Do you know a high school senior who might benefit from gaining insight into workplace health and safety and could use some cash towards their post-secondary education?
Applicants for the 2026 WHSC Student Scholarship Contest are invited to submit an essay, video, podcast or infographic sharing a personal experience with a hazard faced at work or one they think would put their safety or health in harm’s way. They must also share how this hazard impacted their health or could have, how their supervisor or employer responded, and what should have been considered in terms of measures to prevent hazardous exposure in the first place.
DO YOU KNOW A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR? HAVE THEM APPLY TODAY!
Cash awards
This annual scholarship contest is open to Ontario high school students entering full-time or part-time studies at a publicly funded Ontario post-secondary institution. The top applicant regardless of medium category for the 2026 contest will be awarded the Clifford Pilkey, WHSC Founder Memorial Scholarship and receive $6,000. The second-place applicant will be awarded the Fred Upshaw, Champion for Social Justice Memorial Scholarship and receive $4,000. Up to six additional successful applicants regardless of medium category will receive $2,000 each.
“This initiative, though, is more than just about helping students achieve their post-secondary educational goals—a challenge for many as costs continue to escalate,” says Andrew Mudge, WHSC executive director. “It serves to help enlighten each applicant about unsafe and unhealthy working conditions and encourages them to consider how hazardous exposures can be prevented. Sadly, the experiences of workers, their families, and their communities, tell us hazards are many, suffering is real and much work remains in pursuit of safer, healthier work,” Mudge adds.
Submissions are due on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Funding Sources
No portion of government grants from employer WSIB assessments or WHSC revenue generation support these important occupational health and safety awareness initiative. Student scholarships are financed solely through funds raised at our golf tournament and the generous support of member organizations and community partners.
