The Saskatchewan chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) has announced its first province-wide education grant, in the amount of $5,000, directed at Saskatchewan women who have primary financial responsibility for their households — the deadline to apply is Oct. 27.
The CFUW is a historic service club founded after the Industrial Revolution to advance women's independence through education. It has counted many ground-breaking women leaders among its membership and has fought for women's rights ever since its founding. There are nearly 100 CFUW clubs in Canada, with more than 7,500 members, and the organization awards more than $1 million in scholarships every year.
"We're actually one of the oldest service clubs in Canada, I don't think many people know that, but we were established in 1919. So, we had a significant birthday celebration not too long ago," explained Dalelene Yelland, secretary for the organization's provincial council.
Yelland is a marriage commissioner who recently moved to Moose Jaw with her husband. They previously lived in Prince Albert, where Yelland was a member of the Prince Albert CFUW for over 20 years, serving in multiple positions, including as club president.
"CFUW is a national organization that works for the status of women and fundraises to advance women's education," Yelland said. "We believe very strongly in the promotion of human rights and public education.
"We do have many scholarships and grants, but they're usually provided at the individual club level. For example, the Prince Albert club provides somewhere in the area of a dozen scholarships annually, and then there would be a larger number for Saskatoon and so on. This New Beginnings Grant is unique in that it's being done provincially, for the first time."
The CFUW hopes to achieve wider recognition of its work by providing a provincial-level education grant. Applicants may qualify for the grant if they are:
- A woman with primary financial responsibility for yourself and your dependents
- A Saskatchewan resident
- Have been accepted into a program at an educational institution (university, college, or technical school)
- Have financial need
- Are 21 or older
According to the CFUW provincial website, the New Beginning Grant will be awarded to a woman "who can effectively demonstrate that she has been held back from her career goals by her current level of education and lack of financial resources and who is determined to advance her education to reach her goals."
Applications must be submitted online at www.cfuw-saskatoon.org/new-beginnings-grant by Friday, Oct. 27 to be considered.
"When these scholarships are awarded to young women, and they go on to further their education — perhaps at a university but not always, sometimes it's a technical school — we do try to follow up, and I think that's where the real rewards are realized by our members," Yelland added, "when we get to see that we were able to directly help someone in their life."
The four Saskatchewan clubs are in Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, and Yorkton. There is no CFUW club in Moose Jaw. Yelland said she is "definitely open" to the possibility of helping to form a club here in the future.
For more information on the CFUW in Saskatchewan and the New Beginnings Grant, visit www.cfuw-saskatoon.org or email CFUWsaskcouncil@gmail.com.
Moose Jaw and area residents interested in CFUW membership can contact Dalelene Yelland at dalelene@sasktel.net.
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