Troop 17 Scholarship
The RCMP's Troop 17 Scholarship was established to recognize students who have made significant efforts toward the prevention of bullying and harassment in their schools and/or communities. Up to five scholarships in the amount of $1000 are awarded annually to full-time college or university students.
Background
The creation of the Troop 17 Scholarship was part of the Merlo-Davidson settlement agreement, and is one of the initiatives the RCMP has implemented to help promote diversity and inclusion and prevent harassment.
The scholarship is named after the first troop of women to attend the RCMP Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan, and be hired as regular members of the RCMP. The women of Troop 17 pushed through the challenges that come with working in a male-dominated career, and paved the way for many others who followed in their footsteps. One of these women was Beverley Busson, who received many honours for her service within the organization. In 2006, she became the first woman to serve as Commissioner of the RCMP.
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for the Troop 17 Scholarship, all applicants must:
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- be enrolled in a full-time accredited Canadian college or university
- demonstrate they have made significant efforts in preventing bullying and harassment in their schools and/or communities
- explain how they continue to promote anti-harassment and anti-bullying principles in their schools and/or communities
Deadline
The deadline for applications for the 2024 Troop 17 Scholarship is March 31, 2024 – 11:59pm, Pacific Time.
How to apply
- Complete an application form 6513. Ensure the description in your application form does not exceed 1500 words, and clearly outlines the steps you have taken to prevent bullying and harassment in your school and/or community.
- For example: (1) define the project and its delivery, and (2) explain the overall outcome and impact the project had on your school and/or community.
- Have two references validate your efforts on form 6514.
Note
Please note: the narrative from your references should be no more than 250 words each.
- Provide proof of enrollment from the academic institution you are attending.
Completed application forms, references, and proof of enrollment in a full-time post-secondary program should be submitted by e-mail to rcmp.youth-jeunesse.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Selection process
Applications will be assessed based on:
- creativity and originality of the initiative
- overall impact and/or results in the school and/or community
- clarity of thought, and quality of writing in the application
2023 recipients
Kenedi Woodcox, British Columbia
Winning this award allows me the financial opportunity to continue my pursuit towards becoming a registered nurse, in which I plan to use compassion and promote anti-bullying strategies within healthcare. During high school, I held a key role on a social media platform that promoted diversity and inclusivity through the sharing of individual stories; cultivating empathy and respect amongst students, staff, and the community. The site provided a safe and supportive environment to share about sensitive issues (which can be targets for bullying), which in turn, eliminated stigma and connected those that felt alone in their struggles.
Vedanshi Vala, British Columbia
Winning the RCMP Troop 17 Scholarship is incredibly meaningful given that it is named after the first, trailblazing Troop of women to attend the RCMP Academy in Regina. Through my role as Executive Director of the BOLT Safety Society, I lead efforts to combat sexual violence, domestic abuse, and harassment through a combination of technological development and community-based programming. This scholarship will help me continue to use my education and knowledge to build on the work done by inspiring women like the Troop 17 Officers to promote safety and equity in the community.
Aly Boilard, Alberta
Winning the Troop 17 Scholarship award is a representation of the power of unity and empathy within my community; it signifies that we can foster a safe environment where bullying and harassment have no place, and where every individual's potential can thrive. To win the Troop 17 Scholarship award, I took part in an anti-bullying campaign in my school/community, organizing awareness programs that promote understanding and inclusivity. By collaborating with teachers, parents, and peers, I helped create a supportive network that empowered victims and educated potential bullies, striving to make our community a place where everyone could feel respected and valued.
Maxime Paris, Saskatchewan
Winning the Troop 17 Scholarship has inspired and encouraged me to continue providing support and a voice to those who may not have one. During my senior year in high school in Whitehorse, Yukon, I founded a group called the Gender and Sexuality Alliance along with a few of my classmates and the school counsellor. The goal of this group was to prevent bullying and harassment against people who identified as 2SLGBTQI+ and to provide a safe space for everyone to express themselves in a positive setting. In April 2022, Bill 304 became law and it required that all territorial schools have a safe space in the form of activities and organizations dedicated to 2SLGBTQI+ students. This was a victory not only for our group, but for all students across the territory.
Kayla Parmar, British Columbia
Receiving this scholarship has proven to me that myself and others can make an impactful change in our school's community. By joining an organization at my school, I was given the opportunity to help build stronger connections between the students of the younger grades, with the overarching goal of working towards a safer and more supportive environment.
Contact
Any questions or inquiries about the Troop 17 Scholarship should be sent to: rcmp.youth-jeunesse.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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