2026 Bev LaPointe Memorial Scholarship for Women in Trades
The Bev LaPointe Memorial Scholarship for Women in Trades was established by Kootenay Career Development
Society in memory of Bev LaPointe, founding member of the KCDS Board, and KCDS Board Chair from May 2004
to December 2012.
Society in memory of Bev LaPointe, founding member of the KCDS Board, and KCDS Board Chair from May 2004
to December 2012.
Bev was a dedicated supporter of workers’ rights, particularly women’s rights. She was also a committed member
of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, holding several positions, including President of CUPE 339 Nelson
Municipal Workers and General Vice President of the CUPE BC Executive Board. Bev was also the first woman to
be hired by the City of Nelson’s parks and public works department, where she was employed for 32 years (1980-
2012).
of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, holding several positions, including President of CUPE 339 Nelson
Municipal Workers and General Vice President of the CUPE BC Executive Board. Bev was also the first woman to
be hired by the City of Nelson’s parks and public works department, where she was employed for 32 years (1980-
2012).
Over the course of her career, Bev continuously tackled new challenges, driving snowplows, city buses, and street
sweepers, and using humour to help break down gender stereotypes. If you knew Bev, you might have heard her say in response to her critics, “you bet I drive like a woman!” which helps capture the spirit of this scholarship.
sweepers, and using humour to help break down gender stereotypes. If you knew Bev, you might have heard her say in response to her critics, “you bet I drive like a woman!” which helps capture the spirit of this scholarship.
Launched in May of 2016, the Bev LaPointe Memorial Scholarship for Women in Trades is a $4,000 scholarship
awarded each year to a self-identifying female student pursuing training in a trade. The successful applicant must
be enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in an accredited college, university, vocational school, or apprenticeship
program, recognized by Skills Trade BC (https://skilledtradesbc.ca).
awarded each year to a self-identifying female student pursuing training in a trade. The successful applicant must
be enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in an accredited college, university, vocational school, or apprenticeship
program, recognized by Skills Trade BC (https://skilledtradesbc.ca).
Eligability
- Applicants must be registered as a full-time or part-time student in a formally recognized trades training program; and,
- Reside in the KCDS service region: Nelson, Castlegar, Salmo, Kaslo, the Village of Slocan and RDCK areas
D, E, F, G, H, I & J, as well as Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Fruitvale, Montrose, and RDKB areas A & B; and, - Self-identify as a women
Application Requirements
- Bev Lapointe Memorial Scholarship for Women in Trades application form
- Resume
- Proof of residence
- Proof of enrollment in a trades training program
- Essay outlining the applicant’s training goals and career objectives, how they meet labour market demand in the
region, and what motivated the applicant to pursue a career in the trades. - At least one reference letter
The deadline to submit applications is May 31, 2026. The Scholarship Selection Committee will begin reviewing
applications after June 1, 2026. The criteria have been included on page three of this application package.
Please send completed applications to:
Savina Kelly
c/o Kootenay Career Development Society
#3 – 86 Baker St Nelson
scholarship@kcds.ca
