Kelowna, BC – Interior Savings Credit Union has created three new endowments to help students throughout the Thompson-Okanagan region who are returning to post-secondary education.

In establishing the Lifelong Learner Bursary endowments, Interior Savings has given a grand total of $55,000 to UBC Okanagan, Okanagan College and Thompson Rivers University. All three institutions have matched this initial gift with additional donations to create endowments that will generate annual bursaries for their students.

“We understand the challenges that many students face when deciding to pursue post-secondary education,” says Barry Meckler, President and CEO of Interior Savings Credit Union. “These bursaries have been established to support those who are dedicated to a life of learning through giving back to their community through volunteer efforts, supporting family members, and choosing higher education.”

The Lifelong Learner Bursary will be awarded annually through Thompson Rivers University to a student with one or more dependents (children or other family members) who is entering or returning to post-secondary education after a pause in studies of one year or more, and who have demonstrated active community involvement.

“We are dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities, and the Interior Savings Lifelong Learner Bursary provides new opportunities for students to pursue their studies,” says Christopher Seguin, TRU Vice President Advancement.

Students will have access to the first of these bursaries for the Fall 2009 term.

Contact : Josh Keller, Director Marketing & Communications (p)250.828.5008 (c)250.851.6843