About the 2021 Phyllis Pitre Bursary

The Phyllis Pitre Bursary is funded and administered through the Career Development Association of PEI (CDA of PEI). The bursary awards PEI adult learners who are working towards completing a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree.

In 2011, at the age of 48, Phyllis Pitre, former Chair of CDA of PEI, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. She lived in Charlottetown and was formerly of Tignish Shore. She valued lifelong learning and made a tremendous impact on people in her personal life and those she worked with to encourage and support them as they made life decisions and planned their career.
We are now accepting bursary applications for 2022. All applications must be submitted by Friday, August 26, 2022.

This bursary is a grant ($500) that will be awarded to three successful applicants.

Who can qualify?
To qualify, you must be an adult who:
  • Is working towards skills development for a present job or a future career interest
  • Is 30 years or older
  • Is in or plans to enter a post secondary program or accredited training program to earn a certificate, diploma, or degree.

How do I apply?
To apply for a bursary you must:
  • Complete the on-line application here.
  • Write a 1-2 page essay (500 – 1000 words) or record a 2-4 minute video.
  • Provide two written references from people who are familiar with your efforts to reach your goals, e.g. current or past    employer, teacher/instructor. Do not use references from family members. Letters of Reference can be emailed to cdaofpei@gmail.com.
  • Provide a copy of proof of enrollment or acceptance email sent from the training institution you are attending.

What should I include in my essay or video?
  • Describe your education and career goals.
  • What are your greatest strengths and challenges and how will they impact your education and career goals?
  • Tell us about a difficult situation you have dealt with and how you have overcome it.

When will I hear about my application?
Successful applicants will be notified by the selection committee.

2021 Phyllis Pitre Bursary Winner, Laura Mills 
​As seen in the Employment Journey.

PictureLaura Mills was one of three recipients of the 2021 Phyllis Pitre Bursary provided through the Career Development Association of PEI. Submitted photo
October 19, 2021

by Gloria Welton

November is Canada Career Month and the theme is, “It’s Possible!” There is no better way to start the celebration this month than to profile a Career Development Association of PEI bursary winner.

Did you know there are many Career Development Professionals across PEI who can help you make your career plans happen? These empathetic and trained professionals encourage and support job seekers/career planners across PEI to take steps toward a lasting and satisfying career. They meet with clients regularly and watch them move towards their “It’s possible.”

Laura Mills from O’Leary is taking steps towards her “It’s Possible.” She enrolled in the first Human Services program offered at the Holland College West Prince Campus in Alberton in 2020.

During the process of applying for the Phyllis Pitre Bursary, she learned much more about Phyllis, and felt they had many things in common.

Phyllis, who passed away at the age of 48, valued lifelong learning and made a tremendous impact on people in her personal life and those she worked with to encourage and support them as they made life decisions and planned their career.

Because of Laura’s amazing story and meeting all the criteria, the Career Development Association of PEI selection committee awarded her and two other recipients a $500 bursary.

For more information about Laura's journey, click here

Read about the 2020 Phyllis Pitre Bursary award winners here