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Run by Students. For Students. Always Free.
BCCESS gratefully operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).
BCCESS (BC Career Empowerment Student Society) is a student-founded nonprofit organization officially registered in the province of British Columbia. We are dedicated to bridging the educational information gap for immigrant and first-generation families by providing culturally responsive academic and career support. Through multilingual workshops, mentorship, and community events, we empower students and parents alike to navigate their educational and professional journeys with confidence. Our mission is to reduce stress, enhance access, and inspire youth to pursue meaningful, self-defined pathways, whether through university, college, trades, or alternative careers.
What We Offer
What We Offer
Family Outreach and Education Sessions
Family Outreach and Education Sessions
We host free, multilingual sessions to help immigrant and first-generation parents understand Canada’s education system. These talks break down complex processes and offer tools for parents to better support their children without relying on expensive consultants.
Culturally-Responsive Events
Culturally-Responsive Events
From career and post-secondary fairs to school visits and community workshops, our events create space for real conversations. Students share their real experiences with applying, failing, switching paths, and succeeding. These events provide practical insights and focus on reducing pressure around grades and rankings.
Diverse Student-Created Resources
Diverse Student-Created Resources
We create free resources for students and their families by expanding traditional ideas of success and highlighting diverse pathways (i.e. trades, gap years). Our goal is to reduce stress, build confidence, and help young people pursue futures that genuinely reflect their interests rather than societal expectations.
POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION INFORMATION
Commonly Applied BC Schools
Commonly Applied BC Schools
The University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia
UBC looks at more than just grades. The application includes a Personal Profile, where students reflect on experiences, challenges, and community involvement.
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University
SFU is primarily grade-based, with admission depending on your top Grade 11 and 12 marks. Some programs, like Business, require supplemental applications or interviews.
The University of Victoria
The University of Victoria
UVic evaluates academic performance across required courses. There’s no personal statement, but scholarship applications may ask for one.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
KPU focuses on hands-on learning and career-ready programs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and many programs have specific requirements like portfolios or interviews.
Langara College
Langara College
Many students attend Langara to complete their first and second years of university before transferring to schools like UBC, SFU, or UVic.
British Columbia Institute of Technology
British Columbia Institute of Technology
BCIT offers intensive, applied programs in trades, health, and technology. It's ideal for students focused on employment outcomes.
Trinity Western University
Trinity Western University
TWU is a private Christian liberal arts university in Langley that stands out for its values-based education and intentional community culture
University of Northern British Columbia
University of Northern British Columbia
UNBC, based in Prince George, is known for its small class sizes and close relationships between students and faculty.
Capilano University
Capilano University
Capilano University (CapU) in North Vancouver is well-known for its creative programs, particularly in film, animation, music, and design.
Explore Our Free Resources
Explore Our Free Resources
Find free toolkits, slide decks, and materials from our BCCESS events, along with volunteering resources that connect you to opportunities in food security, environment, education, health, and community services. Click below to explore the full collection and discover ways to make an impact.
Want to help bridge the gap in educational equity? We are always looking for student mentors, translators, workshop facilitators, and volunteers for our events. Join us in helping families feel supported, informed, and empowered.
Recent Event Photos
Recent Event Photos
Take a look at our events, mentorship sessions, and behind-the-scenes moments. These snapshots capture the impact, energy, and community at the heart of BCCESS.
How to Contact Us
How to Contact Us
Our office is located at 6081 Number 3 Rd, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2B2 (We do not offer walk-in services at this address. However, we do host scheduled events at our office. Please visit our Events page for more details.)
Phone: (236) 613-0408 Email: info@bccess.ca
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