CFUW Guelph now donates approximately $8000 per year in scholarships and awards. In case you wonder how much impact these awards have, here are excerpts from some of the letters we receive from our student recipients:
“Academically, I’ve always been a strong student. I’ve never skipped classes and have always pushed myself to achieve high marks. A big part of that comes from the influence of my sisters and my mom – they’ve always been my role models. Watching how hardworking, independent, and strong they have really inspired me to grow into the same kind of person I chose Conestoga because I really value smaller class sizes and the opportunity to connect with my professors more directly. I also prefer hands-on learning, and Conestoga offers a great balance of practical and theoretical education. What really stood out to me was the high employment rate after graduation and the paid co-op opportunities – not every school offers that, and I knew it would give me a head start in the field. Another bonus was that my sister had attended Conestoga too, so I had an idea of what to expect and heard good things from her experience.” Conestoga College Recipient 2025.
“I’m studying in the Bachelor of Interior Design program, which leans more toward interior architecture. We focus a lot on technical knowledge first and then dive into the creative side of design after building that foundation. One of the most important and enjoyable courses in the program is our studio course. It’s where we really get to apply everything we’ve learned – we research, develop, and design spaces for different sectors like residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, corporate offices, and healthcare. These experiences help us figure out which direction we want to take after graduation –whether that’s in residential design or a more commercial route. Conestoga College Recipient, 2025.
My goal is to help create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and inclusive. I want to work on projects that have a real impact on people’s lives, especially in healthcare or community-focused design. In the long run, I’d love to either work with a design firm that aligns with my values or even start my own one day. I’m also passionate about continuing to grow personally – becoming more confident, experienced, and empowered in my career and as a person”. Conestoga College Recipient, 2025
“I just want to say a heartfelt thank you for your generosity and support! Receiving this award means so much to me – not just financially, but also as a recognition of the hard work I’ve put into my studies. It motivates me to keep pushing forward and to continue growing in my field. Your support helps students like me feel seen and encouraged, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. Thank you again for believing in us and investing in our futures.” Conestoga College Recipient, 2025
“As a single mom and full-time student, receiving this award greatly benefits me. I can’t find words that express my feelings. Your support is helping me pursue my education and build a better future for my child and myself. Thanks for believing in students like me — your generosity makes a difference.” Conestoga College Recipient, 2025
“I’m one of the recipients of this year’s CFUW (Guelph) Bursary. I’m writing to thank you for your generous financial support towards my higher education. I’m a new immigrant to Canada and first generation to participate in post-secondary studies. My long-term goal is to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and make a difference in people’s daily life. In 2018/2019 I took the Personal Support Worker Program and graduated with 4.0 GPA. I volunteer two to four hours a week and on special events at Riverside Glen Long-Term Care. Currently, I work at a Retirement Home in Guelph as a Part-Time/ Call to Action to help with COVID-19 crisis. In the upcoming school year, I will start the Practical Nursing Program and continue my education to achieve my goals. By awarding me the CFUW (Guelph) Bursary, I’m able to concentrate on what is important for me, my education. Your financial generosity has allowed me to be one step closer to my goal and has inspired me to do more volunteering work to give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goal just as you have helped me“. (H.A) Conestoga College Recipient.
“I study Business at Conestoga, and I am in my final semester. I have been selected to receive this award and it could only happen because of your generosity, thank you ever so much. I am a mature student and going back to school is one of the best decisions I have made. I have learned so much and I am happy that I can be a good example for my two kids. I chose Conestoga due to its reputation and I have to say I am glad that I did. All the teachers are so knowledgeable, they all have real life experience which have been a great bonus. My goal is to finish this last semester with high marks, get a better job and further my education in the future. This award means so much to me. It has proved that I can do it and that nothing is impossible. Thank you again for making it possible for me.” (H.N.) Conestoga College Recipient.
“I am writing to express my sincerest thanks for the generous Engineering Scholarship I received last fall. The Canadian Federation of University Women’s support of my education and future is greatly appreciated. By awarding me the CFUW Engineering Scholarship, you have lightened the financial burden of my undergraduate degree and helped make my career goals attainable. I have distributed the scholarship funds among tuition, funding for a research internship, and savings for graduate studies. For this immense support, I want to thank you again. This award has not only helped accomplish the aforementioned, but also inspired me to continue studying hard and challenging myself to achieve academically”. (A.M.) University of Guelph
“I’m this year’s award recipient of the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Scholarship at the University of Guelph. I am honoured to have received this scholarship, and the recognition received as a female student in the field of research and nutrition was very much appreciated. CFUW is an amazing organization that tries to make a difference not only at the community level but also at national and international levels. I wish CFUW Guelph Chapter the very best in continuing their good work. Thank you!” (S.T.) University of Guelph
“I would like to say thank you for your generous donation, I greatly appreciate it. Receiving this award makes completing my studies a little more stress free. I am in my second and final year of my program at Conestoga College. I have a work placement starting in two weeks and I am hoping to get hired on after completion of the placement”. (A.R.) University of Guelph
“ I am very grateful to receive this award as it will help me in my studies as well as in my future career. I have just completed my first year in the Early Childhood Education program with Conestoga College. I have a passion for working with children and I plan on using my skills and abilities in this area to help children learn, develop, and grow. This award has encouraged and motivated me to keep pursuing my goal to become a successful ECE. With this donation I am able to put it towards supporting myself financially in this process. I have a goal to achieve above 80% average in all of my courses in the Early Childhood Education Program. Receiving this award has encouraged me to keep working hard at my studies and to be the best Early Childhood Educator that I can be. Thank-you for your consideration and generosity”. (J.G.) Conestoga College.