The third cohort of Schulich Builders scholarship recipients started their programs at Humber’s Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology this fall. Out of a pool of over 380,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated, of which 120 students across Canada received this celebrated award in 2025. Awards are valued at $40,000 for a two-year diploma program and $20,000 for a one-year certificate program.
Launched in February 2023 by The Schulich Foundation, Schulich Builders Scholarships awards hard-working students aspiring to a career in a skilled trade. These students will pursue a diploma or certificate program at a participating college before entering the workforce. The program will also serve as a catalyst to help amplify the lucrative and in-demand job opportunities that exist across Canada.
“We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path,” said Judy Schulich, Director of The Schulich Foundation. “Behind every home built and every community strengthened are the tradespeople who make it possible. Today, the shortage of these skilled workers is holding Canada back — and that’s why investing in young people who choose this path is one of the most impactful ways we can build a stronger, more prosperous country for all.”
The Humber Polytechnic 2025/26 Schulich Builder recipients include:
- Avery Boggs, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
- Noah Fischer, Furniture & Cabinet Making Techniques
- David Graziano, Electrical Techniques
- Quinn Jeynes, Landscape Technician
- Eric McCunn, Building Construction Techniques
- Abulfazil Naibi, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
- Aiden Rogers, Plumbing Techniques
- Douglas Rowe, Industrial Woodworking Technician
- Uchena Umeh, Plumbing Techniques
- Ronni Wright, Furniture & Cabinet Making Techniques
“At Humber, our students are at the heart of everything we do,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic. “The Schulich Builders Scholarships open doors for them to achieve their dreams in the skilled trades. By removing financial barriers, this generous support allows students to focus on their education, build confidence in their abilities, and take bold steps toward rewarding careers. We are deeply grateful to the Schulich Foundation for investing in the future of our students and in the strength of our communities.”
Schulich Builders scholarship recipient, Leon Tworek, graduated from the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program in April, stepping directly into a job in his field. With the goal of owning his own business one day, Tworek said: “Having the scholarship was a huge time saver and great peace of mind.”
For scholarship recipient Tyler Tulino, receiving the award gave him the opportunity to apprentice at Canadian Woodworks – a dream job. Tulino hopes to own a woodworking shop one day and teach his skills to others. “My absolute favorite project is a black walnut coffee table with black and silver marbled epoxy that runs through the center,” he says. “This is a piece that I will keep and be able to pass down through future generations. It’s timeless and sophisticated and I am just really proud of it.”
In 2007, Seymour Schulich published his bestselling book, Get Smarter: Life and Business Lessons, offering mentorship and guidance to young people. As an addendum to his book, Mr. Schulich shared the wisdom of collecting lived experiences, taking risks, learning from mistakes, and most important of all, paying it forward. “We often receive letters from scholarship recipients — yes, we read every one — and there’s always a common thread: their commitment to giving back. Whether they’re launching programs to teach kids coding, volunteering in their communities, or planning careers in service, they understand that success isn’t just about personal achievement. That really moves me.”