The Leaders in Equality Award of Distinction (LEAD) Program is supporting 90 post-secondary students with their studies.
The first intake of the LEAD scholarship program is complete, and 90 students have been advised their applications were successful.
"We are committed to empowering women and gender-diverse students to fully participate in Alberta's recovery. This injection of $225,000 will support students at post-secondary institutions across the province as they pursue fulfilling careers that support our economy and our society. The diversity of applicants really proves that students of all backgrounds are eager to enhance gender equality in our communities."
Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
LEAD consists of two funding streams: the Women in STEM Award stream to support women pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); and the Persons Case Scholarship stream, for anyone pursuing studies to advance gender equality or studying in areas where women are traditionally underrepresented.
"I am grateful to the Government of Alberta and the ministry for its support of the LEAD Program. Universities and the provincial government working together are making a real difference to women in STEM. At Mount Royal University, we believe strongly in promoting and supporting the success of women in STEM fields, and we are proud of the students who have received these awards."
Jonathan M. Withey, dean, faculty of science and technology, Mount Royal University
"As a recipient of a scholarship which allowed me to pursue a STEM degree, I can attest first-hand to the enormous impact this scholarship had on my career. Representation matters and empowering women to pursue careers in STEM gives them the opportunity to lend their unique experiences and voice to fields that have long lacked diverse perspectives. LEAD supports young women in their pursuit of STEM careers and empowers them to take a leading role in these fast-growing and exciting fields."
Ana Villarreal-Escudero, professional engineer
More than 200 applications were received in the first intake of the program. Most applicants are attending post-secondary institutions across the province, with the majority attending MacEwan University, Mount Royal University, the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.
"As a First Nations woman studying environmental science, I am so grateful for being chosen as a recipient for the Person's Case Scholarship. To hear and feel the tremendous support from the Hon. Leela Aheer is so encouraging. I hope to make her and other women proud and inspired to take chances in fields where women, typically First Nations women, are underrepresented."
Sarae Quewezance, successful applicant and environmental science student
"This scholarship further shows that agriculture is an important part of STEM and the need to support women in not only agriculture but in all areas of STEM."
Amanda Hardman, successful applicant and bachelor of science in agriculture student
Quick facts
- The first intake received 209 total applications and 201 met the eligibility requirements.
- Total funding for the LEAD Program is $225,000 for each intake.
- 40 students received $2,500 each from the Persons Case Scholarship stream.
- This stream received 95 eligible applications.
- 50 students received $2,500 each from the Women in STEM stream.
- This stream received 106 eligible applications.
- The next application intake is anticipated to occur in fall 2021.
- 40 students received $2,500 each from the Persons Case Scholarship stream.
Related information
