Tag: Partnerships

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Schulich ExecEd partnership strengthens Nunavut’s project management capacity

Brown rock formation near sea during daytime, Unsplash

Recognizing the pivotal role of adept project management in propelling strategic initiatives forward, in Fall 2021 the government of Nunavut set out to empower its workforce by partnering with York University’s Schulich Executive Education (Schulich ExecEd) to offer specialized professional development through the Masters Certificate in Project Management program.

To help meet the territory’s demand for skilled project managers within the public sector, the Schulich ExecEd program – which recently saw its third cohort of students graduate – allows participants to delve into various facets of project management, gaining the insights, tools and techniques essential for navigating complex projects successfully. From project planning and risk management to stakeholder engagement and resource allocation, participants emerge from the program equipped with a comprehensive skill set tailored to the unique challenges faced within the public sector.

“Our students in the third cohort of the program came from far and wide across this massive territory to learn how to manage projects of all types, spanning government policy, health care, technology, construction, engineering and more,” says David Barrett, national program director of the Masters Certificate in Project Management program. “It is a delight to work with our graduates at the end of our program, as they embrace a new set of tools, a new language and a new method of approaching all of their projects – regardless of size.”

The third cohort of the Schulich ExecEd Masters Certificate in Project Management program in partnership with the government of Nunavut.

With over 100 employees from the government of Nunavut and affiliated organizations participating in the program since its inception, the initiative has had a profound impact on the territory’s workforce. From urban centres to remote communities, public servants have seized the opportunity to enhance their project management acumen, driven by a collective dedication to professional growth and service excellence.

“We are immensely proud of our enduring partnership with the government of Nunavut,” says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. “This collaboration stands as a testament to our shared commitment to empowering public servants with the essential tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of project management within the public sector.”

Beyond mere skill development, Mayer says this partnership is about fostering a culture of innovation in the territory and planting the seeds for a new generation of professionals.

“We recognize the profound impact of efficient project management on the lives of the Indigenous peoples of Nunavut,” says Mayer. “Enhanced project management skills enable the government of Nunavut to execute initiatives that directly benefit the Indigenous community – from infrastructure projects to health-care initiatives and cultural preservation efforts.”

In providing these professional development opportunities, Schulich ExecEd and the government of Nunavut are not only building a more efficient public sector but also fostering a stronger, more resilient Indigenous community. And they are committed to continuing to do so – together.

York receives $300K boost for research commercialization

Concept of idea and innovation with paper ball

York University’s Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI) and the IP Innovation Clinic have received a second instalment – the first was received in 2023 – of $300,000 from the government of Ontario to advance its commercialization services, particularly for research and innovation related to artificial intelligence, automotive and medical technology.

The funding, announced on April 8 by Jill Dunlop, minister of colleges and universities, is from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), a provincial agency that provides IP support for Ontario businesses and researchers.

This marks the second year in a row the initiative has received $300,000 from the government as it works towards increasing patent filings, outreach and consultation.

“IPON’s continued and valued investment in York helps advance the University’s commitment to helping our researchers realize the full potential of their innovative work and amplify their community impact,” said Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. “Strengthening commercialization efforts at York and supporting entrepreneurs in the province through education and training create positive change for the people of Ontario and the province.”

The funding will enable the collaborating units to continue to provide a suite of intellectual property and commercialization services to researchers and their partners, with the goal of taking more of the University community’s great ideas from the lab to market. 

“Together with countless law students and our industry partners, we have saved over $2 million in legal fees to resource-scarce innovators seeking to commercialize their IP and grow Canadian companies. We look forward to fostering the success of many more,” said Pina D’Agostino, associate professor at York’s Osgoode Hall Law School and the founder of the IP Innovation Clinic. “We are grateful to Minister Dunlop and Intellectual Property Ontario for supporting the IP Innovation Clinic for a second year.”

D’Agostino continued: “Ultimately, this is also a big win for our students who can continue to get access to first-rate experiential learning to make them job-ready while helping those who do not have access to legal resources.”

York was one of 10 universities with an existing program to receive the renewed funding, totalling $1.7 million. IPON also announced a new investment of $2.9 million to help commercialize research at 10 institutions across Canada.

