Empowering Young Women in STEM and the Arts
Opterus is proud to offer two Rebel with a Cause scholarships to support young women between the ages of 18 and 26 who are enrolled or will enroll in a Canadian post-secondary institution. These awards are for those pursuing educational paths in either STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or the Arts.
Inspired by the lives of founder Janet Hawkins’ mother, Dr. Helen McKilligin, and sister, Valerie Ann Hawkins, these scholarships aim to honor their legacies by supporting future trailblazers.
Application Period: April 14 – June 13, 2025
Questions? Email: [email protected]
Apply now for the Opterus Rebel with a Cause Awards
About Dr. Helen Rose McKilligin – The Inspiration Behind the STEM Award
Dr. Helen McKilligin was a pioneer in pediatric medicine and women’s reproductive health. After graduating from the University of Aberdeen in 1958, she made remarkable contributions to neonatal nursing, public health, and medical education across Newfoundland and Ontario.
Highlights of her legacy include:
-
Publishing a groundbreaking book on neonatal nursing in 1970.
-
Practicing at Grace Hospital and teaching at Memorial University in Newfoundland.
-
Co-founding Newfoundland’s first Family Planning Association.
-
Developing innovative reproductive health programs with Ontario’s Ministry of Health.
-
Earning a fine arts degree from OCAD University later in life.
Her passion for healthcare, advocacy, and the arts lives on through the Helen Rose STEM Award.
About Valerie Ann Hawkins – The Inspiration Behind the Arts Award
Valerie Ann Hawkins was a gifted performer, director, and artist. From starring on Broadway to singing in a local rock band, her passion for the arts touched countless lives.
Career highlights include:
-
Performing in Ragtime on Broadway during 9/11.
-
Roles in Les Misérables (North American tour), Romeo and Juliet (Stratford), and Anne of Green Gables (PEI).
-
Receiving the Lorne Greene Award at Queen’s University.
-
Being known for her soulful voice and deep empathy—she once sang “Blue Spanish Eyes” every night to comfort her younger sibling.
The Valerie Ann Arts Award is a tribute to her vibrant spirit and creative legacy.
A Message from Opterus CEO & Scholarship Founder, Janet Hawkins
Hi, I’m Janet Hawkins — CEO and co-founder of Opterus. That fun photo of me from the 70s? That’s a reminder of the freedom I had to explore, be creative, and embrace my unique self.
In 2025, we’re proudly celebrating the seventh year of the Rebel with a Cause Awards. These scholarships were never meant to be traditional. We don’t believe grades alone reflect brilliance — creativity, curiosity, and individuality matter more.
Who We’re Looking For:
-
Not necessarily straight-A students.
-
Women with powerful stories, talents, and a unique perspective on life.
-
Someone proud of their personal achievements — whether that’s starting a community project, creating art, building a game, or overcoming a personal challenge.
Pro tip: When the application asks what you’re proud of — go beyond academic excellence. Show us your heart, your grit, your why. Surprise us. Inspire us. Be you.
As someone once said:
“Got a 2.4 GPA my first semester. Thought I wasn’t cut out for engineering. Today I’ve landed two spacecraft on Mars and I’m designing one for the Moon. Grades don’t matter — curiosity and perseverance do.”
Be curious. Be creative. Be a rebel.
We can’t wait to meet you.
— Janet
Helen Rose STEM Award – $5,000
Eligibility:
We’re looking for: Women passionate about using science and technology to shape a better world.
Examples of eligible programs:
Nursing, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, BSc in Psychology, etc.
Valerie Ann Arts Award – $5,000
Eligibility:
We’re looking for: Women using creativity and the arts to challenge thinking, tell powerful stories, and reimagine the world.
Examples of eligible programs:
Painting, Theatre, Economics, BA in Psychology, History, Business, etc.
Apply Today & Let Your Voice Be Heard
Don’t just tell us how smart you are — show us how bright you can shine. Whether you’re a coder, a creator, a thinker, or a dreamer, this is your chance to be seen.
Start your application now
Deadline: June 13, 2025
