scholarships Archives - News@91��ɫ

From racecar driving to prosthetics engineering: Six Schulich Leaders pursue their dreams at 91��ɫ U this fall

egamulin — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:10:50 +0000

Toronto, ON, Oct. 30, 2026 — 91��ɫ has welcomed six to campus this fall for the second year in a row, recipients of Canada’s largest, most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship. The students say they are thrilled to receive the generous scholarship, allowing them to concentrate on their studies at the Lassonde School of Engineering and Faculty of Science at 91��ɫ in preparation for future career paths without having to worry about finances.

Chosen from a national pool of more than 350,000 graduating high school students, more than 1,300 nominees were put forward by their schools, with 100 outstanding students earning this year’s scholarship.

Christian Menezes (Lassonde), Evelina Demcov (Lassonde), Nathaniel Moodie (Lassonde), Shaheryar Ahmed (Lassonde), Taylean Johnson (Lassonde) and Zackery Nudelman (Science) are this year’s 91��ɫ Schulich Leaders.

Recipients pursuing an engineering degree will receive $120,000, while those pursuing a science, technology or math degree will receive $100,000.

“Schulich Leader Scholarships help Canada’s leading universities identify and support exceptional STEM students with the potential to become tomorrow’s innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. As these scholars develop groundbreaking ideas and create new opportunities, it is important that Canada continues to foster an environment where talent can thrive,” says President of The Schulich Foundation Judy Schulich.

Jane Goodyer, dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering says the school is incredibly proud to welcome five new Schulich Leaders.

“They arrive with remarkable accomplishments, but what excites me most is the curiosity, ambition and sense of possibility they bring with them,” says Goodyer. “We want them to explore big ideas, take risks and use engineering, science and technology to make a difference. As Schulich Leaders, they also have a unique opportunity to inspire others, share what they’re learning and help future students see what’s possible for them at Lassonde.”

Faculty of Science Dean Maydianne Andrade also gave a warm welcome. “We are delighted to welcome our Schulich Leader to the Faculty of Science, and are so pleased that they will pursue their degree in 91��ɫ's Centre of Actuarial Excellence,” says Andrade. “I am confident their particular combination of an entrepreneurial mindset and passion for applied mathematics and statistics will be developed in this rigorous but welcoming program. At the same time, their curiosity and unique perspective will enrich our community."

Christian Menezes

Christian Menezes

Hailing from Whitby, ON, Christian Menezes was drawn to the Lassonde engineering program at 91��ɫ through an unusual path: Racecar driving.

“I race cars professionally and the setups and physics and aerodynamics behind what makes a car fast, what makes the car slow are fascinating to me,” says Menezes. “It's one thing to be behind the steering wheel and control the car, but to be able to understand what it's capable of, how to make it that couple of times faster, that’s what I’m looking to get from my education at Lassonde.”

One day happening upon an electric go-cart track while barely old enough to participate during a family vacation to Buffalo set him on his life’s path. He became a national go-karting champion and at 15 made the switch to racing cars, and now participates in races like Formula Ford 1600, won silver at the Junior F1600 in Canada, competed in the former Toronto Indy and plans to be at the Markham Indy in 2027.

Drawn to 91��ɫ for the close-knit community, he says the “cherry on the top” is the opportunity to join a student club that builds racecars.

Competing in a very expensive sport, Menezes is grateful for the financial assistance of the Schulich Leader scholarship and says his entrepreneurial mindset also helps here. “I unfortunately didn't come from a family that could drop a million dollars on my racing career. So I've had to find funding through sponsorships and building a business around my personal brand.”

Evelina Demcov

Evelina Demcov

Computer science student Evelina Demcov was inspired by her father to study STEM.

“He was really into technology and as a child, he would give me his old technology,” says Demcov, who comes from Richmond Hill, ON. “So I would play with the technology, optimize it, clean it, open it up.”

She is most excited to connect with other students that have her same interests and is excited to connect her technology skills with helping others.

“I want to bring my creativity and my love for computers, combine it together and just help people.”

Attracted to 91��ɫ because of the wide-range of scholarship opportunities, access to nature and community and clubs like the rocketry club, Demcov says being a Schulich Leader makes her feel more secure in her future.

“They have a lot of resources that I feel are very helpful,” says Demcov. “Being able to connect to someone else who may have similar desires can — it's really nice to be able to reach out to them and maybe ask for help.”

Nathaniel Moodie

Nathaniel Moodie

Nathaniel Moodie is from Maple, ON and is in his first year of Computer Science at 91��ɫ, a field he was drawn to due to its versatility.

“It can be applied to almost any field and any problem,” says Moodie. “I’ve also always enjoyed solving problems and the wizardry involved in figuring out how things work.”