“This funding will help institutions across the province more effectively translate research into commercializable innovations, while ensuring the IP at their foundation is appropriately developed and protected,” said IPON CEO Dan Herman.

“Through the province’s support of IPON, our government is ensuring the social and economic benefits of publicly funded research stay in our province, so that Ontarians and the Ontario economy benefit from these new discoveries and innovations,” said Dunlop.

For the full announcement, visit the IPON website.

York announces new initiative to advance global research

Global Research Excellence Seed Fund image

York University has launched the Global Research Excellence Seed Fund (GRE Fund), a new initiative that will strengthen the University’s research partnerships worldwide and enable faculty members to forge deeper global connections across communities, academia and industry.

“Building international, values-driven partnerships underscores York University’s dedication to working together cross-culturally to address critical world issues,” said Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “The GRE Fund is an investment in the transformative work of the York community and will provide mutually beneficial opportunities for our researchers, students and partners to continue to translate research outcomes into social and economic benefits in Canada and beyond.”

The fund is available in two GRE funding streams: Stream A focuses on strategic partnership exploration and development, while Stream B focuses on advancing multilateralism by supporting the University’s knowledge mobilization collaborations with multilateral organizations and platforms.

The funding ranges from $5,000 to $30,000 per recipient for Stream A and $5,000 to $15,000 per recipient for Stream B.

For the inaugural call, York faculty who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for the fund beginning May 2024 through to April 2025. The fund has rolling deadlines to enable faculty to respond to external opportunities.

Establishment of the fund is the latest action to be realized from Engaging the World: York University’s Internationalization and Global Engagement Strategy (GES), 2022-27, which recognized the importance of creating a seed fund to further international research partnerships.

The fund is a joint initiative of the President’s Office, the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic, and the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, co-ordinated by the Global Strategic Initiatives team at York International. The fund was developed in consultation with York Faculties, researchers and international partners.

To learn more about the GRE Fund, eligibility and requirements, click here.

k2i academy and TDSB engage girls in STEM

young girls doing science

With the goal of encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( UN SDGs), the k2i academy – an initiative by York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering – engaged with students at the Young Women on the Move: Possibilities Conference at Runnymede Elementary School, hosted by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

Since June 2020, the k2i academy and the TDSB have worked in partnership to foster a variety of programs aimed at breaking down barriers in STEM education. For example, the Bringing STEM to Life: In Schools initiative has brought experiential education to schools across the Greater Toronto Area, and the recently 407 ETR-funded Work Integrated Learning Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Fund will expand STEM offerings to under-represented students throughout the area, too.

The most recent example of the partnership, the Young Women on the Move event, engaged 200 girls from eight different elementary schools through an engineering design challenge – with a focus on the SDG priority on sustainable cities and communities ­– organized by the k2i team.

Mentors and k2i academy staff guided the students through building prototypes of earthquake-resilient structures, underlining the importance of creating inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable urban environments. In the process, they learned about earthquakes, the principles of stable structures, and the iterative process of designing, building and testing their prototypes using shaker testing tables.

This practical, hands-on experience introduced the girls to the engineering design process, emphasizing problem-solving and creativity in addressing real-world issues.

“Through our Possibilities Conference, we wanted to empower young women to see the endless possibilities available to them by building their confidence, breaking down barriers and stereotypes, and encouraging them to explore non-traditional courses of study,” says Lauren Rovas, vice-principal and Possibilities Conference lead organizer, TDSB. 

As a result, the k2i academy and the TDSB continue their shared purpose, and partnership, in encouraging the future of STEM careers being more inclusive.

“As a woman who studied physics, it is important for me to encourage and inspire the next generation of girls to consider STEM career pathways,” says Lisa Cole, director of programming, k2i academy. “k2i is thrilled to partner with TDSB to design and deliver programs that encourage youth to discover their curiosities, develop skills in coding and engineering design, and reach students and families who may not have considered STEM pathways.”

Connected Minds awards inaugural seed grants

connected minds banner

As part of its mission to further socially conscious emerging technologies, Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society has issued its inaugural round of seed grants to projects overseen by professors at York University and partner Queen’s University.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and technology profoundly shape society, guiding these advancements towards a healthier, more equitable future is crucial.

