AAPS Education Awards Application Form
Supporting members and their families to continue their education is an important historic part of labour relations organizations, and it is particularly meaningful to AAPS members working at UBC.
Each year, AAPS offers 15 awards valued at up to $1,000 each in memory of Rick Byers who served on the AAPS Board in 2009. Apart from his service on the Board, Rick was also a key participant on AAPS's Income Replacement Plan Working Committee. Rick's work on this committee was informed by his many years of experience in worker rehabilitation. His knowledge, empathy, and understanding assisted the committee in adopting a new Disability Benefits Plan. Recognizing that education is a lifelong journey, we continue to commemorate Rick’s dedication and years of service through the AAPS Education Awards.
2025 APPLICATION PERIOD
AAPS will be accepting applications until Monday, October 20, 2025.
All applications must be received before 11:59pm on Monday, October 20, 2025 using the application form on the AAPS website and submitted electronically or they will not be considered.
AAPS does not take responsibility for technical issues when submitting your application. All applicants will receive a confirmation email from aaps.engagement@ubc.ca within two weeks of submitting their form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow-up if they have not received a confirmation email.
If you are an AAPS member forwarding the application link to your child or spouse, kindly ensure they have all your workplace information so that they can properly answer the questions. We had a number of confused family members submitting the forms last year. We suggest to read the form in advance of sending it along.
ELIGIBILITY
1. Applicants must be at the time of draw:
- A current AAPS member
- The common-law partner/spouse of a current AAPS member
- The dependent child of a current AAPS member
2. The AAPS member must be in good standing and pay dues to the Association.
3. Applicants must be studying on a full or part-time basis during September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
4. Proof of payment for courses must be received by the AAPS Office no later than December 15, 2025 to be eligible to receive the prize.
5. Applicants must be taking at least one course at a recognized post-secondary institution or professional association.
6. Each applicant can only submit one application per year. Additional applications for the same recipient will be deleted.
7. Award winners may only receive this award once during their course of study for a particular designation, certificate, degree, or diploma.
8. The winner’s name, name of related AAPS member, along with the AAPS member's role at UBC and worksite will be published in the AAPS annual report, website, and social media.
9. The winners of the random draw will be selected by October 31, 2025 and published on the AAPS website. Everyone who submits will receive an email regarding the results of the draw.
10. It is understood that applications will not be made for courses and programs that have already been fully reimbursed by other means such as scholarships, bursaries, awards, prizes, and tuition waivers.
Jump to Application Form
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I know if I am an AAPS member in good standing?
2. I am only taking one class, am I still eligible?
If the class takes place between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026 you are eligible to apply.
3. I am not sure what course I want to take, do I need to know before I submit?
Yes, you need to have a plan. We understand that plans can change, but you need to be able to identify the specific course, workshop, or program you are intending to take.
4. How do I know if the professional association that I am taking the course from offers a recognized designation?
Email Member Services Officer Sarah Muff for further clarification with a link to your program/institution website.
5. My course doesn't start until the summer, when do you need proof of payment/enrollment?
For tax purposes the deadline to claim awards is December 15, 2025. Winners will be given a specific deadline to claim their education award.
6. My child is enrolled in a university outside of Canada. Are they eligible to apply?
Yes, they are eligible to apply for the AAPS Education Awards Program.
7. I have two children enrolled in university at the same time, can they both apply for the award in the same year?
Yes, they are both eligible to apply in the same year.
8. My child is using the UBC tuition fee waivers? Can they still apply for the AAPS Education Award?
Provided that there are still outstanding education related costs after using other sources such as tution fee waivers, bursaries, scholarships, they would be eligible for the AAPS Education Award of up to $1000.
9. Can I apply each year for the AAPS Education Awards Program?
You can only receive one award per course of study. If you have already won the award, then you will not be able to apply again until you undertake a different course of study. If you don’t win, you can certainly apply again next year provided that you are enrolled in at least one course or program.
10. Can I apply for the award to pay for an exam fee?
Yes.
11. Do children need to be dependents to qualify?
Yes.