Drawn to 91��ɫ for the combination of academics and extracurriculars, he is especially looking forward to opportunities related to co-op experiences and research.

“I want to gain practical experience, work on group projects with other students and professionals, and learn from professors who are doing interesting work in computer science. I’m also looking forward to getting involved with people with similar interests as me.”

He is grateful for the opportunities being a Schulich Leader will help him explore.

“I’m so grateful to have been recognized for my hard work and achievements in school. I’ve always been a high achiever, but not a very public one. Academic work has taught me the importance of being consistent, setting goals, and continuing to challenge myself,” says Moodie.

Shaheryar Ahmed

“It was especially meaningful knowing that I would be joining a community of students who are passionate about higher knowledge and making an impact on the world.”

Shaheryar Ahmed

For Shaheryar Ahmed, the knowledge that he would be a Schulich Leader took a little while to set in after he first learned the news, describing it as “a massive accomplishment.”

“After a few hours I fully realized it, and it felt amazing,” says Ahmed.

Growing up in Oshawa, ON, Ahmed looked to his engineer uncle as a role model and inspiration for his future ambitions and also credits his own creativity for taking him down this path.

One example of this was a group project he worked on as a child where he and others had to build a popsicle stick bridge with a limited amount of sticks.

"Our group came out first in that competition, and the collaboration and design process in building the project was very exciting and fun."

Ahmed was drawn to 91��ɫ for the philosophy behind the engineering program.

“It’s a very people-centric approach on how engineering should be taught and implemented,” he explains.

He would like to take an entrepreneurial path that would help create engineering systems and technologies that could be available to people from all walks of life.

“I realize I've been in a very fortunate position to chase my dreams, and I want to make sure that others also have the opportunity to chase their goals.”

Taylean Johnson

Taylean Johnson

First-year mechatronics engineering student Taylean Johnson says finding out she was the recipient of a Schulich Leader scholarship was a moment of shock and joy.

“I just applied and hoped for the best and I almost forgot about it, honestly, until I got the email,” says Johnson, who will be staying in Scarborough with her family during her studies at 91��ɫ. ”My mom was jumping for joy and stuff, literally. ‘My baby, you did it!’”

“I know for her it takes a whole weight off her chest, because I didn't want my parents to work overtime just to try and pay off my tuition.”

Johnson played soccer in high school, where teachers and coaches would point out her leadership qualities. She was attracted to 91��ɫ because of its proximity to her home, athletic opportunities and the mechatronics program, which combines multiple engineering disciplines into one degree.

“I’m a hands-on learning person,” says Johnson. “I feel like since there’s a lot of hands-on opportunities, like the 3D printing and all kinds of labs, I feel that will definitely build into what I’m looking forward to in my future.”

While still exploring future career paths, Johnson has a strong interest in prosthetics. “I've kind of stuck with that idea for a while,” she says. “Accessibility and diversity, and what technology can do and who it can reach.”

Zackery Nudelman

Zackery Nudelman

For Zackery Nudelman, hailing from Thornhill, ON, learning he was chosen as a Schulich Leader was an incredible honour.

“Initially, I think my heart stopped — I was in complete shock,” says Nudelman. “I felt grateful, excited, and proud that my hard work and unique way of approaching mathematics were recognized at a national level.”

Nudelman’s interest in fields where analytical thinking can improve people’s lives led him to study Actuarial Science in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the Faculty of Science at 91��ɫ.

“Actuarial Science excites me because it applies mathematical clarity and structure to real‑world problems, especially those involving financial security and risk.”

Nudelman says he has always approached math with a unique perspective that helps him see patterns and solutions differently and he felt like 91��ɫ would be a place where those skills are valued. He looks forward to mentoring other students who might face academic barriers,

“The university’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community aligns with my goal of using mathematics to support financial security, equitable systems, and meaningful social impact,” he says.

Watch a video of the 2026 Schulich Leaders .

With files from Michael Kasaboski

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About 91��ɫ:

91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for meaningful life and career paths. 91��ɫ's Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, while at the Markham Campus, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration are built into every program. 91��ɫ’s new School of Medicine, the first Canadian medical school to focus on community-based primary health-care education, will welcome its first cohort in September 2028 (subject to accreditation). 91��ɫ was recently named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 14th consecutive year. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada:

Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $200 million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars: the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators. Through The Schulich Foundation and United Jewish Appeal, these prestigious entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates enrolling in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year based on entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.

