The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Saskatchewan Council, comprised of CFUW-Saskatoon, CFUW-Prince Albert, CFUW-Yorkton, and Regina online members, established the New Beginnings Grant of $5,000 in Fall 2023. The New Beginnings Grant aims to help a woman create a new beginning for herself and her family by overcoming challenges through the power of education.

In 2026, there are two awards available, one of $5,000 and a second of $3,000.

CFUW Saskatchewan Council is pleased to announce that Abreana Deneyou is the third recipient of the annual grant. Abreana lives in Regina. She is a second-year student in the Business Diploma and HR Specialty Program at Sask Polytechnic in Moose Jaw where she will graduate in April, 2026. Abreana plans to pursue a double degree at FNUC in Human Resources and Accounting.

CFUW Saskatchewan Council is pleased to announce that Holli Ironstand is the second recipient of this annual grant. Holli lives in The Battlefords with her five-year-old daughter. She is a student in the Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic which offers a combination of online and in-person learning that is appreciated by adult students in rural regions with families to support. Holli looks forward to graduation in June, 2025, and employment in that field. Experiencing struggles with anxiety and depression, Holli recognizes and appreciates the value of support. Her choice of study reflects her intent to offer this crucial support to others in need. Her ultimate goal is to attain a Bachelor of Social Work Degree and work in trauma care and/or postpartum mental health.

CFUW Saskatchewan Council is pleased to announce that Jessica Falcon, a resident of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, is the first recipient of the annual grant. Surmounting many challenges in her life and having an incomplete high-school education, Jessica pursued adult education to attain the Adult 12 credential. In 2022, she was accepted into the Mental Health & Addictions Counselling Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus. Jessica cares not only for her children but also has guardianship of three children of relatives who struggled with addictions and mental health and were unable to provide care. Jessica expressed her aspirations in her grant application, stating that she “wants to show my daughters what it looks like to be a strong Metis woman. I want to do better by my parents and family and show that there is a better way of life and the reward of education and growth.”

The New Beginnings Grant is eligible to women aged 25 years or older who are Saskatchewan residents, have primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents, have financial need, and have been accepted into an educational post-secondary program.  For more information regarding the grant, send inquiries to cfuwsaskcouncil@gmail.com.

CFUW is a non-partisan, self-funded organization with 90 clubs across Canada and over 6,600 members. Since the founding of CFUW in 1919, our mission has been to achieve educational and economic equality and social justice through continuous learning and empowerment. Our vision is that women and girls are educated and empowered to make transformative change in the world. In Saskatchewan, there are CFUW local clubs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Yorkton with members throughout the province.