Exciting news for aspiring young leaders across Canada: the Pathy Foundation Fellowship is now open to students from every university in the country! Founded in 2015 by the Pathy Family Foundation in collaboration with Coady Institute, the Pathy Foundation Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind, self-directed opportunity for youth to immerse themselves in passion-driven work while benefitting from a rich support network.
We believe that young people deserve the opportunity to challenge existing systems of inequity and build a future for themselves and their community that is rooted in values-driven leadership. The youth we work with are making an impact now – that deserves celebration.
The Pathy Foundation Fellowship is the only program in Canada that provides a fully-funded, year-long opportunity for young people to dedicate themselves to impactful projects in any field and community across Canada and the world. Since its inception, the fellowship has supported 84 recent graduates from six partner institutions: Bishop’s University, Carleton University, McGill University, Queen’s University, St. Francis Xavier University, and University of Ottawa. These Fellows have undertaken transformative initiatives, fostering change in communities that they have meaningful connections with. As the Pathy Foundation Fellowship enters its 10th year and opens its doors to applicants across Canada, it invites the next generation of leaders to step forward, explore their passions, and contribute to meaningful change in the world.
“The Pathy Foundation Fellowship was established as a program for Canadian students to develop as leaders by investing themselves in a community and initiative that they are passionate about,” says Pathy Family Foundation Executive Director, Michelle LeDonne. “We feel that this program has a lot to offer, and we are proud to extend eligibility to youth across the country so that, true to its values, this program is inclusive and accessible to students who have the curiosity and desire to embark on this journey.”
Each year, up to 12 selected Fellows receive state-of-the-art training, wrap-around support, and up to $50,000 in funding to cover personal and initiative expenses as they develop as changemakers and contribute to sustainable impact in their chosen communities.
“We aim to see Pathy Fellows transformed through this program, building on their existing skills to drive lasting and exponential impact throughout their lifetime,” says Pathy Foundation Fellowship Manager, Jessica Franko. “At our core, we believe that young people deserve the opportunity to challenge existing systems of inequity and build a future for themselves and their community that is rooted in values-driven leadership. The youth we work with are making an impact now – that deserves celebration. Their visions for a better world deserve to be heard and supported.”
From leading greener energy revolutions in Nigeria, to developing Two-Eyed Seeing educational resources, to combatting a youth mental health crisis in Pakistan, and to building intergenerational networks of mentorship and support across the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Atlantic Canada, Pathy Fellows are contributing to a lasting global change movement.
Applications for the Pathy Foundation Fellowship are open. Students ready to join a network of young leaders across Canada in a transformative year of impact can learn more and start their application by visiting www.pathyfellowship.com.
About the Pathy Foundation Fellowship
The Pathy Foundation Fellowship is a 12-month, experiential-learning program in youth leadership and community engagement. Each year, up to 12 selected Fellows receive comprehensive training, extensive support, and up to $50,000 in funding to support their growth as leaders, make a meaningful impact in a community they care about, and acquire skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Eligible candidates include Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents under the age of 30 who are full-time students in their final year of studies at a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or post-graduate Certificate level.