Finning Canada STEM Award
“The SMART program has been a great part of my journey for my love of science and robotics. The mentors and helpers guided me every step of the way with their welcoming support.”
- Manorama Joshi, SMART Program participant 2017 
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Finning Canada are working to change that. Together they will award two scholarships to individuals in (or entering) a post-secondary school in a science, technology, engineering or a mathematics(STEM) related field.
In 2016, women made up 34 per cent of STEM bachelor’s degree holders and 23 per cent of science and technology workers.
This includes applied sciences such as, nursing, economics, medicine and social sciences.
In 2021 these scholarships increased from $1000 to $3500.
Finning Canada STEM Award
In the realm of STEM, women have historically been underrepresented, with only 16% of female university students enrolling in STEM degree programs in 2021.
At Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, in partnership with Finning Canada, we’re determined to shift this narrative by dismantling gender and financial barriers that inhibit girls from pursuing STEM careers.
We’re proud to offer two scholarships, each valued at $3,500, to propel young women from the Wood Buffalo region into STEM fields. These scholarships, which have seen a significant increase from $1,000 to $3,500, are designed to support students either entering or already enrolled in post-secondary STEM programs, including diverse applied sciences like nursing, economics, and medicine.
One scholarship specifically supports a young woman engaged in a STEM program at the post-secondary level, with preference for those who have participated in Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s Operation SMART program and reside within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Additionally, a $3,500 scholarship is dedicated to an Indigenous young woman or a candidate deeply involved in Indigenous communities, who is pursuing STEM studies post-secondary. This scholarship also prioritizes applicants from the Girls Inc. Operation SMART program within the same region.
Our scholarships extend to non-traditional STEM fields such as applied sciences, provided the applicant can demonstrate the use of STEM principles to challenge and redefine gender stereotypes. Through this initiative, we aim to empower the next generation of women to innovate, lead, and break new ground in STEM.
3D Printing with Medical Makers. Operation SMART. – 2019.
Virtual Operation SMART
Reaching SMART bridges Indigenous knowledge and “western science” together to connect girls to land and culture, while inspiring them to consider careers in STEM related fields.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Finning Canada has recognize girls for breaking gender stereotypes as they pursue a career in a STEM related field.
In 2021, the $1000 scholarship increased to $3500 and will be awarded to a girl/young woman enrolled in or applying for a post-secondary school STEM program. Preference will be given to a recipient that previously participated in the Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta Operation SMART program and lives within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at the time of application.
Another $3500 scholarship will be awarded to an Indigenous girl/young woman or someone with deep involvement in Indigenous communities enrolled in or applying for a post-secondary school STEM program. Preference will be given to a recipient who participated in Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta Operation SMART program and lives in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at the time of application.
Both awards are given based on the financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities/community involvement, as well as demonstrated interest and passion in STEM careers.
The awards are available for ‘non-traditional’ STEM fields including ‘applied sciences’ (e.g. nursing, medicine, economics, social sciences etc.), so long as the applicant demonstrates how they utilize STEM to break gender stereotypes.