The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) has named 10 recipients of its 2026 Forestry Scholarships, recognizing students preparing for careers across British Columbia’s forest sector.
Each recipient will receive $2,000 toward post-secondary education or training. COFI has offered the annual scholarship program since 2007 for students pursuing professional, technical and skilled trades careers connected to forestry.
The recipients are enrolled in programs ranging from forest technology and resource management to Indigenous studies and sustainable innovation at post-secondary institutions across British Columbia.
“BC’s forest sector is built on the skill, ingenuity and dedication of its people,” said Kim Haakstad, President and CEO of COFI. She said the program helps encourage the next generation of workers and professionals entering the sector.
According to COFI, the forest sector supports nearly 95,000 jobs across British Columbia, with career opportunities spanning forest management, manufacturing, engineering, technology and skilled trades.
The 2026 scholarship recipients 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.
Beyond the scholarships, COFI’s Forest Education Program works with students and job seekers to raise awareness of careers in forestry, wood-products manufacturing, technology and skilled trades.
The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) represents lumber, pulp, paper and manufactured wood producers across British Columbia. The organization advocates on issues affecting the province’s forest sector and supports initiatives related to workforce development, forest education and industry competitiveness.
