Yves and Cynthia Bled Canadian Future Achievers Award for Women in Engineering

What you will need

• ✓ Activate your MacID (the McMaster University digital identity account) and log in to AwardSpring
• ✓ Complete the common application for Faculty of Engineering
• ✓ Submit the specific Faculty of Engineering Entrance Awards application
• ✓ Provide contact information for two referees
• ✓ Submit two reference letters by February 21, 2027
• ✓ List any awards or recognitions you have achieved

About this award

You can receive a $2,500 scholarship, and there are 2 of these awards available. Additionally, if you win, you will receive an Engineering Research Experience Award valued at $6,000 for the summer after your first year of studies. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a female student who has balanced strong academic achievement with leadership roles and volunteering in your community. You must submit your application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Your reference letters must be submitted by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Ask McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering how and when you will be notified of the results — whether by email, phone, or the AwardSpring portal. Selection is based on your academic performance, your leadership experience, and your involvement in extra-curricular or volunteer activities. Selection criteria aren't published in detail — ask McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a female student applying from high school to enter Level 1 in the Faculty of Engineering. You must be enrolled in one of these programs: Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences. You need an admissions average of 90% or higher, along with demonstrated leadership attributes and experience in community volunteer or extra-curricular activities.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Studying Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• LeadershipAvoid simply listing the titles of the clubs you joined. Instead, describe a specific time your leadership led to a real result for your community. Write about one project where you took charge and what happened because of your effort.
• RefereesAvoid choosing references who only know you as a student in a classroom. Instead, pick people who can speak to your character and your volunteer work outside of school. Contact your referees early to ensure they can meet the February 21 deadline.
• StrategyAvoid treating the optional 'special circumstances' section as unimportant. Instead, use that space to explain any challenges you overcame to maintain your 90% average. This gives the committee a fuller picture of your resilience.
• RealismAvoid assuming that a 90% average is enough to win the award. Instead, remember that there are only 2 of these scholarships available and competition is high. Focus on highlighting your unique community contributions to stand out from other high-achieving students.

Questions students ask

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