Scholarship Value $1,500

Number of Scholarships 7

Description This bursary program supports employment equity by helping underrepresented Manitoban students begin post-secondary programs that lead to in-demand technical and business careers. It targets first-year students in specified university and college programs and requires self-declaration as a member of a designated diversity group. The award is intended to reduce barriers to post-secondary entry and to encourage a workforce that reflects Manitoba’s diversity. Administration and distribution are handled through participating institutions.

• Purpose:

Support employment equity and reduce barriers to post-secondary education.

• Target group:

First-year students from designated diversity groups.

• Scope:

For students entering specified engineering, computing, technology, or business programs.

• Administration:

Managed through the participating Manitoba institutions.

Eligibility Eligibility is limited to students who are in the first year of specific degree or diploma programs at designated Manitoba institutions and who self-declare as members of a designated diversity group. Eligible institutions include University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Red River Polytechnic, Assiniboine College, and University College of the North. Eligible programs cover four-year engineering, computer science, data science, business degrees, several two- to 2.5-year technology diplomas, and certain business or pre-engineering programs. Applicants must meet their institution’s enrolment requirements and complete any required self-declaration documentation.

• Self-declaration required:

Must identify as a member of a designated diversity group.

• University degree programs:

First year of a 4-year program in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or Business at University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, or Brandon University.

• College diploma programs:

First year of a 2–2.5 year diploma at Red River Polytechnic or Assiniboine College in Computer & Information Systems Technology, Network Administration Technology, or Engineering Technologies (civil, communications, electrical, electronic, instrumentation, mechanical, or power).

• University College of the North:

First year of the 4-year Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (Pre-Engineering), or Business Administration Diploma.

Award Value The bursary provides direct financial support to reduce upfront costs for eligible students entering qualifying programs. Seven bursaries are awarded each cycle, with each recipient receiving a fixed cash award of $1,500. The amount is intended as targeted financial assistance for first-year students to help with tuition, supplies, or living expenses associated with starting post-secondary study. Specific disbursement methods and timing are managed by the awarding institution.

• Number of awards:

Seven bursaries awarded each cycle.

• Amount per award: $1,500.
• Use of funds:

Intended to offset tuition, supplies, and living costs for first-year study.

• Disbursement:

Paid through the institution’s financial aid or bursary office.

Selection Criteria Recipients are chosen through a holistic assessment that balances academic achievement with personal and community circumstances. Selection factors include academic performance, ties to a home community, demonstrated financial need, and community involvement or leadership. The process emphasizes candidates who will benefit from support to complete programs that feed into Manitoba’s technical and business workforce. Final decisions are made by the adjudicating committee at the participating institution according to the bursary’s guidelines.

• Academic performance:

Consideration of grades or transcripts.

• Home community:

Strength of connection to and/or representation of underrepresented communities.

• Financial need:

Assessment of financial circumstances and necessity of support.

• Community involvement:

Volunteer work, leadership, or community engagement.

Application Timeline and Process Application deadlines and submission requirements vary by institution; applicants should consult the financial aid or scholarships office of their enrolled school for exact dates. Typical steps include confirming first-year enrolment, completing a self-declaration form for designated diversity status, and submitting any required supporting documents (transcripts, proof of enrolment, statements of financial need, or community references). Allow time for institutional review and follow any instructions about how awards are accepted and applied to student accounts. If you’re unsure where to start, contact the bursary or financial aid office at your institution.

• Check institution deadlines:

Dates differ—verify with your school’s awards office.

• Prepare documentation:

Proof of enrolment, academic records, financial information, and self-declaration.

• Submit through school:

Applications are processed by the participating institution.

• Follow up:

Confirm award acceptance and disbursement procedures with financial aid.

History and Purpose of the Award The bursary is rooted in employment equity principles that aim to correct systemic disadvantage and promote equal opportunity in the workplace. It was created to bridge the gap between underrepresented communities and education-to-career pathways in engineering, technology, and business fields. By supporting first-year students from designated diversity groups, the program contributes to long-term workforce representation and economic inclusion across Manitoba. The bursary aligns with broader public and institutional commitments to diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to education.

• Foundational principle:

Based on employment equity to address systemic barriers.

• Long-term goal:

Increase representation of diverse Manitobans in technical and business careers.

• Policy alignment:

Supports institutional and provincial commitments to diversity and inclusion.