Langley, B.C. – A new memorandum of understanding between Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) could benefit students in the university’s trades and environmental protection programs.
Upon approval of the TMEP, the MOU provides for a $300,000 contribution over 20 years in the form of student awards and partial operating funds for the university’s Environmental Protection Technical lab at the Langley campus.
“Our partnership with Trans Mountain will help us prepare students for successful careers in these sectors, and the sectors themselves will benefit from access to a well-trained labour force,” said Dr. Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor of KPU.
The TMEP contribution is a part of the company’s Community Benefits Program, which includes 16 other such agreements with local government in 18 communities along the pipeline corridor.
“Today’s agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maximizing local benefits,” said Ian Anderson, president of Kinder Morgan Canada. “We are proud to support education and training programs that promote academic interest in environmental protection, by providing more opportunities for students to choose to study at KPU in Surrey and Langley.”
TMEP’s support to KPU is conditional upon the approval by the National Energy Board of the pipeline expansion project. The NEB is expected to rule on the pipeline early next year.
The awards: $300,000 over 20 years
Trans Mountain Pipeline Endowed Award for Leadership – $100,000
• 5 x $1,000 available annually over 20 years.
• Student recipients must be in grade 12 and a participant of a KPU ACE-IT program in any delivery method and be a resident of the Lower Mainland living within 80 km of the proposed pipeline corridor.
• Faculty recommendation to identify top candidates based on leadership qualities such as: attendance & punctuality, preparedness, class and community participation.
• Preference given to students with financial need.
Trans Mountain Pipeline Dean’s List Award for Leadership - $100,000
• $5,000 awarded annually over 20 years – 1 scholarship of $2,500 and 1 bursary of $2,500.
• Students enrolled in a Foundation trades program at KPU and be a resident of the Lower Mainland living within 80 km of the proposed pipeline corridor.
• Faculty recommendation to identify top candidates based on leadership qualities such as: attendance & punctuality, preparedness, class and community participation.
Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Excellence in Environment Protection
• $3,000 awarded annually over 20 years - 1 scholarship of $1,500 and 1 bursary of $1,500.
• Students enrolled in the Environmental Protection Program at KPU and be a resident of the Lower Mainland living within 80 km of the proposed pipeline corridor.
• Faculty recommendations to identify top candidates based on leadership qualities such as: attendance & punctuality, preparedness, class and community participation.
Trans Mountain Pipeline Environmental Protection Lab
• $40,000 available, awarded annually in $2,000 increments.
• Funds available at the discretion of the program chair for perishable items required for operation of the Environmental; Protection Technical (EPT) Lab and for the exclusive use of students in their research and applied learning projects as required by the EPT program for successful completion.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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