William Peyton Hubbard Award

Hydro One is proud to be the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario, serving nearly 1.4 million customers. We have a long history in the industry with our roots dating back over 110 years to 1906. Since then, we have worked to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities across Ontario. Today, we’re focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring we are building safe communities where we live, work and play.

It’s an exciting time to join the team at Hydro One!

William Peyton Hubbard (1842-1935), the son of a freed slave from Virginia, was first elected to Toronto City Council in1894. During a career that spanned 20 years, he served as the city's first black Alderman, Controller and Acting Mayor.

Among his many achievements was his unwavering support for the development and public ownership of hydroelectric power, amidst strong opposition by Toronto's powerful business community.

Hubbard's leadership and commitment led Sir Adam Beck, regarded as the "father" of Ontario Hydro, to consider him as his strongest ally of the public power movement. Together they made a formidable team. Beck fighting for public ownership province-wide, while Hubbard took the lead on the municipal level. In 1907, Hubbard's efforts were realized when Toronto City Council approved the development and public control of hydroelectric power. In 1992, Ontario Hydro established educational awards for black university and college students in recognition of William Peyton Hubbard. Since May 2000, the successor company Hydro One has continued to support black students through awards honouring the achievements of William Peyton Hubbard. The academic awards will be granted annually to four black students (where possible, two male and two female) studying power industry related disciplines at a recognized Ontario university or community college. The recipients will also be offered a work term/summer employment at Hydro One.

AWARD VALUE:

A) 4 Awards of $5,000 each are available to Black students attending an Ontario university or college.

B) Students receiving the award will also have a chance to obtain a paid developmental work term with Hydro One.

AWARD CRITERIA:

All applicants must be:

A) Canadian citizens or landed immigrants enrolled in full time study in an accredited Ontario University.

B) The Awards will be given to Black students who have completed a minimum of two years in an undergraduate program in one of the following areas: Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering/Technology, IT, or Business at the university or college level.

C) Of good academic standing with a strong GPA (B+).

D) Have demonstrated leadership skills with involvement in extra-curricular activities within the community or campus

E) Have strong oral and written communication skills.

F) Students must be returning to school on a full time basis

G) Applicants must include a copy of their unofficial transcripts and updated resume along with their application.

SELECTION OF WINNERS:

Following the application deadline (November 1) applications are reviewed by Hydro One Management. The top candidates are short-listed for an interview. The interview candidates are then ranked based on their interview scores and the top candidates are chosen as the winners.