to the next chapter of their lives."

The Beedie Luminaries Grade 12 scholarship program provides students who demonstrate strong academic potential and determination, but face financial barriers to attending post-secondary, with up to $44,000 each over four years as well as access to mentors, student coaches, paid internships and ongoing support from the Beedie Luminaries community.

This year's Grade 12 recipients come from 67 high schools in 29 communities, with 41 per cent being the first in their immediate family to pursue post-secondary education and 60 per cent coming from single-parent or legal guardian families. In addition to university, a number of students will use the funds to attend trade school and vocational training.

"Receiving this scholarship from Beedie Luminaires is life changing for me and my studies," says Grace Cline, a Beedie Luminaries Grade 12 scholarship recipient from Castlegar. "My family and I are so thankful for this scholarship and highly recommend the Beedie Luminaries program to any Grade 12 student looking to pursue great things in life". 

With its first cohort of scholarship recipients graduating this spring, Beedie Luminaries wanted to continue providing support for students whose areas of study – like medicine or law – require advanced degrees. The Graduate Studies Award provides up to $50,000 over two years to existing Beedie Luminaries scholarship recipients to pursue a master's degree or second-entry undergraduate program as well as continued support from student coaches, mentors and the wider Beedie Luminaries community.

"We believe in reducing financial barriers to post-secondary education – both at the undergraduate and graduate level," says Ryan Beedie. "That is why, as our first cohort finishes their bachelor's degrees, we want to continue providing support for Beedie Luminaries students who plan to pursue advanced degrees and who have been outstanding ambassadors of our program."

Beedie Luminaries, through their SPARK (Single Parent Award for Resilience and Knowledge) and RISE (Refugee & Immigrant Student Education) programs, also provides scholarships to single parents and refugees, respectively, who want to pursue further education in B.C. In 2023, these two programs will grant 30 scholarships also worth up to $44,000 each.

Originally launched on November 13, 2018 with a $50-million donation from Ryan Beedie that coincided with his 50th birthday, Beedie Luminaries has awarded 625 scholarships to B.C. Grade 12, single parent, refugee and graduate students to date.

Six Grade 12 students from Richmond were awarded a Beedie Luminaries scholarship of up to $44,000. 

- Ali Saffari, The University of British Columbia

- Amna Siddiqui, The University of British Columbia

- Layla Ayyash, British Columbia Institute of Technology 

- Maureen Joy Mendania, Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Richmond  

- Nathan Rajkumar, The University of British Columbia

- Stephanie Kent, The University of British Columbia

"Receiving a Beedie Luminaries scholarship has had a significant impact on my life. It has enabled me to dedicate myself fully to my studies in biomedical engineering without the need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. I encourage other students to consider applying for a Beedie Luminaries scholarship as it can your change life and allow you to advance your education and pursue your dreams." - Nathan Rajkumar, Richmond. 

"This scholarship from Beedie Luminaries not only alleviates the financial burden associated with post-secondary education, but also offers support that enables me to pursue my dreams without limitations. I encourage other students to consider applying for a Beedie Luminaries scholarship. It is a life-changing experience that fosters a community of mentorship and inspiration, empowering individuals to reach their full potential." - Ali Saffari, Richmond Secondary 

"To me, the Beedie Luminaries scholarship isn't just money, it's opportunity. It's the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and network to build a support group while allowing students to work towards their goals, fulfil their dreams, and build their future." - Amna Siddiqui, Richmond

Students who are interested in applying to be part of next year's cohort are encouraged to follow Beedie Luminaries on social media or visit beedieluminaries.ca. The application period for the 2024 cohort will open in fall 2023.