CFUW Southport’s Scholarship Program was initiated by founding member, Jane Kramer, 34 years ago. Each year we provide an average of seven $1,000 scholarships to assist women who live in Saugeen Shores and/or Saugeen First Nation #29 and who are pursuing a post-secondary education through a recognized university, college or trades program. Almost $90,000 has been provided to date.
Six High School Graduate Scholarships are designated for women who are graduating from Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) or St. Mary’s Catholic High School (Owen Sound). Two of these scholarships are designated for First Nation graduates, one other, the Carolyn Day Scholarship, is specifically for a graduate who is or has been in the care of Bruce Grey Child and Family Services and another, the Liz Squires Scholarship, is for a graduate who is pursuing a career working with children and youth. A Mature Woman Scholarship is also provided for a recipient who is pursuing post-secondary education after having been out of high school for at least one year.
This year, in celebration of CFUW’s 35th anniversary, CFUW Southport is proud to announce a new eighth scholarship – ‘Women in Trades‘ to be awarded on September 10th, 2025.
CFUW Southport recognizes that Canada is facing a shortage of skilled trades workers, and we know the importance of attracting skilled trades people to our community, given our growth rate, housing shortage, national infrastructure needs and local businesses that depend on skilled trades.
We also recognize that only 8.1% (7.4% nationally) of all 144 skilled trades recognized in Ontario are currently filled by women (Statistics Canada, Skilled Trades Ontario).
“Women make up nearly half of the entire Canadian workforce, but the perception still exists that certain jobs – particularly those in the skilled trades – should only be done by men. In reality, women excel in all traditionally male-dominated careers, including those in construction, manufacturing, automotive, mining, welding and more.” (Ontario Colleges)
Women, who achieve skilled trades qualifications, earn good salaries, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families, make a positive contribution to their community, and help build a strong economy for Saugeen Shores and Canada.
CFUW Southport is one of 94 Canadian Federation of University Women clubs across Canada dedicated to advancing the status of women. Currently, there are 113 CFUW Southport members in Saugeen Shores and surrounding area. All women, and individuals who identify as women, are welcome. A post-secondary degree is not required.
For further information, please email cfuwsp@gmail.com.
For details about applying for the Women in Trades scholarship, CLICK HERE.
