MOOSE JAW — Women across Saskatchewan, including those in Moose Jaw, have a growing opportunity to pursue higher education thanks to the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Saskatchewan Council’s New Beginnings Grant.
The province-wide initiative, now in its second year, has named Holli Ironstand as its latest recipient.
Ironstand, a student in the mental health and addictions counselling diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, was formally presented with the $5,000 grant recently.
A resident of The Battlefords, she is raising her five-year-old daughter while balancing school and community involvement.
Having personally struggled with anxiety and depression, Ironstand is committed to helping others who face similar challenges. Her choice to study mental health and addictions counselling reflects her dedication to providing support for those in need — demonstrating some of the desired qualities in the program’s recipients.
Ironstand is on track to graduate in June and hopes to continue her education with a bachelor’s degree in social work, with a focus on trauma care and postpartum mental health.
The CFUW New Beginnings Grant is open to Saskatchewan women aged 21 or older who are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have been accepted into a post-secondary education program.
“For generations, CUFW clubs in Saskatchewan have provided scholarships based on academic achievement,” the organization stated. “This grant expands on that tradition by recognizing the resilience and determination of women overcoming challenges to pursue education.”
Last year’s inaugural recipient was Jessica Falcon, who returned to school after facing significant personal hardships. Her story, along with the high number of applicants, highlights the need for financial assistance programs such as this one.
The CFUW is a non-partisan, self-funded organization with 90 clubs across Canada and more than 6,600 members, including those in Moose Jaw and surrounding areas. With local clubs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Yorkton, the organization continues to support women’s education across the province.
Residents of Moose Jaw interested in applying for the next intake of the New Beginnings Grant can find more information online at CFUW-Saskatoon.org or by contacting [email protected].
