TORONTO, August 22, 2017 ─ Two students will begin their studies at York University this fall with prestigious Schulich Leader scholarships, awarded annually to encourage promising scholars who are also active in their communities to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

Nathan Stachow, recipient of a $100,000 Schulich Leader scholarship, will attend York’s Lassonde School of Engineering. A graduate of the Virtual Learning Centre, a distance-learning school based in Lindsay, Ontario, Stachow was able to pursue a work placement with a local land surveying firm while taking his high school courses online. He hopes to become a Geomatics Engineer and land surveyor and to assist First Nation communities in Ontario.

Kezia Johnson, recipient of an $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship, will enter the Department of Biology in York’s Faculty of Science.

A graduate of Francis Libermann Catholic High School in Toronto, where she was the student leader in the school’s tutoring club. She is passionate about science and math, as well as social justice and the environment.

Both Stachow and Johnson were selected for as Schulich Leaders for outstanding academic achievements as well as their many extra-curricular activities.

More than 270 students across Canada have benefited from the Schulich Leader scholarships since the program was created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich. This year, there were over 1,300 Schulich Leader Nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $100,000 each. Each university selects the Schulich Leaders for their institution.

“Schulich Leader scholarship recipients are the best and brightest STEM students in Canada,” says Schulich. “I truly believe that many of these students 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 technology innovators.”

About Schulich Leader Scholarships
Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at participating universities in Canada and Israel. Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100 million scholarship fund in 2011 to encourage our best and brightest students to become the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation.

This program awards 100 scholarships annually, valued at more than $7million.  High schools across the country put forth more than 1,300 Schulich Leader Nominees who were vying for 50 Canadian scholarships. Schulich Leaders can devote their full time and attention to their studies, as all of their financial needs are covered over the course of their degree. Canada’s highest potential students are winning these scholarships and will make remarkable contributions to society.

About York University
York University 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. York 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. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York 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. York U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:
Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 736-5543, wallsj@yorku.ca