In that spirit, Connected Minds has now funded six projects spanning diverse research areas, goals and themes, to foster innovative research for societal good. 

The seed funding is part of the $105.7 million York University, in partnership with Queen’s University, received from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, and it looks to further collaborative, transdisciplinary and exploratory research.

Connected Minds is especially committed to inclusivity, equity and community-centred research, reserving at least 20 per cent of its funding awards for Indigenous-led or community-guided projects – something that is reflected in its inaugural round of seed funding.

The York University recipients, and their projects, are:

Rebecca Caines, professor, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Rebecca Caines
Rebecca Caines

Caines’ project ­– titled “Towards Socially-Responsible ‘Transfer Learning’: Connecting Artists, Engineers, Neuroscientists and their Partners through Interdisciplinary Knowledge Mobilization” – will look at interdisciplinary collaboration. The project will build on Caines’ existing work, which often investigates the role of art and technology in social justice. It will consider how diverse knowledge bases – across disciplines – can help address societal changes through an emphasis on co-creation, ethical learning transfer and global collaboration. The research aims especially to foster inclusivity and collaboration with equity-deserving groups, particularly Indigenous communities.

Joseph DeSouza, professor, Faculty of Health

Joseph Desouza
Joseph DeSouza

DeSouza’s funded project, “The Intergenerational Healing Power of nêhiyawêwin (the Cree language),” will integrate Indigenous knowledge with neuroscience. Partnering with the organization the nêhiyawak language experience, it will explore what positive impact on holistic health can be observed in individuals who re/learn the Cree language on holistic health. In the process, the research aims to revitalize nêhiyawêwin, restore treaty obligations and foster healing within the nêhiyawak nation.

Michael Kalu, professor, Faculty of Health

Michael Kalu
Michael Kalu

Titled “Bridging Mobility Gaps: Co-designing Culturally Appropriate Mobility AI-Powered Wearable (CAMAiW) Tool for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Older Adults,” Kalu’s initiative aims to advance inclusive wearable devices. The project’s goal is to integrate speed, distance, location tracking and other health/social monitoring features within a single tool. With a commitment to inclusivity and socially ethical technologies, the project will iteratively work with BIPOC communities to co-create and test the device.

Terry Sachlos, professor, Lassonde School of Engineering

Terry Sachlos
Terry Sachlos

Sachlos’s inclusive initiative is titled “Increasing African, Caribbean, and Black Donor Representation in the Canadian Bone Marrow Stem Cell Registry through Community Engagement and Co-creation of Tissue Engineered Bone Marrow to Mitigate Critical Stem Cell Transplant Shortages.” It aims to engage with relevant community organizations and implement innovative biotechnology strategies to help dismantle barriers to health-care access and foster inclusivity towards a more equitable health-care system with a more representative bone marrow stem cell registry.

The Queen’s University recipients, and their projects, are:

Matthew Pan, professor, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science at Queen’s University

Matthew Pan
Matthew Pan

Pan’s project, “Meta-Physical Theatre: Designing ‘Physical’ Interactions in ‘Virtual’ Reality Live Performances,” looks to enhance virtual reality experiences by integrating physical touch interactions through robotics and smart textiles, aiming to amplify immersivity.

Committed to equity and diversity, the team collaborates with arts organizations focused on racialization to foster inclusivity and develop best practices for cross-cultural sensitivity in virtual interactions.

Qingguo Li, professor, Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science at Queen’s University

Qingguo Li
Qingguo Li

Targeting health-care staff, Li’s project – “Exo-Sensory Augmentation to Reduce Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in Clinical Settings” – aims to mitigate injury risks, enhancing sensory awareness to improve task performance and prevent injuries. With inclusivity as a priority, the project endeavours to develop accessible wearable technology for clinicians of all backgrounds.

The announcement of Connected Minds’ inaugural seed funding marks the latest instance of the project’s ongoing progress throughout its first year – and beyond – which has included onboarding 14 research-enhanced hires, conferences and events, and new leadership with Pina D’Agostino.

Lassonde, Schulich form new international partnership

York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering and the Schulich School of Business have deepened their international relationships through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China.

