Conestoga news

February 2, 2017 12:30 PM

Ontario colleges launch William G. Davis Innovation Fund

To help mark the 50th anniversary of Ontario colleges this year, the William G. Davis Innovation Fund contest has been launched to encourage students and alumni to pitch creative projects and initiatives. The contest winner will receive $15,000 to help fund the project and the second-place entry will receive $5,000.

The fund has been named after former premier William G. Davis, who served as Ontario’s education minister from 1962 to 1971 and introduced the legislation that established the college system. 

“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.”

The fund, launched by Ontario’s colleges, supports innovative thinking and initiatives from aspiring visionaries, artists, humanitarians or entrepreneurs who want to leverage their college education. Entrants must be a graduate or current student from one of Ontario’s 24 colleges with an idea that could transform their community, the province or beyond.

Students and alumni are invited to start posting proposals in March. The detailed timeline for submissions and voting, full contest rules and regulations are available online

Successful entries must be achievable, sustainable, measurable, original and linked to the individual’s college experience.

Conestoga was founded in 1967 as part of a provincial movement to introduce a new kind of post-secondary education system to complement universities. Today, the college is one of Canada’s leaders in polytechnic education, delivering a comprehensive range of education and training opportunities to serve the needs of the labour market.

Throughout the year, celebrations at the college will highlight our community, alumni, students, faculty, staff and partners. Visit Conestoga’s 50th anniversary website often to share your photos and memories of the college and to stay up-to-date with news related to upcoming events.

Also visit the amazing50 website to learn more about the 50th anniversary of Ontario’s colleges.