“The travel grant encourages female students and faculty to participate in larger organizations or events that might benefit their careers,” says Sean Peterson, HeForShe advocate for the Faculty of Engineering. “Maybe a faculty member is hoping to move into a leadership role, and wants to pursue training. It could also help send students to conferences, giving them exposure and helping them make contacts in industry and academia.”
Peterson created the grant after hearing about the Society of Women Engineers conference, an annual event with more than 14,000 attendees. “I thought a travel grant was particularly useful for women and non-binary students in Engineering,” explains Peterson, “because there are a number of very large conferences aimed at promoting and encouraging female engineers.” Students and faculty may pursue the grant to attend events promoting gender equity, or any other events that will help advance their careers.
Waterloo and HeForShe: Commitment to equity
As part of the University of Waterloo’s HeForShe commitments, the travel grant aims to support female participation in STEM experiences and careers, enhance female representation and advance female leaders into senior academic positions. “It comes down to having more women in leadership roles, and promoting the careers of female and non-binary engineers,” explains Peterson.
Apply to the HeForShe Engineering travel grant
Applications are now being accepted from undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty members. Applicants can send information about the event they would like to attend, as well as a brief (half-page) document explaining how the event will benefit their professional development. A brief summary of the outcomes of attendance will be requested upon return. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.
Applications and questions can be sent directly to Sean Peterson at peterson@uwaterloo.ca.