Vancouver, B.C. – The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Forestry Scholarships, recognizing students pursuing careers across British Columbia’s forest sector.
Since 2007, COFI’s annual scholarship program has supported students entering professional, technical and skilled trades careers connected to forestry. This year’s recipients will each receive $2,000 toward post-secondary studies at institutions across British Columbia.
“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.”
Forestry supports nearly 95,000 jobs across BC and generates economic activity in communities throughout the province. It also contributes to priorities that matter to British Columbians — from building homes and reducing wildfire risk to advancing First Nations participation and producing renewable products used here at home and around the world.
Career opportunities span the full forestry value chain, including 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 2026 scholarship winners are:
- Rylan Adams, Nanaimo – Forest Resource Technology, Vancouver Island University
- Abigail Bates, Kelowna – Forestry Resource Technology, Vancouver Island University
- Danika Belanger, Trail – Forest Technology, Selkirk College
- Nolita Gruebel, Langley – MBA in Sustainable Innovation, University of Victoria
- Leah Hall, Nelson – Forest Technology, Selkirk College
- Tess Howick, Kamloops – Forest Resource Management, University of British Columbia
- Syd Lawes, Princeton – Forest Technology, Selkirk College
- Hyla McQuaid, Nanaimo – Indigenous Studies, Vancouver Island University
- Amy Oester, Quesnel – Natural Resources & Forest Technology, College of New Caledonia
- Ariella Yeo, Burnaby – Forestry, University of British Columbia
(End)
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 helps students and job seekers discover the diverse careers available across BC’s modern forest sector, connecting classroom learning with real-world opportunities in forestry, manufacturing, technology, and skilled trades.
Media contact:
Travis Joern, Director of Communications, COFI
Joern@cofi.org