+ Application FAQ

When do Fellowship applications open? When do they close?

The Zenith Fellowship application opens Monday August 21st 2023 and will close on Friday October 20th 2023.

How do you apply for the Fellowship?

All information can be found here. Make sure to collect all of your documents, answer the short prompt, write your long essay, and create your multimedia essay before the deadline!

How long does the fellowship selection process take?

The selection process for the Zenith Fellowship will take place from August 2023 until January 2024. At a high-level, the process looks like:

1. Application Submission (August to early-October 2023): Applicants prepare and submit their applications.
2. Round 1 Selection Committee Review (October/early November 2023): Selection Committee reviews applications. Different perspectives will review applications to reduce bias. Successful applicants move on to Semi-Finalist round.
3. Round 2 Video Interviews (November 2023): Selection Committee interviews the shortlisted applicants. Successful applicants move on to the Finalist round.
4. Round 3 Host Organization Interviews (November/December 2023 to January 2024): Host Organizations will interview applicants for positions at their companies. We will match successful applicants to Host Organizations based on feedback. Successful applicants will be announced as Fellows.
5. Announcement of Fellows (January or February 2024)

How many Fellows will be selected?

Fellows who are selected to intern at a Host Organization for summer 2024 will be named Zenith Fellow Interns. This will depend on the capacity and number of Host Organizations engaged in the Fellowship. We will be updating the list of Host Organizations who intend to hire on one (1) Fellow each starting in the Summer of 2024. In past years some of our host organizations decided to take on more than one fellow, resulting in a total of Zenith Fellow Interns to range from 8-10.

An additional 10 Zenith Fellow Mentees will be selected this year from the pool of candidates who make it to the Final Host Organization Interview round and are not selected for internships.

Note: We do not guarantee that all FInalists in ur selection process will be guaranteed a job, only those matched to a Host Organization will be offered employment contracts.

What is a Zenith Fellow Mentee?

Candidates who make it to the Final Host Organization Interview round but are not selected for an internship will still be Fellows for the Class of 2024, but will be called Zenith Fellow Mentees. They will be matched with one of our Mentors, have the opportunity to attend the Summit (funding not guaranteed), and be able to re-apply for the Class of 2025.

Will I be reimbursed or compensated for any relocation costs to pursue my internship/work placement?

We are unfortunately not able to cover relocation costs at this time. We endeavour to work closely with our Host Organizations, Strategic Partners and the community to facilitate this process to the best of our ability, but cannot promise any monetary assistance for relocation at this time.

Why do I need to make/use a Google Account to submit my application?

We are using Google Form to facilitate our application submission for this year. To allow applicants to upload supporting documentation and essays, the File Upload feature on the form requires users to make an account. As such, we are asking all applicants to use an already existing Google Account or create a Google Account if they do not already have one for the purposes of completing the application. If the Google Account is not the primary email address that you would like to receive further communication on, you can indicate on the form a primary email address that we will use to contact you. A benefit to using the Google Account is that you can Auto Save your progress so you can start filling out the application and come back to it within 30 days!

I am not able to create a Google Account and/or encountering issues in doing so. Is there an alternative option to submit my application?

While we highly stress the importance for prospective applicants to create a Google Account to complete their application, we understand that some might encounter issues or challenges in setting one up. We can work to coordinate the application delivery and the relevant material via email submission. We advise applicants to get a head start, and to get in touch with us at info@zenithpathways.ca to discuss alternative options if critical issues arises. To ensure a fair and equitable process, we have no plans currently to adjust the deadlines.

Can I submit my video as a YouTube video?

Absolutely! We would recommend submitting a PDF document that follows the file naming convention with a link to your YouTube video. You can set the video to “unlisted” if you don’t want to share it with anyone else unless they have a link!

Has the application changed since last year?

Not very much! Our application is very much the same with some minor tweaks. If you are reapplying, we recommend you update your materials as we will cross reference - we want to see how you have grown since last year!

I love what you’re doing - how do I partner with Zenith or get involved?

We’re always happy to hear from anyone who wants to get involved - contact us at: info@zenithpathways.ca

I love what you’re doing - how do I donate?

Why thank you! Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation is currently accepting donations via PayPal to further improve our programming and opportunities for Canadians!

+ Eligibility FAQ

Do I have to be a Canadian Citizen?

Not necessarily - all applicants must legally entitled to work in Canada and be one of:

• a Canadian citizen,
• a permanent resident of Canada, OR
• a person granted refugee status in Canada

If you are currently a Canadian at a school outside of Canada, you are eligible!

Can I apply if I have a Masters or a Professional degree (Law, Med, etc.)?

No. We are only accepting students currently completing their undergraduate (or equivalent) degree or have recently finished their undergraduate (or equivalent) degree in the last three (3) years. If you are currently pursuing or recently completed your second undergraduate (or equivalent) degree, you are eligible.

I’m not an engineer or studying engineering - can I still apply?

Absolutely! We are actively looking to accept applicants from a broad variety of academic backgrounds, programs and interests.

I need a co-op work term for my program from January to April 2023, can I apply and have this happen?

Unfortunately, no - our Fellowship will begin internship placements in Summer 2024.

What does “undergraduate (or equivalent)” mean?

Applicants from programs at educational institutions that include Universities, Colleges and Technical and Vocational Schools, similar to what’s defined here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/designated-schools.html, are eligible for the Zenith Fellowship.

If you need further clarity, please feel to contact us at info@zenithpathways.ca

Is there an age limit?

While we do not have a formal age limit, applicants are envisaged to be students and/or recent graduates between the ages of 15 and 30. This may vary based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, host companies partnered with Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation, the minimum age requirement in the province/territory of work, Government of Canada’s program and eligibility criteria, among others.

+ Host Companies FAQ

Which companies could I work at through the fellowship?

We have our current list of Host Organizations here - we are always working to expand this list with more updates soon!

I'm currently applying to other jobs, what should I do if I get an offer?

We are always happy to hear about the other opportunities you are pursuing as there are many pathways to obtaining your goals, and we hope that this Fellowship might be one of them! Please let us know what your other opportunities look like for the Summer of 2024 and we can help make a plan with you depending on the phase you are in in the selection process.

Once we get to the Host Organization interview round, it will be critically important that you keep us informed about whether you are pursuing other interviews or have other offers.