Samara Sampson was one of the recipients of the Bolt Women in Construction Scholarship in 2021. Photo courtesy of SOYToronto, ON — In partnership with Support Ontario Youth (SOY), the Bolt Charitable Foundation is accepting applications for its Bolt Women in Construction Scholarship. Three scholarships totalling $1,500 will be awarded to successful recipients to help cover costs associated with schooling. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 31, 2021, and winners will be announced in January 2022.
“It is especially meaningful to me just knowing the Bolt Women in Construction Scholarship is even available. It reminds me that there is support, and there are people who believe in us as tradeswomen,” said Samara Sampson, previous winner of the scholarship who works as a sheet metal worker. “As I near the end of my apprenticeship, this scholarship is going to be a great financial help to me. I am currently laid off for my last block of in-class training, and I am now able to take a few extra days off at the end to study for my Red Seal exam and prepare to become a journeyperson.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must identify as a female between 17 and 29 years of age, be able to demonstrate financial need, hold a valid registered trade agreement, work in the construction industry, and lastly, live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and be registered with the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).
In partnership with SOY, Bolt is looking to fill the industry with more women by taking a proactive approach in recruiting and training young women in the skilled trades.
“By awarding me with the Bolt women in construction scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on school and will positively impact my future career and prospects. Therefore, I will work hard to achieve success. Thank you again for your generous support,” said Beverly P, an electrical worker and previous winner of the scholarship.
Bolt was founded by Tridel, a Canadian real estate developer, and was launched in 2009, to help connect under-resourced youth in the GTA find careers in construction.