Media Contact:

Emina Gamulin, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca

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President Rhonda Lenton welcomes international students to 91��ɫ

suhasini — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:53:51 +0000

New and returning students enjoy a meet and greet with the University president, foreign diplomats and peers

“From the very first day I stepped on the 91��ɫ campus, what I found most appealing was the mix of students from all over the world! This led to new friendships and connections which continue to make my university experience even more rewarding.” said Damor McQueen, a fourth-year political science student from Jamaica, speaking at the President’s International Student Reception on September 25.

The Student Success Mentor Lead in the Black Excellence at 91��ɫ program urged his peers to build new connections and get involved in academic and extracurricular activities to make the be best of “this once in a lifetime opportunity being presented to you.” He cited his own experience volunteering last year at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences hosted by 91��ɫ that led to his current work/study student opportunity.

President Rhonda Lenton with recipients of the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, awarded to high school applicants around the world, who are entering their first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at the university

91��ɫ continues to attract students like McQueen from around the world, who join the community with great enthusiasm to receive worldclass education — often work-integrated — in their chosen field, be that in the arts, science, technology or engineering.

To make high quality university education accessible, 91��ɫ offers several . One such scholarship is the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, awarded to high school applicants around the world, who are entering their first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at the university. Another scholarship popular among international students is the Tentanda Via Award. Named after 91��ɫ’s motto “The Way Must Be Tried,” it assists undergraduate students who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant personal barriers in the pursuit of a university education and progressive changemakers committed to sustainable development.

Other scholarships available for international students include Daughters for Life, the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award, and Mitacs Internships and Awards. Several attended the president's reception. For additional information, students are encouraged to visit 91��ɫ’s Global Engagement website.

President Lenton interacts with international students

“While it is our intention to support you in your academic journey, you also bring a wealth of insights and strengths to 91��ɫ," President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton told the student audiences. “We are thrilled that you chose us, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together. Please remember that nothing is more important than your well-being and health and we have many student services to support you.”

The event organized by was also attended by China’s Education Counsels Renzhu Li and Wenjin Han; India’s Consul (Commerce & Political) Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh; and the Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague.

Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, second from left, and Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, right, were among the foreign diplomats in attendance

These diplomatic representatives to Canada were not only present to celebrate their respective country’s highly talented students, but also to assure support in their new country of temporary residence. “We wish them the very best in their courses of study,” said Singh. “The Indian Consulate remains at disposal for welfare and well-being of all Indian international students in Canada.”

Diplomats were also on hand to speak to the students during the networking hour, a rare opportunity for these outstanding future leaders of the world.

By the end of the event, it was evident that many students had forged enriching new friendships that could last a lifetime, while advancing their education and career aspirations.

About 91��ɫ

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, 91��ɫ Media Relations and External Communications, 647-463-4354, suhasini@yorku.ca

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Two incoming 91��ɫ U engineering students receive prestigious $100K+ Schulich Leader scholarships

egamulin — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Students from Ottawa and North 91��ɫ entering Lassonde School of Engineering program receive Canada’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship

TORONTO, Sept 9, 2023 – Students entering the at 91��ɫ were among the 13th cohort of , recipients of Canada’s largest, most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship.

Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,400 students were nominated, with 100 recipients receiving this award.

With the help of the scholarship, the graduating high school students from Ottawa and the North 91��ɫ area of Toronto will further their knowledge of engineering at 91��ɫ to support their goals of entrepreneurship and using technology to grow community.

, 18, of North 91��ɫ, Ont. is entering a computer science program and , 18, of Ottawa, Ont., will study engineering.

Nguyen will receive a $100,000 scholarship and Panchel will receive $120,000.

“We are proud to welcome Bill and Krishiv,” says Jane Goodyer, dean of Lassonde. “Their selection from among thousands of candidates highlights not only their academic excellence but also their leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to driving meaningful change. At Lassonde, we believe in empowering students to tackle the world’s biggest challenges through innovation and collaboration, and we’re excited to see how Bill and Krishiv will leverage this opportunity to make a lasting impact in the STEM field and beyond. With the support of the Schulich Leader Scholarship, they are well-positioned to shape the future of technology and inspire others along the way.”

Bill Nguyen

Bill Nguyen is studying computer science at 91��ɫ

Born to immigrant parents, Nguyen grew up in North 91��ɫ among a tight-knit Vietnamese community and speaks Vietnamese fluently. He went to secondary school at Chaminade College School, an all-boys Catholic school near Lawrence Avenue West and Black Creek Drive. Participating in traditional Vietnamese line dancing and volunteering at schools, Nguyen says he always had older role models to look up to provide him mentorship.

“Eventually a lot of those role models went off to do their own things, and then I assumed some of those responsibilities. The community gave so much to me, so I just want to help as much as I can.”

While he had always had an interest in science and technology, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic where he solidified his future path.

