Three former Okanagan College students are among 16 who will each receive a $5,000 transfer scholarship this year from the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society.

“These scholarships are an investment in the skills and talents of students in B.C.,” said Dr. Irving K. Barber, the philanthropist for whom the scholarship is named.

“They help students obtain their post-secondary degrees while rewarding their outstanding accomplishments, both in the classroom and in the community.”

The scholarships are awarded annually to undergraduate students who have completed two years at a public post-secondary institution in B.C. and are transferring to another degree-granting institution in B.C. to complete their degrees.

They are funded from returns on a $15 million endowment established by the province in 2006.

Marie Ouellet, transferring from Okanagan College to Simon Fraser University, Sandra Bargery and James Powell, both transferring from Okanagan College to University of British Columbia, will each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 or 87.5 per cent for 54 credits completed and have demonstrated service to their school and/or community. Scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded annually to undergraduate students across B.C.

“By helping students meet their financial needs for post-secondary education, we all win,” said Jim Reed, chairman of the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society.

“These scholarships help students obtain degrees while studying closer to home longer and at less cost.”