Over the years, the white rose has become the symbol of Polytechnique Montréal’s commemorative activities. Therefore, to mark the 25th anniversary of the events of December 6, 1989, which cost the lives of 14 young women and injured several others, Polytechnique created the Order of the White Rose in tribute to the victims as well as the wounded, the families, the faculty members, the employees and the students who were forever affected by the tragedy.

This $30,000 scholarship is awarded annually by the Polytechnique administration to a woman engineering student who wishes to enrol in graduate studies in engineering (master’s or PhD) at the institution of her choice, in Canada or elsewhere in the world.

Inspiring ambassadors
Nathalie Provost, who was injured on December 6, 1989, is the “Godmother” of the Order of the White Rose and of this scholarship. Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire, Principal and Chair of the Polytechnique Montréal Board, and who in 1963 became the first woman to graduate in civil engineering from Polytechnique, will chair the cross-Canada selection committee comprising principals, presidents or deans at seven Canadian universities.

Application procedure
In February 2017, all Canadian engineering schools and faculties received the tools they need to launch the competition in their institution. They will have until September 1, 2017, to submit the application portfolio of the finalist chosen to represent their institution to the Order of the White Rose scholarship selection committee.

Students interested in this scholarship must find out from their institution (where they completed their bachelor's degree) which department is responsible for evaluating application portfolios and the deadline for applying. The institution is responsible for organizing the internal competition and for sending only the finalist’s portfolio to the Polytechnique selection committee.