Three Lower Mainland students have received scholarships from a Richmond gummy manufacturer based on their sustainability initiatives.
Lily YangLiu, a 16-year-old student who attends Mulgrave School in West Vancouver, was one of three recipients of Herbaland's Sustainable Lifestyle Scholarship.
UBC chemical engineering student Martine Edwini-Bonsu and BCIT student Jeanine Sinclair were the other recipients.
Each student received $1,000 to support their education as they work towards creating a greener future.
YangLiu's passion for climate literacy and children's rights has led to her being named as one of Canada's Top 25 Women of Influence — the youngest recipient in the award's history — this year.
She told the Richmond News she was excited to receive the scholarship, as she will be heading to college next year.
"College is very expensive and (the scholarship) is going to help a lot in that aspect," said YangLiu.
"Seriously, any scholarships help tremendously, and it's really great to see local businesses are committed to sustainability, but also supporting education."
The Grade 12 student co-founded the Demon Foundation, which has sent 700 youth delegates to the United Nations to advocate for sustainability and climate action. She also co-developed a climate literacy workshop and curriculum and advocated to the government for mandatory climate education.
YangLiu is also a UN Youth Delegate at global forums such as the UN Climate Change Conference and even runs a climate news social media account.
She said she hopes to connect with the other scholarship recipients and "learn from their experiences."
"I think as environmental activists, we should be connected and that's where great ideas come from."
Edwini-Bonsu, 22, a fifth-year UBC student, is working on improving Canada's watering systems through his background in wastewater treatment and water pollution systems.
He also developed a carbon footprint calculator to help individuals measure their own carbon footprint.
Meanwhile, Sinclair, a 29-year-old BCIT student, founded the youth-led non-profit Plastic Free BC, where she is raising awareness on the plastic pollution crisis around the world.
Through her non-profit, she promotes zero-waste living, plastic waste reduction and the circular economy in Vancouver.
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