Lassonde and Schulich have opened their doors to students from SUSTech’s College of Engineering with what’s known as a 3+1+1 agreement. Civil engineering, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering students will first complete three (3) years of undergraduate studies at SUSTech in China. Then, they will be able to complete their fourth year (+1) at Lassonde. Then, in their fifth year (+1), they can enrol in one of four master’s programs at Schulich: Management, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence or Supply Chain Management.

Detlev Zwick
Detlev Zwick
Jane Goodyer
Jane Goodyer

For Lassonde, in particular, the MOU is an exciting development, marking its first international 3+1+1 agreement. Dean Jane Goodyer, who travelled to Shenzhen to sign the agreement, praised the future possibilities of the partnership. “It offers mutual benefits not only for our students but also for our esteemed institutions, creating a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange and learning,” she said in remarks given during her visit. “We welcome these future SUSTech students in our family.”

In the process, up to 10 SUSTech students at a time will be obtaining two degrees within a five-year period: a bachelor of engineering from SUSTech and a master’s degree from Schulich.

Detlev Zwick, dean of Schulich, who also was present for the signing, noted in his own remarks, “The program is designed to open valuable career pathways and opportunities for your students.” He added, “The 3+1+1 program brings together the strengths of your institution with the business and engineering strengths of Schulich and Lassonde.”

This partnership builds on York’s existing institutional relationships in China, including with Peking University, the University of Hong Kong and Fudan University. It came together not only through SUSTech’s College of Engineering Dean Zhenghe Xu’s long-standing connections with faculty from Lassonde but through his relationship with Goodyer, with whom he sits on the executive committee of the Global Engineering Deans Council. The two deans decided to put their heads together and come up with a way to take advantage of the two schools’ natural compatibility, due to both being relatively new and dynamic schools with powerful drives to innovate.

From left to right: Lassonde Dean Jane Goodyer, SUStech Dean of Engineering Zhenge Xu, Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick.
The three deans at the official signing of the 3+1+1 agreement.
From left to right: Lassonde Dean Jane Goodyer; Dean of SUStech’s College of Engineering, Zhenge Xu; and Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick.

“The distinctiveness of this model lies not only in its international aspect but also in its interdisciplinary approach,” says Goodyer. “It combines the strengths of two engineering schools with a business school, creating a pathway for international students to attain both a top-tier engineering degree and a premier business master’s degree. It’s a win-win.”

The 3+1+1 partnership is expected to fully come into effect with the arrival of students at York by Fall 2025.

For questions regarding this program and partnership, contact Professor Richard Hornsey, associate dean academic and students at the Lassonde School of Engineering, at adas@lassonde.yorku.ca.

Scholarship partnership advances York’s global engagement

Map plane travel international world

By Elaine Smith

York University is among several Canadian institutions helping international students receive the chance to study, or conduct research, thanks to the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) International Scholarships program – for which the application period is now open . The results benefit not just students, but York’s goal to advance global engagement.

A critical component of York’s ongoing commitment to advance global engagement is drawing attention to, and benefiting from, opportunities for promising students abroad like the GAC scholarships, which are designed to assist internationalization efforts by promoting Canada as a top study and research destination.

Through its partnership with GAC, York offers itself as a destination for the scholarship with the aim of contributing to positive change through global co-operation and borderless education. At the same time, it seeks to draw – and benefit – people from around the world wanting to learn from each other and to gain the global fluencies needed to work locally and across borders toward a better future.

My Duong
My Duong

For example, My Doung, a third-year economics student from Vietnam National University, had always wanted to go on an exchange. She looked to the GAC program as an opportunity that – with its range of scholarships – makes it possible for international students to study or conduct research at York University and other Canadian institutions.

Because Vietnam National University is a York partner, the credits Duong earns during her one-term exchange will count toward her degree, allowing her to register for four economics courses at York that will advance her academic journey at home.

“I am grateful for the opportunity,” she said. “As a first-generation student from a developing country, this scholarship has been a cornerstone of my journey, offering me opportunities I never imagined possible.”

During her time, Duong even volunteered with York International’s Global Outreach Program, offering insights about her home university to potential exchange students who may want to also experience the benefits she’s seen. Those benefits have included a deeper knowledge – and passion – for sustainability. Duong plans to pursue a master’s degree in economics and give back to her country using what she learned at York regarding sustainability.

