The Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society was established in 2004 as a result of a contribution made to the University of B.C. by Irving K. Barber, a philanthropist and founder of Slocan Forest Products Ltd.

The Province of British Columbia honoured Mr. Barber's contribution by creating a $15 million endowment for the purpose of scholarships for the benefit of students throughout the province. 

As of the end of 2007, the Government of B.C. has granted the Society $36 million for scholarship program endowment funds.