Scholarship Opportunities for Women: Celebrating International Women's Day
March 8, 2024 is International Women's Day. Take a look at these scholarship opportunities, as well as a unique skilled trades experience.
Happy International Women's Day! Every year on March 8, the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as calls attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
Education plays a large role in addressing these issues. Did you know that since the early 1990s, women's enrolment in post-secondary education has skyrocketed? While more and more women are pursuing education to embolden, empower, and encourage themselves, how is the world of education supporting them? To help inspire you, and spread the word about opportunities for women, check out what some schools and scholarships admins are doing to celebrate and support women in college and university:
Telesat Women in STEM Scholarship
Telesat is one of the world's largest operators of satellites, and they're also committed to broadening women's representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). So, to help close the STEM gender gap, Telesat offers eight (8) scholarships of $5,000 each to female students.
If you're a Canadian student, enrolled in a STEM program at a Canadian college or university, with decent grades (at least 75% overall), check out these scholarships!
Value: $5,000
Deadline: March 26, 2024
Explore the Telesat Women in STEM Scholarships
Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation of Canada: PhD Scholarship for Women
This one's for Canadian students pursuing a PhD program — and though the generous $15,000 award is offered by Kappa Kappa Gamma, you don't need to be a member of the foundation to apply!
You will need some reference letters, but if you're on your way to a PhD, you've probably got that covered!
Value: $15,000
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Learn more about the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Graduate Scholarship
Zonta International: Young Women in Public Affairs Award
Zonta International is an organization dedicated to supporting women and girls the world over. One aspect of this support is scholarship programs for young women affiliated with the organization, and interested in public governance and volunteerism.
The award is aimed at women between 16 and 19 years old, and closes on April 1 each year. 37 scholarships of $5,000 (USD) each are available, so have a look at the requirements and consider getting involved with Zonta International!
Value: $5,000
Deadline: April 1, 2024
Check out the Zonta International scholarships for young women in public affairs
ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarships
Two awards of $5,000 each are open to female students who are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity — a growing, but male-dominated, field. If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, attending a Canadian college or university, interested in cybersecurity, you can apply — but only until the April 5, 2024 deadline!
Value: $5,000
Deadline: April 5, 2024
Check out the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarships
CPA Alberta: Empowered Young Woman Award
This scholarship is for a grade 12 high school student in Alberta who identifies as a girl or woman (including non-binary, transgender, and two-spirit folks), who demonstrate good character and leadership skills, and want to pursue a credential as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Interested students must attend a college or university in Alberta to qualify!
To apply, submit a short letter or video about your goals, your acceptance letter, and a reference letter before May 1, 2024, and you might receive the $2,000 scholarship!
Value: $2,000
Deadline: May 1, 2024
Check out the CPA Alberta scholarship for women
The Irene Adler Prize: $1,000 Scholarship for Women Writers
This scholarship is provided by journalist Lucas Akyroyd, in honour of the women writers and editors who helped him develop his career in letters.
If you're a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature, in college or university, you could qualify for this $1,000 scholarship!
Value: $1,000
Deadline: May 30, 2024
Read more about the $1,000 Irene Adler Prize
College of the Rockies: Women in Trades Sampler Program
Canada needs more skilled tradespeople, and women are underrepresented in roles across the construction and building trades. So, in an effort to make the trades more accessible to women, the College of the Rockies offers a full-time, 12-week "sampler" program that introduces female students to an array of trades:
The best part? The whole program is tuition-free! It runs between April and June, 2024, so be sure to register if you're interested!
Take a moment today to reflect on the challenges you've overcome, the achievements you've made, and to support the women in your life as you continue in your educational journey!
Explore more scholarships for women