One scholarship promoting equality worth $2,000 in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (December 6) is made available each year to members and children of members pursuing full time post secondary education at a recognized institution such as university, college CEGEP, technical or other schools, in non-traditional fields of trades, technology, operations and blue collar.  The term "non-traditional employment" refers to an occupation in which women are less than 50% of the total workforce.  To see if your occupation qualifies for the Scholarship, you can verify by going on the job futures website at www.jobfutures.ca, select the occupation and click on "important fact" to see if your occupation has more than 50% males.

The scholarships are available to WOMEN who are students and HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SECONDARY STUDIES (11th or 12th grade, Secondary V) and enter or undertake POST-SECONDARY STUDIES at college, university, CEGEP or technological institutes. The following applicants are eligible:

• CEP members in good standing;
• Children of CEP members in good standing;
• Children of CEP members who passed away while in good standing;
• Children of CEP members who retired in good standing.

The selection of successful applicants will be made by a person appointed by the President on behalf of the Executive Board. Selections made by that person will be final.

Applicants must complete the CEP Scholarship Promoting Equality form , have it signed by a CEP Local Union Officer and send it to Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (attention: Human Rights Department), 301 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 6M6.

The applicant must also submit with the application an essay of 1,500 to 2,000 words on the topic: "Give a brief description of the non-traditional field you are entering and what you think the union's role should be in promoting women in this field" no later than April 15, 2010.

The application form must also be accompanied by the most recent student transcript of the applicant.

There will be no acknowledgement of receipt but all the applicants will be contacted at the end of August or very early in September to let them know whether they have been chosen for an award or not.

Anyone who has received a scholarship under the CEP National Scholarship Program will not be eligible for the Scholarship Promoting Equality or vice-versa. As well, anyone who has received a scholarship under the CEP National Scholarship Program will not be eligible to reapply.

Download the application here.