NORTH VANCOUVER
Capilano University and Sarah McLachlan School of Music Announce New Entrance Award

Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) entrance award. The new award offers valuable financial support for graduates of SoM who enroll in a program at CapU.

The entrance award was established to honour singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan's commitment to providing SoM graduating students facing various barriers to access with a continuum of support and an opportunity for a post-secondary education. The entrance award will be given to one SoM graduating student each year to support the recipient students from SoM in each year of their studies and help cover tuition, fees, books and living expenses up to a maximum of $12,500 per year. 

"We are excited for this partnership with SoM and to honour Sarah McLachlan's dedication to education," says Jennifer Ingham, vice-president, university relations. "This entrance award will provide students with an opportunity to cultivate life-enhancing learning experiences in diverse and inclusive environments at Capilano University."

Photo of Sarah McLachlan (second left) with Capilano University students from the School of Music

At SoM, youth develop artistic skills and healthy ways to express themselves while learning how to work collaboratively with others. The training provided at SoM leaves students well-equipped for post-secondary studies. This entrance award will provide recipients with immediate value; the financial support reduces the economic burden of post-secondary education, which enables recipients to participate and contribute to the University community.

"We are thrilled to be able to partner with Capilano University to give our alumni the amazing opportunity of this entrance award," says Sarah McLachlan, founder and chair of SoM. "For many students and families, a university education is out of reach. This award is incredibly significant to our students as it takes away one of the biggest barriers to a university education." 

Elias de la Vega, a first-year student in the Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies program, is the first recipient of the entrance award. Prior to beginning his studies at CapU in September 2023, de la Vega was a student of SoM for the past eight years, attending over 400 hours of programing and events. 

A stand out student, de la Vega has a keen interest in art and music, and a positive, engaged and goal-oriented attitude. His curiosity, humility and demonstrated leadership sets him apart and led to his nomination for the entrance award.