Okanagan College student recognized at provincial level

The province recognized 12 youths across B.C. on Wednesday with an inaugural BC Social Innovation Youth Award.

Among those honoured was a third year business student from Okanagan College.

Abbey Jones received the award from Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development, at the B.C. Summit on Social Innovation in Vancouver on Wednesday.

Jones is the co-founder and project manager of CANsave, a financial education program designed to teach primary school students the importance of saving and financial planning.

The project is operated through Okanagan College’s Enactus team and was initiated in 2016 after Jones and her peers identified a lack of educational when it comes to finance.

The CANsave program launched in Kelowna and has shown quick growth, spreading through schools across Canada.

“Being at the forefront of developing and implementing CANsave has added an incredible amount of value to my experience at the Okanagan School of Business,” commented Jones. “Learning through experience, trying new things and making connections in the business and non-profit communities along the way are some of the incredible experiences I am so thankful for.”

The BC Social Innovation Youth Awards recognize 12 extraordinary individuals in the province under the age of 30 who are creating positive social change within their communities.

According to her professor, Dr. Kyleen Myrah, she’s more than deserving of the honour.

“Abbey is a great example of the very best of the students I have the privilege of working with at Okanagan College and it was an honour to be with her in Vancouver to watch her accept this award,” Dr. Myrah said. “While she is outstanding in the classroom, where Abbey really shines is her community engagement.”

Jones, at just 21-years-old, is one of the youngest recipients of the award.