A Kelowna resident will be furthering her education with the assistance of funds from the B.C. Housing education awards and bursaries.

Jessica Donaldson has been awarded one of five $1,000 bursaries.

“Since 1994, B.C. Housing has been supporting tenants living in social housing to take advantage of the Education Awards Program to pursue educational opportunities,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA and the provincial Agriculture Minister Steve Thomson.

His colleague, Westside-Kelowna MLA and Citizen Service’s Minister Ben Stewart, said the awards provide people with a chance to attend school and develop new skills.

“It’s great to hear that three Kelowna residents are taking the steps that will lead them to greater self-sufficiency and economic stability,” he said.

Donaldson was praised by Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick, who called her story an inspiration.

Donaldson is a single mother and a recipient of the Alexandra Thorpe Award from B.C. Housing.

She was described as an inspiration to both her community and the people she has come in contact with during her journey from a life on the streets in Vancouver to now pursuing her dream of studying psychology at Okanagan College.

In February 2008, Donaldson was hired by H.O.P.E. Outreach, an organization that works with prostitutes to help start support programs for sex-trade workers in Kelowna.

“Next to being a mom, having the opportunity to pursue my educational goals is the most beautiful gift I’ve been given,” she said.

“I love learning and I am excited to complete my studies so I can help and mentor other single moms and their families.”

In order to be considered for an award, applicants submitted a personal statement describing their educational and personal goals and challenges they have overcome, as well as letters of reference and academic transcripts.

B.C. Housing’s Education Awards Program now offers five types of awards and bursaries with the introduction of the new B.C. Housing award for full-time studies.