2023 Claudette Savaria Bursary – Open for Applications
The Communities in Bloom Foundation is requesting applications for two bursaries.
The mission of the Communities in Bloom Foundation, a non-profit organization with registered charitable status, is to fund, develop and disseminate educational material on the value, importance, improvement and sustainable development of green spaces and the natural environment in our society.
Each year, the Foundation awards two bursaries to two students registered in a full-time post-secondary program pertaining to ornamental and/or environmental horticulture in an accredited institution and who are involved with their local Communities in Bloom committee, in the national or provincial editions. With the passing of our dear friend, Claudette Savaria, it was decided to name the Bursary in her honor. Claudette, horticulturalist by trade, promoted green spaces and the protection of the environment in municipalities in Canada and abroad, with the aim of improving the quality of life of citizens. Over the past 23 years, she played a leading role within the Communities in Bloom Canadian program. As a founding member, she helped set-up the program in 1995 with emphasis on judges training. She served as Board Director, Executive member and chaired the Judging, Symposium and Awards Ceremonies committees. She was also a founding member and President of the Quebec Association of Green Space Managers and the International Liveable Communities Program (LivCom).
Bursary:
- Two (2) bursaries of $500 will be awarded to the successful individuals for the 2023 / 2024 school year;
- The bursaries will be awarded by September 30, 2023
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be registered in, and successfully complete, a full-time post-secondary level pertaining to ornamental and/or environmental horticulture programs in an accredited institution;
- Applicant must be involved in a community participating in the Communities in Bloom program (national or provincial editions);
- Successful recipient must agree to have their name and education information publicized throughout the Communities in Bloom network and public (website, magazine, etc.).
Selection:
- Applicant must submit, by September 8th 2023
- Personal information (names, address, phone and e-mail)
- Education information (school, program)
- Letter (200 to 300 words) indicating the reason and interest in studies pertaining to ornamental and/or environmental horticulture. The letter will also include details of any volunteer work done in the community.
- Successful recipients will be determined by the Communities in Bloom Foundation based on the applications received.
- Applications must be sent by email to bloom@cib-cef.com
2022 Claudette Savaria Bursary recipients
This year’s first recipient is Sophia Collins: Sophia is a 4th year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, majoring in environmental sciences and minoring in Indigenous studies.Her involvement in the environmental field began in high school, when she volunteered to remove invasives species from local parks, helped conduct a research project on the best methods for increasingnative species presence, and volunteered with my schools recycling and environmental education programs. Sophia hopes to use her array of experiences and interdisciplinary education to contribute to the field of environmental horticulture by entering the field of urban environmental planning and helping to create cities that are greener and more equitable.
The second recipient is Vanessa Neame: Vanessa is part of the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) staff through the Junior Master Gardener Program. Over the past several years, Vanessa has had the unique opportunity to strengthen her leadership skills through school and community garden programs. In an effort to encourage youth from around the city to build strong connections in a world of instability, she most recently hosted a youth conference which allowed her to grow in my skills of event planning, sustainable culinary and youth leadership. In the future, Vanessa plans to found a ministry that will connect her skills, interests and passions as a Farm-to-Table in a peaceful retreat setting. Through what will be geared towards the vulnerable populations, this community outreach program will be the foundation of next generation impact.
Congratulations Sophia and Vanessa, wishing you continued success in your future projects!