The 2021 Darren L. Buium Scholarship from EECOL Electric is proud to introduce this year's winner, Courtney Korabek — a student driven by passion for a greener future and sustainable technology within building sciences. Going into first year at Okanagan College in British Columbia, she has a bright and green future ahead of her with plenty to learn. Although she's just getting started in her education, Courtney's enthusiasm for sustainable building technology has been ongoing for a decade! This scholarship is helping her fulfill a decade-long dream.

The Darren L. Buium Scholarship Award

The Darren L. Buium Scholarship Award is worth $1,500 and aims to support those going into their first year university for engineering, electrical, technology, or construction related programs. It hopes to alleviate some of the stress that a student in financial need may have in order to support their future. Modeled and inspired by its namesake, former EECOL president, Darren L. Buium, who believes that if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life. It seems that Courtney Korabek follows this principle.

Receiving this scholarship gives her more opportunity, she says. "Although I am just getting started, I can't help but imagine all of the fulfilling possibilities that I will have working in this field, beyond this program. It all starts with education, and I truly appreciate EECOL Electric for their support as I begin this next adventure." This scholarship supports not only Courtney's future, but it helps ensure the future of the planet is in good hands as well.

Optimizing energy efficiency

This scholarship looks to help fund students who see a future in building sciences but who specifically recognize the importance of optimizing not only energy efficiency within a building but lowering their impacts on the earth as well. Korabek states that her interests have been shaped by building efficiency for a long time, with this extra bit of funding she can continue this passion: "Sustainable, green, building technologies have shaped my interests for the last decade and I am excited to learn more about how I can apply these technologies to my local community, and globally."

The impact that this scholarship could have on her will echo its way throughout her education, it not only points her in the direction she knew she was meant to be in all along but offers her a bit of a jump start. Once again, congratulations to Courtney Korabek!