Are you a student who is passionate about making a difference? The Pathy Foundation Fellowship is a perfect post-graduation opportunity for emerging leaders who want to initiate change in their community.
The fellowship is an intensive, 12-month experiential-learning opportunity in youth leadership and community engagement. Each year, up to 12 selected fellows receive comprehensive training, extensive support, and $50,000 in funding to support their growth as leaders, make an impact in a community they’re connected with, and acquire skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
The program seeks three core qualities in eligible fellows:
- You demonstrate the readiness to learn, grow and lead
- You have a meaningful connection with a community anywhere in the world
- You have an idea to make an impact
Application Process
Applications open every year in early September and close in late fall. Following the review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited (and funded) to attend a selection process in Montreal, consisting of participatory and interactive activities with the other candidates along with an individual interview with the selection committee. All shortlisted candidates MUST make themselves available to attend the selection days (and potentially travel days either side) which generally takes place in February.
Deadline: Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are open until Nov. 15, 2025.
Requirements: Full-time undergraduate or masters level students in their final year of study who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and under 30 years of age.
More About the Application
Candidates do not need a fully developed plan when applying; in general, a meaningful and pre-existing connection with a community, an interesting and innovative project, and evidence of capacity and potential in the candidate themselves are the three main components of a strong application.
Applicants may apply with an existing organization within the community in which they are proposing their initiative, or independently. Applicants may also apply with either a new initiative idea to strengthen their community, or with a positive and sustainable project already underway in their community that they wish to build on in a new or innovative way.
Along with the application, candidates will need academic, professional and community references, who will be sent a questionnaire to complete once applicants have submitted their application.
Application Support
Applicants are encouraged to start their application well ahead of the deadline, as the application form is quite arduous. The Pathy Foundation Fellowship has a suite of resources available to you as you work to develop your initiative idea, select your references, learn about the fellowship and put your passions on paper:
- Register for an info session, workshop and group application support: Attend these sessions to learn more about the fellowship, ask questions, develop your idea and meet other candidates.
- Watch a pre-recorded info session: If you’re unable to attend a live session, a pre-recorded session is also available.
- Check out the website: The Pathy Foundation Fellowship website features comprehensive FAQs that provide additional detailed information on the program. You will also find past initiative information from previous fellows.
- Watch The Pathy Foundation Fellowship – A Short Film: This three-minute video provides a snapshot into the experience of the fellowship and the transformational journey of a fellow.
Find a list of useful links here.