The late Claudette MacKay-Lassonde, a Polytechnique Montréal graduate in chemical engineering, was a pioneer for women and a leader in the engineering community. In 1990, she founded the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation in response to the tragic events of December 6, 1989, at Polytechnique Montréal.

As the CEMF is closing its doors, a Claudette-MacKay-Lassonde Excellence Scholarship has been created in her memory and in honour of her legacy. This $25,000 scholarship aims to support a Canadian, or permanent resident, female undergraduate student registered in an engineering program in any Canadian university, who has demonstrated her leadership abilities and involvement in her community.

The first scholarship will be awarded in August 2025. 

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The Order of the White Rose was established by Polytechnique Montréal on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the commemoration of the Polytechnique tragedy, in tribute to the victims, the injured, their families, and the faculty, staff, and students who were at the heart of the events of December 6, 1989—a tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 young women.

Until now, the Order of the White Rose awarded a single $50,000 scholarship to a female engineering student in Canada. In 2025, it is evolving into a nationwide scholarship program, enriched with leadership support. These scholarships, valued at $50,000 (non-renewable), will be awarded to Canadian women pursuing graduate studies in engineering (master’s or PhD) at the institution of their choice, in Canada or internationally.

This program aims to recognize and honor exceptional women who inspire their peers and represent the future of Canada’s scientific and engineering community. Ultimately, 14 scholarships will be awarded in tribute to the 14 victims. This initiative is made possible thanks to the Philanthropic Circle of the Order of the White Rose.

To apply: Submit an Application | Order of the White Rose

Created by Polytechnique to mark the 25th anniversary of the tragedy of December 6, 1989, the Week of the White Rose is an annual fundraising campaign that gives young girls from disadvantaged communities the opportunity to attend Folie Technique, Polytechnique Montréal’s science camp, and be introduced to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities.

Funds are raised through the sale of virtual white roses.

Some scholarships within Polytechnique's scholarship program specifically aim to encourage women to pursue engineering studies.". They include entrance scholarships, mobility grants, scholarships, and research scholarships.

List of scholarships and bursaries (in French)

The Louise-Lalonde-Lamarre Library at Polytechnique has put together the online guide Career in Engineering: Women and Engineering, which compiles a wealth of resources for engineering careers for women.

Polytechnique Montréal has adopted the following declaration on its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion relative to the Canada Research Chairs Program and its research activities in general:

“Polytechnique Montréal believes in diversity as a stimulus for the growth of its creativity and an undeniable catalyst for excellence in its education, research and outreach activities. Polytechnique Montréal is steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity for women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities. Polytechnique Montréal is actively engaged in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its community.”

The action plan Agir pour la diversité developed as part of the Canada Research Chairs Program aims to address under-representation of researchers from the four groups designated by the federal government—women, visible minorities, people with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples—among its holders of Canada Research Chairs (CRCs). Specifically, it describes the measures Polytechnique will take to achieve, by December 15, 2019, the minimum representation targets for each group assigned to it by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS).

“Les filles et les sciences, un duo électrisant” (“Girls and science: an electrifying duo!”) is an annual event for girls in Secondary II and III (ages 13 and 14) that provides an immersion in the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) so that they have a better idea study programs and careers in the field.

The daylong activity, hosted by a university, comprises a series of activities and guided workshops. Polytechnique is part of the event organizing committee for Montréal, and hosts the event every other year, alternating with the École de technologie supérieure.

The Poly-φ committee was founded by women graduate students for the purpose of promoting engineering from the primary school to university levels. It took on the mission of the Marianne-Mareschal Chair, which created in 1998 and active until 2017.  Members provide free science workshops to girls from primary (grades 3 through 6) and secondary (I and II) school classes in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

The committee also organizes conferences and company visits in co-operation with industrial partners. These events, which that profile women role models in engineering, are available to all levels of the Polytechnique student community. Poly-φ has also established a multi-level mentorship program.

The Poly-L committee promotes leadership by women, with the ultimate goal of achieving gender parity at all levels in the workplace.

The committee holds conferences and workshops to raise awareness among the Polytechnique student population of the existence of cognitive biases, to strengthen the ambitions of female students, and to foster a spirit of cooperation between men and women that involves men in the thinking and solution process.

This non-profit organization founded by Polytechnique students organizes activities for primary and secondary school students including a summer science camp and in-class science workshops exploring STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects. Some Folie Technique activities are especially geared toward girls and designed to awaken their interest in science and engineering as well as dispel stereotypes about women and science.

Folie Technique is also a partner in the annual “Les filles et les sciences, un duo électrisant” event.