Bread and Roses Bursaries Celebrate International Women's Day
The financial burden for 20 women studying sciences, trades and technology at Nova Scotia Community College will be lightened thanks to bursaries offered as part of International Women's Day.
"With several projects in various stages of development or implementation in Nova Scotia, there will be more demand for skilled workers and an increase in opportunities for women in non-traditional careers," said Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, at an event held today, March 6, at the NSCC Waterfront Campus.
The advisory council established the Bread and Roses Bursary to help women pursue studies in non-traditional fields and improve their economic equality.
"This bursary helps encourage women to pursue careers in science, engineering, trades and technology though the NSCC. By increasing the number of women in these programs, we expand their job opportunities and future prosperity," said Ms. More. "This is a fine example of jobsHere, our plan to create good jobs and grow the economy."
The Department of Labour and Advanced Education, Encana Corporation, and the Advisory Council on the Status of Women are supporting the $20,000 fund, which will provide $1,000 bursaries to 20 female students who are continuing their education in trades, technology or science-related fields at NSCC. The students can use the money to pay for child care, transportation, tuition, school supplies and other necessities.
"Thanks to this generous support, we've assisted 55 women in trades and technology programs over the past three years," said Don Bureaux, president of NSCC. "For some students, these awards make the difference they need to complete their program, and for every recipient, these awards are a huge boost in confidence that will stay with them throughout their careers."
"The offshore oil and gas industry requires a skilled workforce to ensure the success of every project, including Deep Panuke," said Lori MacLean, spokesperson for Encana Corporation. "By supporting Bread and Roses, Encana is pleased to contribute to the development of a new generation of skilled workers in the province."
The NSCC Foundation manages the Bread and Roses Bursary. For more information, go to www.nscc.ca and check the links under scholarships and bursaries, or contact the foundation at 902-491-2790.
Today's bursary recipient celebration is linked to International Women's Day on March 8 that recognizes women's accomplishments and contributions in paid and unpaid work.
There are many events being held across the province to commemorate International Women's Day, including a Girls 2012 Conference at Mount Saint Vincent University from March 8 to 9, with support from the advisory council. For more events, visit www.women.gov.ns.ca .