“I am passionate about environmental economics, especially for Vietnam as a developing country. There is a lot we can do and I want to contribute my share,” she said.

Maria Simei
Maria Simei

Maria Simei, a fourth-year languages and literature student from the State University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, enjoyed similar experiences and benefits by spending a term at York University through one of GAC’s scholarships. In her case, York and GAC provided an opportunity for her to go to an English-speaking country for the first time, advancing her global fluency.  

“Being in a really multicultural context is amazing. I’ve never been in a place with people from all over the world and I’ve liked that,” Simei said.

While her credits from York don’t count toward her degree, it’s given her a chance to take courses not offered at home; for example, dance classes and courses like Asian Philosophical Traditions and Health, Storytelling and Media.

“I’m a bit sad that the scholarship is only for one term, because I know there’s a lot more to see,” Simei said. “It has been an amazing experience.”

York International is calling for the community to help more international students benefit from experiences like Duong and Simei’s, thanks to the GAC scholarships. Faculty members who have connections at institutions abroad are encouraged to promote them to their colleagues – especially now, as the application period for 2024-25 GAC scholarships remains open until March 7.

More information is available through York International.

Public matters: York partners on project advocating for public education systems

classroom with desks and chairs BANNER

York University has joined together with five other organizations to create the Public Education Exchange (PEX), an initiative to investigate the future of public education by making research more available, providing policymakers with valuable insights and engaging the public.

Sometimes organizations are formed from a single source of inspiration – an idea, a spark, a challenge, a singular moment or movement. PEX’s inception was not triggered by a single event, but a recent shift in public education.

Private actors – whether parents, religious institutions, businesses or other non-governmental organizations – have become increasingly involved in public education systems. In tandem, there has been the emergence of new policies and practices in public schools that risk undermining public education and exacerbating inequalities.

Sue Winton
Sue Winton

With this shift, information and dialogue is needed, but hasn’t always been available. PEX was created to help provide that.

“The decision to pursue the PEX came from the challenges I faced accessing research on education privatization across Canada and concerns about the possibility for accelerated privatization during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Sue Winton, the PEX project director, York Research Chair in Policy Analysis for Democracy and a professor in the Faculty of Education.

PEX is a collaboration between the University of Windsor, the University of Manitoba, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation and the Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives. The joint effort secured funding from a Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council Partnership Development Grant in the spring of 2023 to pursue its mission of connecting researchers, advocates, policymakers, and the public to foster dialogue and knowledge exchange. “It’s about making information accessible to everyone and creating spaces for meaningful conversations,” Winton asserts.

education-privatization-illustration
An infographic featured on the PEX website.

The initiative is still in its early stages, with plans to build a network of collaborators, researchers and advocates across the country, but it has already made notable progress. For instance, the project’s website serves as the online hub for the network and features information and resources. However, Winton envisions the PEX as more than just a website; it will be a dynamic network of individuals engaging through online webinars, in-person meetings and community-based dialogues.

Through these offerings, Winton explains, PEX will look to advocate for a robust public education system that prioritizes collective benefits over individual gains. “We believe in highlighting the successes and potentials of public education while pointing out the potential damage caused by privatization policies,” she says. “The focus is on fostering a system that embodies equity, reflects democratic values and prioritizes the collective well-being of society.

“I truly believe that by coming together and sharing our insights, we can shape a future where public education remains a cornerstone of our democratic society,” she adds.

New lecture series to spotlight York’s research leadership

innovation image

York University’s Organized Research Units (ORU) are launching the Big Thinking Lecture Series, which will feature researchers, artists and activists taking up some of the world’s most pressing issues and ideas in their fields, from water research and aging to digital literacy and more.

As a leader in research and innovative thinking, York has a lot to show in the ways its faculty and students are helping right the future with big ideas. The new lecture series, which will consist of various talks and artistic events held throughout the calendar year, will see expert York speakers present research and creative works that span their respective fields, which include muscle health, Indigenous knowledges and languages, youth and aging, Canadian studies, technoscience and society, feminist activism, and Jewish social and political thought.

