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In a significant move to honor the memories of the 14 women tragically killed in a 1989 shooting at Polytechnique Montréal, the institution has announced an expansion of its scholarship program. Known as the Order of the White Rose, this initiative not only pays tribute to the victims but also aims to empower future generations of female engineers. Originally established in 2014 to award a single scholarship each year, this year’s enhancements will see 14 scholarships valued at $50,000 each made available for women pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in engineering.
The scholarships serve as a reminder of the violence faced by women in the field of engineering and the need for ongoing support to foster a more inclusive environment. Maud Cohen, the president of Polytechnique Montréal, expressed hope that the program’s expansion will attract further donations, ensuring its sustainability for years to come. “We’ve secured funding for 14 grants, but four of them are only available for this year,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of community support in realizing this vision.
The facts
The tragedy of December 6, 1989, when a gunman targeted female engineering students at the university, serves as a painful yet crucial chapter in Canada’s history. This dark event has left a lasting impact on society, prompting a movement towards change and greater inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields. With the introduction of these scholarships, Polytechnique Montréal aims to ensure that the dreams and aspirations of the victims are not forgotten but rather serve as a catalyst for progress.
A step towards gender equity in engineering
As of now, women represent only about 32% of the student body in engineering programs at Polytechnique Montréal, a significant increase from the mere 11% recorded in 1989. This growth reflects a broader trend across Quebec, where the percentage of women in engineering programs has risen from approximately 7-8% to 16% over the past three decades. Cohen underscored the institution’s commitment to recruiting young female talent by engaging with schools, providing resources for STEM-related camps, and creating an environment that fosters interest in engineering from a young age.
Empowering the next generation of female engineers
Among the recipients of this year’s scholarships is Angéline Lafleur, a 23-year-old who has recently completed her undergraduate studies in electrical engineering and physics at the University of Ottawa. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Waterloo, Lafleur is specializing in quantum technologies, a field she is passionate about. For her, the scholarship represents not only financial support but also a community of like-minded women striving for excellence in engineering.
Lafleur reflected on the emotional weight of learning about the Montreal Massacre, stating that it was difficult to grasp the ambitions and dreams that were extinguished on that day. “Hearing about those women and their aspirations made me realize the challenges that many female engineers faced,” she remarked. This sentiment resonates deeply among the scholarship recipients, who collectively embody the resilience and determination to carve out their paths in a field that remains challenging for women.
Building connections and collaborations
The recent scholarship ceremony not only celebrated the recipients but also fostered connections among them. Lafleur expressed her excitement about meeting the other scholarship winners, stating, “It’s invigorating to share our experiences and learn from one another.” The cohort of 14 women will serve as a support network, encouraging each other as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in engineering and to challenge the gender norms that have historically limited female participation in the field. By establishing a sisterhood among the scholarship recipients, Polytechnique Montréal aims to cultivate future leaders who will continue to advocate for equity and inclusivity within the engineering community.
The expansion of Polytechnique Montréal’s Order of the White Rose scholarship program stands as a powerful testament to the institution’s commitment to honoring the victims of the Montreal Massacre while actively working toward a more equitable future in engineering. With the support of donors and the determination of the scholarship recipients, the legacy of those who lost their lives in 1989 will continue to inspire and drive positive change in the engineering landscape.