How to Apply
Please note that applications for Cohort 12 are paused for the 2026–27 academic year.
Candidates who would have been eligible to apply in 2026 will have their eligibility extended to the next application cycle.
Submit an Expression of Interest to be notified when applications re-open.
How do I put together a strong application?
In general, there are three main components that the Selection Committee looks for in a strong application.
We recognize that there are intricacies and nuance in defining and writing on these three components. For more detailed information on how best to approach these three aspects of your application, we always recommend engaging with some of our application supports!
You as an individual candidate
Do you show a readiness and desire to learn and grow as a changemaker?
The strength of your initiative idea
Is your initiative compelling, creative, innovative, and feasible?
The strength of your connection to community
Do you demonstrate a strong, meaningful, and pre-existing connection with your chosen community?
Below are examples of questions asked of candidates in the application
Your Community
Tell us about the community at the center of your initiative and your affiliation with that community. Include information such as: What is your connection with this community/organization? Did the community express a desire for the proposed initiative?
Your Initiative Idea
Describe your initiative/idea. Include information such as: How did you identify the initiative you are proposing and what is your connection to the social issue at hand? What are the changes and impacts you and your community are hoping for as a result of your initiative? Can your initiative be accomplished within the time frame and budget provided? What challenges and obstacles do you foresee?
About You
Tell us about you. Include information such as: Why are you the appropriate candidate for this Fellowship? How will your relevant skills, knowledge areas, and experiences contribute to a positive year as a Pathy Fellow? What are your motivations, your goals? What are your personal and professional aspirations following this Fellowship?
References
To be considered for the Pathy Foundation Fellowship, your initiative must be endorsed by a partner organization or an organization within or serving your community who can attest to the community’s interest in the initiative you are proposing. The individual completing this reference should hold a formal role within that organization, and have a strong understanding of the community’s values, priorities, and dynamics, as well as your proposed initiative. The reference will be asked detailed questions about your motivations in relation to this community, the relevance and feasibility of your initiative, and the context in which you will be working.
Your Academic Reference should be a faculty or staff member at your university who can comment on your academic and extra-curricular achievements. This person should know you well enough to assess your ability to complete the proposed initiative successfully, your ability to function in an intensive, self-directed learning environment, and your potential to grow and lead through the program.
*Note that these questions change year-to-year.
We recommend utilizing program resources for more dedicated application support.
Important Dates
Application Phase
Fall 2027
Begin your application, connect with references, and access support resources before submitting by the deadline.
Initial Longlist Review
TBD
Applications are assessed by a team of reviewers with relevant experience to determine which candidates move forward.
Video Interview
TBD
Longlisted candidates submit a short video sharing their motivations in applying to the Fellowship and their vision for the year.
Shortlist Review
TBD
Video interviews and applications are reviewed by the shortlisting committee who select up to 20 candidates to invite for in-person interviews.
Selection Days
TBD
Shortlisted candidates travel to Montreal for in-person interviews and group activities. Meals, accommodations, and travel within Canada are paid for by the program.
Fellowship Offers Sent
TBD
Successful candidates receive their Fellowship offers via email, and the Fellowship journey begins!
Program Begins
TBD
Fellows participate in four weeks of in-person participatory training at Coady Institute alongside their cohort peers ahead of planning and implementing their community-driven initiatives.
*Please note that due to the emergent nature of review and scheduling, that dates are subject to change.