Alberta's government is helping women break barriers and gain meaningful employment through three scholarship opportunities.
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to Alberta's diverse and growing economy, Alberta's government is providing three post-secondary scholarship opportunities to women to help them break into fields in which they are traditionally underrepresented. By providing these opportunities, individuals, families and the entire province thrives.
With the 2024-25 school year having just begun, Alberta's government is proud to announce the continuation of two scholarship programs: the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship and the Persons Case Scholarship; as well as the introduction of a new scholarship program, the Women in Technical and Applied Arts Scholarship.
"By breaking down barriers and making education more accessible and affordable through these scholarships, Alberta's government is helping to ensure women have every opportunity to pursue fulfilling, high-paying careers of their choice."
Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
Alberta's government is proud to work alongside its post-secondary partners to find new ways to get women into the jobs they want. The scholarships provided by Alberta's government are critical to supporting these pathways.
For four years, Alberta has offered the Women in STEM Scholarship, which helps women enter Alberta's thriving STEM industries. In addition, Alberta has offered the Persons Case Scholarship for 45 years, which helps students enter fields that advance gender equality. Alberta's government awarded $225,000 through these scholarships in 2023-24, supporting 90 students across Alberta with scholarships of $2,500 each.
"By supporting women's educational pursuits in STEM, technical arts, and other critical areas, Alberta's government is investing in a diverse, skilled and innovative workforce. These scholarships represent our commitment to empowering women to break into fields where they are traditionally underrepresented."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
"I would like to thank Alberta's government, especially Minister Tanya Fir, for selecting me to be a recipient of the Women in STEM Scholarship, which will help me work towards my goal of working in a STEM field after graduation."
Ava Mackay, recipient, 2023-24 Women in STEM Scholarship
Alberta's government is creating a new scholarship to help break down barriers for women in growing Alberta industries like film, television and music through the creation of the Women in Technical and Applied Arts Scholarship. This scholarship is the first provincially funded scholarship of its kind in Canada, and will support the development of Alberta-based talent among women pursuing careers in the technical arts, music production, film and television. This new scholarship will provide successful applicants $2,500 toward their post-secondary education.
"These invaluable investments not only empower the next generation of female leaders but also strengthen the foundation of our society by fostering gender equity and opportunity in education."
Dr. Sandra Davidson, provost and vice-president (academic), University of Calgary
The 2024-25 intake for the Women in STEM Scholarship and Persons Case Scholarship will open in October 2024. The first intake for the new Women in Technical and Applied Arts Scholarship will open in January 2025.
Quick facts
- In 2023-24, 50 students across Alberta received Women in STEM Scholarships of $2,500 each, for a total of $125,000 awarded.
- In 2023-24, 40 students across Alberta received Persons Case Scholarships of $2,500 each, for a total of $100,000 awarded.
- As part of the new Women in Technical and Applied Arts Scholarship, 20 students will receive scholarships of $2,500 each, for a total of $50,000 awarded.
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