Scholarships & Bursaries

UPSE Scholarship and Bursary Program

Union members, spouses or dependants, who are in full-time attendance at an accredited College or University are invited to submit an application for one of the fourteen bursaries/scholarships that PEI UPSE awards annually. We have a range of bursaries available, with twelve worth $500 and two scholarships worth $1000 each.
These include the $1000 Laurie Jenkins Memorial scholarship, another $1000 scholarship specifically for students with a learning disability as well as one $500 bursary is to be awarded in memory of Julie MacKay to the top applicant going to Holland College.

PEI UPSE is proud to offer this support as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the importance of life-long learning and education. The bursaries and the scholarship shall be awarded to students who are members of PEI UPSE, or who are a spouse or a dependant of a PEI UPSE member (members must be in good standing).  In order to qualify, recipients must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution. Bursaries are available for both in-province (including UPEI and Holland College) and out-of-province studies.  Both the bursaries and the scholarship are for the second semester (after Christmas) and are awarded on the basis of approved criteria.

To be eligible applicants must be employed by one of PEI UPSE’s bargaining units, be paying dues, and have a signed membership card (or be a spouse or dependant of a member in good standing). The PEI UPSE Public Relations and Recreation/Convention Committee will base its decision regarding the bursaries on three factors.  They are – in order of importance: 1) Academic ability. 2) PEI UPSE involvement (as it relates to the applicant or to the PEI UPSE member of whom the applicant is a spouse or dependant). 3) Financial need.

A fourth factor – community involvement – will determine the top award winner for the Laurie Jenkins Memorial Scholarship.

Applications are reviewed using a “blind test” procedure whereby Committee members are not provided with any identifying information about an applicant. The Public Relations Committee selects the successful recipients of the bursaries and/or the scholarship from the applications received. The awards are usually presented over the Christmas break.

Note:

1.      All applications must be received by: November 29, 2024

2.      Eligible applicants must be enrolled as full-time students at a post-secondary institution during the next semester (Winter-Spring 2024/25).

3.      Provide a detailed description of the information requested on the application form.

4.      Include an official transcript of your last set of marks. (Mature students returning after a prolonged absence are exempt). Students attending Holland College or other institutions that do not use traditional marking systems must include Grade 12 marks and an evaluation from a college official.

5. Transcripts are NOT to be photocopied and are to be in an official sealed envelope from the school/institution.

6. All questions MUST be answered.

7. No application will be accepted after the deadline (applications can be faxed but not transcripts).

PLEASE NOTE: Failure to complete these steps in full may force the committee to rule your application ineligible. 

If you have any questions on this matter, please contact Mary MacLean, Education and Meetings Coordinator at the Union of Public Sector Employees, 4 Enman Crescent, Charlottetown, C1E 1E6 or telephone 902-892-5335 or toll-free @ 1-800-897-8773.

Steve Mollins Young Workers Bursaries

Steve Mollins was a strong union advocate for our youth and young workers. It was his dedication and inspiration that inspired UPSE’s Young Workers Committee, in his memory, to establish bursaries to highlight the importance of the Union’s young worker membership. Steve was a long time member of UPSE’s Board of Directors and a knowledgeable Union activist. The Chair of UPSE’s Young Worker Committee, Kathlene Smallman, said Steve always encouraged her to learn as much as she could about the Union, and to get more involved. “He played a big part in where I am now, and I’m probably not the only young worker/UPSE member that would say that.”

The UPSE Young Workers Committee will award two (2) $500 bursaries annually to UPSE members in good standing age 35 or under who are pursuing part-time or full-time continuing education from a Canadian public education institution while continuing to work at an UPSE bargaining unit workplace.

Criteria:

  1. Must be a member in good standing age 35 or under at time of application while continuing to work at an UPSE bargaining unit workplace.
  2. The learning opportunity must be related to facilitating improvements in recruitment and retention in the following areas:
    • Health Care, Social Work, Corrections and Community Services
  3. The learning opportunity must be from an accredited Canadian public institution on a full-time or part-time basis.
  4. Applicants must submit a 750-1000 word essay on the importance of the field of study in delivering essential public services to Islanders.
  5. Confirmation of enrollment from the institution must be included with the application.

UPSE’s Young Workers Committee will award the bursaries in May each year. Submit your application online. (2024 deadline has passed, link will be posted here in the spring of 2025)

Please call UPSE if you have any questions at 902-892-5335 or email peiupse@peiupse.ca