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At Belmar, our people shape everything we do. Software Engineers, Consultants, and Project Managers work side by side to deliver reliable, human-centred technology for our customers. Among the many teammates who raised the bar here, one name stands out: Raghava Sristi.
Raghava was a thoughtful, caring Software Engineer at Belmar from 2018 to 2021. He lived with schizophrenia and still showed up every day with empathy, focus, and craft. He built custom solutions on the Salesforce platform and helped organisations move through digital transformation with less friction and more trust.
One highlight of his work was the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT), part of British Columbia’s public justice system. The CRT helps people resolve disputes online, making justice more accessible and affordable across the province. Raghava contributed to the technology that powers this service and showed how practical innovation can improve everyday life.
To honour his legacy, we’re launching the Raghava Sristi Annual Bursary—financial support for students in British Columbia who live with schizophrenia and are pursuing Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related program.
Quick facts
- Who it’s for: Students in British Columbia living with schizophrenia
- Fields of study: Software Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related programs
- Institution type: Recognised post-secondary programs (college, university, or equivalent)
- Award cadence: Once each year (at least one recipient)
- What we value: Academic effort, community impact, resilience, and a clear interest in technology
- How to apply: Submit an online application on our bursary page with basic student details and short responses that help us understand your goals and story (link below)
Why this bursary matters
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t. The cost of tuition, devices, and living expenses can keep capable students on the sidelines—especially those managing a serious mental health condition. This bursary is one way we can reduce that gap. We want to back students who love building software and who bring lived experience, empathy, and grit to the field.
Eligibility
You’re encouraged to apply if you:
- Live in British Columbia and are currently enrolled in, accepted to, or planning to enrol in a Software Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related program.
- Identify as a person living with schizophrenia. We respect privacy and dignity; share only what you’re comfortable sharing in your application.
- Can show commitment to learning, collaboration, and ethical use of technology.
What we look for
We review applications with care and consider:
- Purpose and potential: Why technology? What problems do you want to solve?
- Impact: Community involvement, peer support, volunteering, or projects that help others.
- Academic progress: Transcripts or proof of enrolment where available.
- Resilience: How you navigate challenges and support your wellbeing.
- Project examples (optional): Coursework, GitHub repos, portfolio pieces, or hackathon work.
How to apply
- Visit the Raghava Sristi Annual Bursary page and complete the application form.
- Provide proof of enrolment (or acceptance) from a recognised BC institution.
- Share short written responses about your goals in software, your learning path, and how this bursary would help.
- Attach links to any relevant projects (optional).
About Raghava’s work
Raghava helped deliver real-world, production software that improved public access to services in BC. His time on the Civil Resolution Tribunal project revealed his strengths: thoughtful design, attention to detail, and respect for end users. His example continues to guide how we build software—practical, reliable, and kind.
Our commitment
Belmar is built by people first. We back inclusive teams, open dialogue about mental health, accessible tools, and equal opportunity in technology. The Raghava Sristi Annual Bursary is part of that ongoing commitment.
FAQ
What is the Raghava Sristi Annual Bursary and who is it created for?
The Raghava Sristi Annual Bursary is financial support offered by Belmar Consulting for students in British Columbia living with schizophrenia. It aims to help learners pursuing Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or closely related programs at a recognised post-secondary institution.
Do I need to be enrolled in a university, or do colleges and technical institutes qualify?
You do not need to be in a university specifically. Eligible students can be enrolled in or accepted to any recognised post-secondary program in British Columbia, including universities, colleges, and accredited technical institutes offering software-related programs.
How does Belmar review bursary applications and decide on recipients?
Applications are evaluated based on academic effort, community involvement, resilience, ethical use of technology, and a clear interest in software. Proof of enrolment and short written responses are reviewed carefully, and applicants may optionally include project links such as GitHub repositories or portfolio samples.
Do applicants need to publicly disclose their diagnosis to apply?
No. Applicants only share what they are comfortable sharing. Belmar respects privacy, dignity, and mental health confidentiality. The application simply needs enough context to confirm eligibility and understand personal goals and challenges.
Can this bursary be used for anything beyond tuition, such as devices or living expenses?
Yes. The bursary is intended to reduce financial barriers that students living with schizophrenia often face. Funds can help with tuition, devices, textbooks, transportation, or other educational costs that support learning and wellbeing.