Kathleen Connors Nursing Student Scholarship

Each year, MNU awards one (1) $1,000 scholarship in this category, made possible through the support of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU). This scholarship aims to support nursing students who demonstrate passion, commitment, and alignment with the intent of the award.

Kathleen Connors was a pioneering nurse, union leader, and tireless defender of public health care in Canada. Born in rural Manitoba, she became active early in community organizing and went on to serve as President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions from 1983 to 2003, expanding its membership from 20,000 to 125,000 nurses. She also chaired the Canadian Health Coalition for more than a decade, where she was a leading national voice for universal health care. Even after her retirement, Kathleen continued to champion social and political causes, including seniors’ programs and community support initiatives. She was widely admired for her courage, kindness, and integrity, and the Kathleen Connors Rural and Remote Nursing Bursary was established in recognition of her enduring legacy as a mentor, activist, and inspiration to generations of nurses.

Application Deadline is October 15th.

What you need to know before applying

• Applications are accepted from students enrolled in a Nursing Program (Registered Nurs, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse) at a Manitoba institution.
• Nurses enrolled in a post diploma or post degree program are not eligible.
• Applicants may apply for the scholarship in any year of their Nursing program.
• Applicants have not previously been awarded an MNU or CFNU Scholarship.
• Applicants must be Manitoba residents.
• Applicants mus be willing to have their essay published in part or total.
• Note: An additional point will be granted for Canadian Nursing Student Association (CNSA) involvement.

Application Criteria & Selection Process

• A selection committee, whose decisions are final, will award the scholarships. Funds will be forwarded to the successful applicant(s) prior to year-end.
• Only the successful applicant(s) will be notified.
• Upon request, the successful applicant(s) must provide a Social Insurance Number (SIN) as per CRA regulations.
• Scholarship recipients agree to apply the monies received to tuition fees, or living expenses and advise the MNU of any fundamental change in their program to which the scholarship received applies.
• Scholarship recipients who withdraw from the program must advise the MNU office or the Scholarship Committee Chair within one week of doing so. Full or partial repayment of the scholarship monies may be required, after review of individual circumstances.

Application Checklist

• I am a Manitoba Resident
• I am enrolled in a Nursing program at a Manitoba institution
• I am enclosing proof of my CURRENT enrollment (transcript or official letter)
• I am enclosing my essay (250-300 words)
• I have not previously received an MNU Scholarship or CFNU Scholarship
• I am willing to have my essay published in part or whole with my name withheld for privacy

Complete the online submission, and be sure to include:

1. An essay of 250-300 words sharing how your Community involvement and Rural lived expeerience shape your goals as a future nurse, and how you hope to contribute to your community.
2. Documentation of your current enrollment in the Nursing program. A letter of acceptance into the Nurcing program is not sufficient. Your application will be considered incomplete without this documentation.