To help mark the Ontario colleges’ 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017, colleges have launched a new William G. Davis Innovation Fund contest that encourages students and alumni to pitch creative projects and initiatives that will compete for cash prizes.
The fund has been named after former premier William G. Davis, who served as Ontario’s education minister from 1962 to 1971 and brought in the legislation that established the college system. The fund has been named in his honour as a tribute to the bold and creative thinking that revolutionized post-secondary education in Ontario.
“When we launched the Ontario college system 50 years ago, I had hoped that we would create a meaningful and rewarding system that prepares students for a broad range of careers,” said the Honourable William G. Davis. “That hope was not only realized but surpassed. Today’s colleges are preparing students for many of today’s most challenging careers.
“This new fund will promote some of the truly innovative ideas being developed at colleges throughout the province,” he said. “It is truly an honour to have it established in my name.”
Entrants can be a graduate or current full-time student from one of Ontario’s 24 colleges with an idea that could improve Ontario and beyond. Applications can be made in the categories of entrepreneurialism, health and welfare, arts and culture, or community benefit.
The first-place winner will receive $15,000 to help fund the project and the second-place entry will receive $5,000.
“Throughout our history, creative and entrepreneurial students and alumni have been at the forefront of new innovations,” said Linda Franklin, the president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “The William G. Davis Innovation Fund will showcase the many exciting ideas being developed today and provide financial awards to some of the top proposals.”
Source: New William G. Davis Innovation Fund encourages college students to pitch creative projects