“During Covid, everyone was in their own bubble, and it made me realize how much I missed my community,” says Nguyen. “I realized it was technology that was keeping me connected to my people.”

Drawn to 91��ɫ equally for the educational opportunities and the location that will allow him to stay in his community, Nguyen says he would like to keep connection at the centre of the work he does and is interested in developing social-media applications in the future.

Pushed to apply for the Schulich scholarship by his chemistry teacher, Nguyen got the news that he was a recipient while on a school camping trip.

“I’m very blessed to have received the support I did and feel so lucky to have received this scholarship,” says Nguyen.

“When I got the news, I was astonished. All my friends were around me. I was ecstatic and ran to my chemistry teacher right away. I was like, ‘Sir, sir, we did it!’”

Krishiv Panchal

Krishiv Panchal is studying engineering at 91��ɫ

Born in Ahmedabad, one of the largest cities in India, Panchal grew up speaking Gujurati with his family and moved to Winnipeg when he was five.

“We didn't have that much money when we came to Canada, so it was tough starting out. My family didn’t have many connections growing up, so it was tough to get opportunities,” recalls Panchal.

Panchal’s passion for STEM was discovered when he was in high-school and the COVID-19 lockdowns hit. Like a lot of other young people stuck at home, he spent a lot of time playing video games and had an issue with his controller.

“It got to a point where it was super annoying, so I had to pull out my screwdriver and see what was going on inside,” says Panchal. “I was blown away with all the circuitry going on and studied it. I eventually got to the issue, fixed it, and that was when I discovered my love for engineering.”

He moved to Ottawa halfway through Grade 10, where he attended Canterbury High School. Panchal says he found his school in Ottawa was underrepresented in STEM, and he wanted to help his fellow students apply their studies.

Because of these combined experiences, Panchal started an initiative called Thrive, which helps students connect with internships in their local communities and other opportunities.

Drawn to the Lassonde program for its entrepreneurial elements, Panchal says he likes to come up with innovative solutions to problems, a trait that came in handy when he had severe insomnia in high school and created an app to help himself regulate his sleep schedule, something he plans on refining, with the help of 91��ɫ researchers, to help him understand the mechanisms of sleep more.

“Sleep is a huge problem among students, especially when they are up late studying for tests, pulling all-nighters. I’m so glad that this scholarship will help me tackle this issue.”

The Schulich Leaders Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, charisma and creativity, as well as financial need.

“We are proud to celebrate the continued success of Schulich Leader Scholarships, the premiere STEM scholarship program in Canada. This group of outstanding students will represent the best and brightest Canada has to offer and will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators,” says program founder Seymour Schulich.

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About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada
Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $200+ million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars: the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators. Through The Schulich Foundation, these prestigious entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates this year, enrolling in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.

About Lassonde School of Engineering

Located in the heart of the multicultural Greater Toronto Area, the at 91��ɫ is home to engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs, representing a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners. With 11 undergraduate programs, seven graduate programs and a host of certificates and accessible study options, Lassonde is shaping the next generation of creators who will tackle the world’s biggest challenges and devise creative solutions through interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Lassonde’s creators think in big systems rather than small silos, design with people in mind and embrace ambiguity.

About 91��ɫ

Media Contact: Emina Gamulin, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ U looking for best, brightest, most passionate future world-changing scientists

roshanp — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 16:27:39 +0000

TORONTO, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2017 – Science helps advance knowledge and understanding – whether it’s probing the farthest galaxies, developing clean-energy technologies or investigating the brain. 91��ɫ’s Faculty of Science hopes to attract the brightest minds from around the globe through a new first-year scholarship program.

The new is seeking students of exceptional promise – high achievers passionate about science. The YSSA program will hand out $10,000 worth of awards to as many as 25 first-year students for the fall of 2018.

“The goal is to recruit and nurture the most promising students so that they can go on to make a remarkable impact through exciting discoveries, creative innovations and meaningful engagement,” says Ray Jayawardhana, dean of the Faculty of Science at 91��ɫ.

Each 91��ɫ Science Scholar will receive the first $5,000 as an entrance scholarship and the second $5,000 to support a summer research placement with a faculty mentor after first year. It’s an opportunity to put that first year of learning into practice, get a sense of front-line research, and consider academic and career options for the future.

Engaging in experiential learning and making connections provides the students with an opportunity that will enhance their studies and their job prospects.

In addition, the YSSA program students will receive one-on-one mentorship from some of the most highly regarded faculty members in 91��ɫ’s leading-edge research facilities.

The Scholars Awards are open to Canadian and International students. Applications must be submitted no later than February 20, 2018. For more information about how to apply, visit the website.

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is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. 91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media contact:

Sandra McLean, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097, sandramc@yorku.ca

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