Mayor launches Sky Economy scholarships for Winnipeg students

Released: May 25, 2026 at 3:25 p.m.
Five $1,000 scholarships will support students pursuing aerospace, aviation, and related training

Mayor Scott Gillingham is piloting a new scholarship program to support Winnipeg students pursuing education and training connected to the city’s growing Sky Economy.

The Mayor’s Sky Economy Scholarship Program will provide five scholarships valued at $1,000 each to Winnipeg students who have been accepted into accredited programs related to aerospace engineering, aerospace manufacturing or maintenance, or aviation flight training.

“Winnipeg has a major opportunity to build on the existing strength of its Sky Economy,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “To seize that opportunity, we need to support the next generation of skilled workers, engineers, pilots, technicians, and industry leaders who will help build that future here in Winnipeg.”

Eligible programs include:

  • The University of Manitoba Faculty of Engineering, including its aerospace engineering option or graduate studies.
  • Red River College Polytechnic aerospace manufacturing or aircraft maintenance programs.
  • University of Winnipeg physics, computer science, environmental science or geography courses related to climate/weather and/or aerospace studies.
  • Accredited powered or glider flight training programs based in Winnipeg or St. Andrews Airport. 

Winnipeg’s Sky Economy includes Canada’s third-largest aerospace cluster, CFB Winnipeg, CentrePort Canada, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, and three major post-secondary institutions. 

“These scholarships are a small but meaningful way to encourage students to see the opportunities that exist right here in Winnipeg,” said Gillingham. “Talented people and skilled training opportunities are critical if we want to attract new investment and create more good jobs in these high-wage, high-growth sectors.”

Since his State of the City address earlier this year, Mayor Gillingham has made strengthening Winnipeg’s Sky Economy a key focus. He has met with national and local leaders – including Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, federal ministers, industry executives, the Chancellor of the University of Manitoba, and the President of Red River College Polytechnic – to promote Winnipeg’s role in Canada’s aerospace, aviation, defence, and logistics sectors.

More information on the application process will be available at Winnipeg.ca/mayor. The application deadline will be June 30, 2026.

Mayor's Office

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