A critical need for trained administrative assistants in legal offices in Kamloops and other interior communities has led to the creation of nine full scholarships to be awarded to new students at Thompson Rivers University this year.

The awards, worth over $5,500 each to cover tuition, student fees and books, will go to students who enter the TRU Legal Administrative Assistant certificate program this fall. Funding for this initiative has come from the Law Foundation of BC and the Kamloops Bar Association.

The LAA Certificate is an online program, consisting of 10 courses students complete through the TRU School of Business. Admission to the certificate requires students to first complete at least six introductory courses, which are part of the TRU Business Fundamentals and Administrative Assistant Certificate programs. The costs of fees and books for these prerequisites, as well as for the LAA Certificate, are included in the scholarship funding.

New students, including current high school seniors graduating this spring with no previous office skills training, would need to complete these introductory courses either through online study or in classes on campus at TRU.

Former graduates of the TRU Business Fundamentals or Administrative Assistant Certificate programs, or students who have completed required courses could begin their LAA program at any time.

Scholarships are open to students who attended or are about to graduate from area high schools, or have been residents for at least five years of Kamloops or other regional communities, including Merritt, Salmon Arm, Clearwater, Lillooet, Williams Lake and all points in between.

Preference will be given to students who can demonstrate skill in composition and grammar, success in the completion of an online course, and those who show individual initiative and a commitment to post-secondary education to achieve career objectives.

Contact: Gail McKay, TRU School of Business and School of Tourism, (p) 250-371-5894