Message from the Chair

Catherine McKeown

Chair - EFC Scholarship Committee

Catherine McKeown Chair, EFC Scholarship Committee

As Chair of the Electro‑Federation Canada (EFC) Scholarship Committee, it is my honour and pleasure to officially launch the 2026 EFC Scholarship Campaign.

Across our membership, talent attraction and retention continue to be top priorities and remain among the most pressing challenges shaping our industry’s future. One of the most powerful levers we have is investing in learning—supporting the personal and professional development of Canadian students who represent the next generation of talent. The EFC Scholarship Program is a strategic platform to introduce new prospective talent to our sector, strengthen our connection to local communities, and contribute to our members’ long‑term success and growth.

Global demand for electrification is accelerating, driving unprecedented investment in critical infrastructure. As a result, our industry is more relevant—politically, economically, and socially—than ever before. While many sectors are experiencing the effects of economic slowdown, our industry continues to see strong demand, with growth projected well into the next decade particularly with the growth of data centres. At the same time, Canadian students are navigating significant financial pressures, including increased debt, and elevated housing and living costs. This makes our scholarship initiative more important than ever. By promoting our industry while easing financial barriers, we can help students stay focused on their academic aspirations and open pathways to meaningful careers.

The EFC Scholarship Program broadens awareness of the diverse and rewarding opportunities available across the electrical sector, spanning Engineering, Human Resources, Information Systems & Cybersecurity, Operations, Sales and Marketing, and General Business Management. Through our partnership with Riipen, we are also expanding hands‑on learning experiences by offering students access to real‑world projects and increased visibility into our industry at the classroom level.

On behalf of the Scholarship Committee, I am pleased to share that in 2026 we will be offering over $160,0000 in funding. The campaign will run from February 23 to June 5, 2026, with participation from leading manufacturers, distributors, agency representatives, automation partners, and industry associations. For many of our member companies, this program is not only a way to give back—it is a purposeful investment in their future talent pipelines. Several scholarship providers may also offer first priority internship and employment opportunities to successful recipients.

We encourage all interested students to explore the many scholarship options available and apply directly at: https://scholarship.electrofed.com. I would also like to extend sincere appreciation to the EFC Scholarship Committee and all participating members for their continued dedication over the past 29 years. Your ongoing commitment has made this program a meaningful catalyst for student success and industry growth. We look forward to celebrating the 2026 scholarship recipients this fall.

Catherine McKeown
Chair, EFC Scholarship Committee
Chief People Officer, Hammond Power Solutions Inc. “Passionate People energizing a better world.”

Application Process

1. Register

Click on the "Register" link to the right and complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

Login to the EFC Scholarship System with your email and password.

3. Select

Create an application.

4. Save

During the applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section.

5. Submit

On completion, submit your application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Deadline, you can make the update and resubmit as FINAL.