The Canadian global satellite operator has launched an extended Women in STEM national scholarship scheme for 2022, that will see eight full time students receive a scholarship of $5,000 each.
Telesat said it wants to "reflect Canada’s broad diversity", specifically indigenous students and those from "visible minority" backgrounds.
“We all benefit when women choose careers in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Marci Ien, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “My cabinet colleagues and I are committed to leveling the playing field and delivering on the promise of improving access to training and education in these sought-after fields. I would like to congratulate the impressive 2021 winners and applaud Telesat’s leadership in showing the next generation of women and girls that a career in STEM is more than possible.”
The scheme launched in 2021 and in its first year saw women from across the country in their third or fourth year of a bachelor’s program in a STEM field, each awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Their bios can be read here.
“Attracting more women to STEM, where they account for only about a quarter of those employed in those fields, is a key initiative for Telesat, and should be for other organizations in Canada and beyond,” said Telesat’s Michele Beck, SVP, Canadian sales and a graduate of the University of Ottawa with a BaSc degree in Electrical Engineering.
“Leveraging Canada’s rich diversity and encouraging and supporting those who are underrepresented in STEM programs will be pivotal for our company’s – and the nation’s - long-term success.”
Scholarship applications – which are welcomed from all years of an undergraduate programme – are being accepted until 1 p.m. ET on March 15, 2022. Scholarship Partners Canada (SPC), a division of Universities Canada, administers the scholarship program on behalf of Telesat
Meanwhile, over in the UK last month gender equality organisation Girls Talk London partnered with BT, Vodafone, Virgin Media O2 and HSBC UK to launch a technology talent accelerator - Step Up.
Don't forget nominations are still open for Capacity's annual Women to Watch power listing.
