Studio Y youth fellowship launches recruitment, announces new part-time structure

TORONTO, May 12, 2016 – Today Studio Y, Ontario’s leadership institute for young professionals, opened applications for the program’s 8-month fellowship based at MaRS Discovery District in Toronto.

Each year, Studio Y selects 25 young people under 29 to participate in the fellowship. During the program participants build their leadership skills; gain experience working on real-world challenges; pursue entrepreneurial ideas for societal change; and develop networks with peers, mentors and industry leaders. Each fellow also receives a stipend to cover living costs during the program up to $25,000.

Today, Studio Y also announced a new flexible part-time format allowing fellows to work, study or run a venture full-time while participating in the fellowship.

“Our economy is changing; we need to start equipping a new generation with the skills needed to succeed in this complex marketplace,” said Lekan Olawoye, Program Director of Studio Y. “By developing the skills of talented young people and connecting them with the resources and networks they need to build and accelerate their leadership abilities, Studio Y is creating a new coalition of problem solvers and innovators– benefitting the entire province.”

Fellows work on projects with organizations such as Hydro One, Civic Action and The Ministry of Children and Youth Services to launch initiatives aligned with MaRS’ key areas of focus: Health; Energy & the Environment; Advanced Materials & Manufacturing; Finance, Commerce & Law; or Work & Learning.

From revolutionizing healthcare by creating artificial circulatory systems, to making legal advice more accessible with an innovative app, recent alumni have gone on to launch innovative ventures, pursue further education or gain meaningful employment in a variety of sectors.

“I set out to move the needle in a really conservative industry, the legal system. During my time at Studio Y, everything changed for me. I started asking a different set of questions, met with the right stakeholders and solidified my business concept,” said Selena Lucien, Studio Y Alumni and Founder of the Small Claims Wizard.

The timeline for this year’s Studio Y fellowship is as follows:

  • May 12: Applications Open
  • June 23: Applications Close
  • September 9: Cohort III Begins
  • May 21, 2017: Cohort III Graduates

For more on the fellowship and to apply, visit studioy.marsdd.com.

For more information, contact:
Danielle Klassen
MaRS Discovery District
416.673.8100
dklassen@marsdd.com