Students from Nelson and Trail are among 10 recipients of the BC Council of Forest Industries’ 2026 forestry scholarships.
Leah Hall of Nelson and Danika Belanger of Trail will each receive $2,000 toward their studies in the Forest Technology program at Selkirk College.
COFI said its annual scholarship program, launched in 2007, supports students pursuing professional, technical and skilled trades careers connected to B.C.’s forest sector.
“BC’s forest sector is built on the skill, ingenuity and dedication of its people,” said Kim Haakstad, President & CEO of COFI. “These students are bringing fresh ideas, perspectives and talent to forestry at an important time for our industry. We’re proud to support the next generation as they build careers that will help shape the future of forestry in BC.”
COFI said the forest sector supports about 95,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs across B.C., with career opportunities spanning forest management, manufacturing, engineering, technology and skilled trades.
“I’m incredibly excited about this year’s scholarship recipients and the paths they are choosing,” said Jim Costley, COFI’s Program Manager for Forest Education. “Each student brings their own interests, goals and energy to the industry. Forestry offers an incredible range of opportunities, and we’re proud to help these students take the next step in building their careers.”
The other 2026 scholarship recipients are Rylan Adams of Nanaimo, Abigail Bates of Kelowna, Nolita Gruebel of Langley, Tess Howick of Kamloops, Syd Lawes of Princeton, Hyla McQuaid of Nanaimo, Amy Oester of Quesnel and Ariella Yeo of Burnaby.
