From improving accessibility support in the arts and expanding STEM education opportunities to addressing food insecurity, the 2026 recipients of the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are already helping drive meaningful change across Canada.
This year, only 20 students nationwide have been selected for the prestigious scholarship program, which recognizes young leaders addressing important challenges in their local communities through grassroots action, advocacy, and volunteerism. Each will receive up to $70,000 for their post-secondary education and living expenses.
Recipients represent communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. Their initiatives span a wide range of causes, including mental health advocacy, accessibility and inclusion, food insecurity, youth mentorship, newcomer support, STEM education, and community wellness.
At a time when communities across Canada are facing growing challenges around belonging, accessibility, and mental health, to name a few, these students are already creating local solutions and demonstrating the impact young people can have when empowered to lead.
Since 1995, 620 young Canadians have been awarded the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership. Recipients will each receive up to $70,000 over four years of post-secondary education towards tuition and living expenses. Beyond financial support, the scholarship offers mentorship, work experience, and networking connections that can help recipients build on their community involvement early on.
To learn more about this year's recipients, please visit: www.td.com/scholarship.
Student Bios
Isabella Wen, Surrey, B.C.
Noting that many girls lack diverse role models, Isabella co-founded Rose Tinted Ceilings Podcast. To "break glass ceilings to let girls shine," they released over 100 episodes, and ranked in the top 30 per cent of Spotify video podcasts. She launched the Girls in Journalism Program, giving 30 girls hands-on media experience, and Loudly Together, a free public speaking series and improv workshops for at-risk youth, including those with incarcerated parents. Isabella also launched Spirit Squad to engage newcomer youth, was Student Council President, and a UBC research assistant.
Dilynn Scott, Kelowna, B.C.
Dilynn felt fortunate that, at a young age, she gained knowledge of Indigenous culture from community members and elders. However, she lamented that other youth lacked this experience, due to limited Indigenous content in the classroom. Alongside three peers, she founded the Indigenous Leadership Teaching Assistants, to help teachers introduce Indigenous lessons, while empowering Indigenous youth to build pride in their heritage. Dilynn was also a community theatre stage manager, a LINK mentor to students entering high school, and served on the school Truth and Reconciliation Commission Committee.
Suhaib Hashmi, Calgary, AB
Having benefited from community leaders who helped his own family overcome struggles and instability, Suhaib vowed to make a difference for other kids. He created a Youth Support Circle at the Al-Salam Centre, offering social and emotional support to children who faced difficult circumstances, as refugees of war or survivors of family crisis. He also co-founded the Al-Salam ("Peace") Youth Club, which unites male and female members in personal development activities. Suhaib was active in the Muslim Youth Club, to support newcomer and marginalized students and raise cultural awareness at school.
Stephanie Ikharia, Markham, ON
Aiming to bridge the gap between youth and policymakers, Stephanie was an active member of the Markham Mayor's Black Youth Liaison, an advisory council that amplified the voices of Black students to shape inclusive city policies. Focused on anti-Black racism, youth engagement and equitable access to opportunities, Stephanie organized community consultations among students, educators and local leaders, and co-organized a professional development event for Black youth. She also started her school's Black Student Association, volunteered in her local MP's office, and played ultimate frisbee.
Tianyu Lin, Windsor, ON
Knowing what it's like to have ideas but not feel heard, Tianyu discovered that his school board Student Senate offered a community for young leaders to find their voices. He created a board-wide Mental Health Committee and helped establish in-school mental health groups affiliated with Jack.org. To help students access post-secondary opportunities and research resources, he co-founded Research Club and organized university visits and events to link youth with guest speakers, alumni and current students. Tianyu was also President of a DECA Team for Business and a Student Council advisor.
Alpita Patro, St. John's, NL
Alpita combined her love of STEM subjects with her empathy for senior citizens. She founded Creators of Tomorrow to deliver more than 30 science workshops to youth in under-represented Newfoundland communities. As a regular volunteer at a seniors' living facility, Alpita witnessed residents' mobility and cognitive struggles and she encouraged her STEM club members to design and manufacture memory puzzles and 3D card holders, which were eagerly adopted by residents. An avid badminton player, Alpita competed provincially and coached junior players.
Jeremy Green, Quispamsis, NB
After learning about the challenges encountered by neurodiverse and disabled persons, Jeremy decided to help change the way they live in his community. He became a student coach and coordinator for Unified Basketball, to help neurodiverse students enjoy the sport, and he continuously volunteered to include these individuals in school life. He founded and coached Shooting Stars, a welcoming program for 20 neurodiverse and disabled members of the community to play basketball, managing and mentoring 30 volunteers. Jeremy was also active on Student Council and volunteered at a food bank.
Laura Hétu
Guided by her parents' advice that even the smallest actions can make a community more inclusive, Laura started projects to alleviate economic challenges felt by students. To tackle food insecurity, she took charge of Le Frigo-Don, a community fridge she stocked with meals she prepared or donations from local grocers and the student association. She started L'Espace Libre Marché, a free online store with essential products, and distributed feminine hygiene products to international students. Laura was President of the Cégep student association, Vice President of the school co-op, and volunteered at a seniors' residence.
