Investing in the Future

With a long-term vision for the future of YZD and the broader city, Northcrest is committed to investing in people as much as place.

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YZD SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Launched in 2023, the YZD Scholarship Fund was created to support local students from around the Downsview area and help pave the way for brighter academic futures. Through the YZD Scholarship Fund, YZD is investing directly in young people who represent the next generation of leaders, creators, builders and innovators in the community.

Explore the three scholarship and education support programs available through the YZD Scholarship.

YZD Scholarship Program

The YZD Scholarship Program offers financial support to students pursuing careers in industries that shape how cities grow including construction, skilled trades, architecture, engineering, STEM, urban planning and project management. Applying for the YZD Scholarship is straightforward and is designed for all students across Ontario. Stay tuned for the next scholarship round.

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“I applied for the scholarship last year, and it was a really big opportunity for me. It also introduced me to YZD and the work Northcrest is doing, which I hadn’t been exposed to before. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work as a YZD Ambassador through the Summer months until now.”
- Vicky Tran, 18, Studying Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto 2025 YZD Scholarship Program Recipient

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Building Opportunity with MCFN Students

As part of a commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation, Northcrest has built a strong partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding that names MCFN as the Host First Nation to YZD and advances shared priorities in economic development, culture, and education. Through the Education pillar of this work, the YZD–MCFN Education Program supports MCFN students pursuing post‑secondary education by helping remove financial and social barriers. To date, more than $20,000 has been awarded to seven MCFN students, contributing to long‑term academic success and opportunity. Stay tuned for the next scholarship round.

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Expanding Access to Opportunity

Created by local educators, including teachers from Downsview Secondary School, the ONE City Fund supports students across Toronto who have demonstrated excellence despite financial barriers, marginalization, and limited access to opportunity. Since 2024, Northcrest has supported ONE City through more than $15,000 in funding for six students from neighbourhoods surrounding YZD. Two scholarship recipients have since joined Northcrest as YZD Ambassadors, supporting events and community programming. Since 2025, the YZD Experience Centre has also hosted ONE City's annual awards ceremony, creating space to celebrate achievement and strengthen community connections.

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Real impact for Local Students

The YZD Scholarship Program is already creating meaningful pathways for deeper engagement with YZD. Seven past recipients now work as YZD Ambassadors – supporting events and community programming – while another recipient has joined the Community Resource Group (CRG) as a youth representative – bringing a valuable student perspective to local discussions that enact real change. These outcomes reflect the broader vision of the work underway at YZD – creating opportunities that extend beyond scholarships and foster mentorship, leadership, and ongoing community collaboration.

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2024

Daniel Park

Community Engagement & Benefits

From job seekers and local businesses to non-profits and service providers, YZD is committed to creating real, lasting opportunity for the communities closest to it.

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Let's Shape Something Together

YZD is built on collaboration – if you're an organization, business, or institution looking to be part of something meaningful, we'd love to connect.

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