John Tsotsos
John Tsotsos

“This bold new series will showcase the depth and breadth of research excellence generated by York’s Organized Research Units and their commitment to fostering critical thought and dialogue on today’s global challenges,” said Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. “The Big Thinking Lecture Series builds on York’s proud tradition of interdisciplinary scholarship and participatory research. I applaud the ORU directors for bringing this series forward.”

The inaugural lecture of the series, titled “Vision Beyond a Glance,” is presented by the Centre for Vision Research and will feature John Tsotsos, a Distinguished Research Professor in the Lassonde School of Engineering. He will explore the meaning of vision and explain how we effortlessly perform visual tasks many times a day. The in-person event will take place on Jan. 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in 519 Kaneff Tower.

For more details about the inaugural event and the series itself, visit yorku.ca/research/bigthinking.

York’s TD CEC boosts local, youth-led projects

Group multiracial friends taking selfie picture with mobile smartphone outside - Happy young with hands up laughing at camera - Youth concept with guys and girls having fun walking on city street

With a $178,000 federal grant received this year from Employment & Social Development Canada (ESDC), the York University TD Community Engagement Centre (CEC) has funded new youth-led projects in the Jane-Finch and Black Creek community.

Since 2014, the CEC’s mandate has been to support York’s commitment to build a more engaged university by fostering collaborations between the University and the Black Creek community. Through its Catalyst Grants program, over the past decade the CEC has awarded over $150,000 in university-community partnership projects promoting access to post-secondary education, supporting community-based research and creating experiential education opportunities for students through its Catalyst Grants program. 

Grant recipients listen in during a workshop at the Professional Development & Social Gathering organized by the York U TD CEC. (L-R) Sariena Luy, Victor Adarquah, Shon Williams, and Abena McRae.
Grant recipients listen in during a workshop at the Professional Development & Social Gathering organized by the York U TD CEC.
Pictures, left to right: Sariena Luy, Victor Adarquah, Shon Williams and Abena McRae. Photo by Jhanoi Walker.

The recent ESDC grant allowed CEC to offer Catalyst Grants in a different way. “With this special offering of the grant, we are excited to focus specifically on youth-led projects from the Jane-Finch and Black Creek community,” said Anda Petro, community projects co-ordinator at CEC. “We received numerous excellent applications from youth aged 15 to 30 for projects that demonstrated community benefit, and ultimately selected 12 projects to be funded.”

Among them are projects like a computer literacy program for seniors, a project helping youth grow indoor edible gardens, an interview/film project capturing experiences of youth in the community, and a workshop to help entrepreneurs and creatives to develop podcasts.

Petro noted that some of the selected projects are led by current or past York students who are from the community. For example, Abigail Dunbar is a first-year dance student (bachelor of fine arts) who received a grant for her project called “Inspiring Community Dance Connections,” which will bring her passion for dance to youth within the community. “This program will not only teach them dance but my hope is that it will also help them to form a second family in the community, teach discipline and help them to develop their own way of self expression,” said Dunbar.

Grant recipients at the Catalyst Grant Professional Development & Social Gathering. (L-R) Princess Anthony and Victor Adarquah.
Grant recipients at the Catalyst Grant Professional Development & Social Gathering.
Pictured, left to right: Princess Anthony and Victor Adarquah.
Photo by Jhanoi Walker.

Dunbar’s ambitions reflect CEC’s own hopes for the funded initiatives. “Not only do the projects support youth leadership and development, but they also directly benefit the broader community,” said Petro.

Administering the grants, the CEC provides continuous support and training opportunities for the youth grant recipients, fostering connections between the community and the University. Recently, the CEC organized a professional development and networking event, enabling young project leaders to refine skills like program evaluation while strengthening their connections.

Byron Gray, manager of the CEC, highlighted the centre’s unique position in bridging the university-community gap. “As a bridge between the University and the community, the CEC plays a pivotal role in advancing York University’s position as an anchor institution,” Gray remarked. “Initiatives like this showcase the tremendous impact we can achieve by supporting the remarkable talent within the community. Through this and other funding opportunities, we hope to grow this program and continue to support even more of these impactful youth-led projects in the Jane-Finch community in the coming years.”