Vancouver, B.C. – The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Forestry Scholarships. Since 2007, COFI has supported students pursuing professional, technical, and trades careers in the forest sector through its annual scholarship program. Each recipient will receive $2,000 to support their post-secondary studies at institutions across British Columbia.
“The best part of my job is meeting people across BC who are building the future of our forest industry — from sawmills and pulp mills to research labs and classrooms,” said Kim Haakstad, President & CEO of COFI. “These students represent the next generation of forestry professionals. They are helping shape an industry that’s more innovative, sustainable, and diverse than ever before.”
Forestry remains a cornerstone of BC’s economy, supporting nearly 100,000 good-paying jobs and engaging more than 9,000 businesses, suppliers, and contractors across 335 municipalities and First Nations communities throughout the province.
“Forestry continues to be a solution to many of BC’s biggest challenges. From building more housing with low-carbon wood products, to reducing wildfire risk through active forest management, to advancing reconciliation and creating jobs that sustain families and communities in every region,” added Haakstad. “We’re proud to support these students as they take on that challenge and help strengthen forestry in BC.”
“COFI’s Forestry Scholarships reflect the commitment of our members to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders across the province,” said Jim Costley, Manager of Forest Education at COFI. “Whether these students become forest professionals, engineers, or data analysts, their skills and passion will help shape BC’s forest sector and the communities it supports.”
The 2025 scholarship winners are:
- Marin Jorgenson, Victoria – Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Forestry, University of British Columbia
- Vanessa Mailhot, West Kelowna – Forest Technology, Selkirk College
- Eric Mate, Port Coquitlam – Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Forestry, University of British Columbia
- Katelind Pruden, Salmon Arm – Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Forestry, Thompson River University
- Martin Russo, Quesnel – Forest and Natural Areas Management, BCIT
- Salih Shajani, Burnaby – Bachelor of Commerce, University of British Columbia
- Chloe Smith, Barriere – Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Forestry, Thompson River University
- Celine Stiffler, Burns Lake – Natural Resources and Forest Technology, College of New Caledonia
- Joe Stewart, North Vancouver – Master of Sustainable Forest Management, University of BC
- Brieana Van Loon, Gold Bridge – Natural Resource Diploma, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
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About the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI):
The BC Council of Forest Industries represents the majority of lumber, pulp, paper, and manufactured wood producers across the province. This sector remains a cornerstone of BC’s economy, providing good jobs and a better quality of life for British Columbians.
About COFI’s Forest Education Program:
COFI’s Forest Education Program provides current information for educators and students about BC’s forest resources and the educational and career opportunities available in the sector.
Media contact:
Travis Joern, Director of Communications, COFI
Joern@cofi.org
778-846-3465