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The Pathy Foundation Fellowship is now open to graduating students from every university in Canada — including those from Toronto Metropolitan University.
The year-long, experiential learning program was previously open to only graduating students of Bishop’s University, McGill University, Queen’s University, University of Ottawa and St. Francis Xavier University.
The fellowship offers 12 annual participants training, mentorship and up to $50,000 in funding to work on a project in any sector in a global community that they care about, according to its website.
It’s a partnership between the Pathy Family Foundation and the Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University. According to the site, since its 2015 launch, 84 students have received fellowships.
“We believe young people are the changemakers of today, and that deserves to be recognized and celebrated,” said Courtney Murdoch, impact and engagement officer at The Coady Institute.
“We are so excited to democratize access to this program by bringing the Pathy Foundation Fellowship to youth across the country.”
According to the fellowship website, applicants must be Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 30 or younger and they must be full-time students in their final year of study. This expansion is a important step, says Michelle LeDonne, executive director of the Pathy Family Foundation
“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,” said LeDonne.
Fanta Ly, a past Pathy fellow and first-generation post-secondary student, told On The Record News that she “grew up believing that education was a pathway to security and promise.”
Ly says she was at her “lowest” when she applied back in 2022.
“I was surrounded by people who owed me nothing but supported me in ways I am still trying to comprehend,” she said.
Although 12 fellowships are offered annually, the Pathy Fellowship does not fill these quotas ”if applications are not sufficiently strong,” said Jessica Franko, manager of the Pathy Foundation Fellowship at the Coady Institute.
This year’s cohort is six students. Only two cohorts have been at full capacity.
“With the recent eligibility expansion to a national audience, the program will inevitably be more competitive as the candidate pool grows,” said Franko.
The Pathy Fellowship is now accepting applications on its website.
