York University welcomes record six Schulich Leaders in 2025
York University has welcomed a record six Schulich Leaders to campus this September, recipients of Canada’s prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship.
Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. One hundred are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program at 20 partner universities across Canada.
Recipients pursuing engineering degrees receive $120,000, while those studying science, technology or math receive $100,000. The scholarship enables them to focus on their studies without financial pressures and develop the skills to drive positive social change.
“Schulich Leader Scholarships enable Canada’s top universities to attract and retain our exceptional STEM talent here at home, empowering them to become the innovators and entrepreneurs our country needs,” says program founder Seymour Schulich. “When these scholars go on to drive prosperity and strengthen our economy, Canada must ensure the right economic conditions exist so they can build their promising futures here.”
This year’s recipients include Eleen Aliyeva, who hopes to inspire more women in STEM and create impactful software; Wilamina Both, who plans to focus on transportation planning in civil engineering; Edward Drobnis, who helps organize hackathons and will study Digital Technologies while working full time; Herman Isayenka, who aims to work in AI and robotics; Rehan Jetha, who is passionate about using STEM to improve lives; and Anthony Tu, who hopes to expand opportunities for future generations through robotics.
Drobnis describes learning that he would be a Schulich Leader as a “surreal” experience.
“It wasn’t just a scholarship, but also a recognition of my dedication to STEM and my efforts to make it more accessible, especially for underrepresented groups,” says Drobnis.
As a graduate of Alexander Mackenzie High School in York Region, he joined his school robotics and coding clubs in the ninth grade. Last year, he won his first hackathon, and since then, Drobnis has helped with organizing hackathons and fundraising to ensure the events were free and accessible.
Drobnis is enrolled in the Digital Technologies program at York University’s new Markham Campus, a unique program where Drobnis will combine full-time paid work at Shopify while he obtains his four-year degree.
“I find it really cool that you gain experience by working at a real company. And I love the innovation as well as the collaboration and mentorship it provides,” adds Drobnis.
“On behalf of York University’s Markham Campus, welcome and congratulations to Schulich Leader Edward Drobnis,” says Dan Palermo, deputy provost at York University’s Markham Campus. “Edward’s passion for STEM and community leadership is exactly what our Digital Technologies program is about—earning a degree while gaining paid experiential education experience with employers like Shopify. We’re excited to support his journey and to see the impact he’ll make here in Markham and beyond.”
At Lassonde, these six exceptional students are poised to become the next generation of innovators shaping the future of engineering, science and society.
Main photo: York University’s Markham Campus Deputy Provost Dan Palmermo shares his passion for the university’s Digital Technologies program, which allows students to earn a degree while gaining paid experiential education experience.