The CoLab High School Program

The CoLab High School Program supports teens who want to create positive change. Over seven weeks, high school students from across Ontario work together with their peers and a member of the educational community to develop an idea that addresses mental health among youth. They’ll receive guidance from mentors to transform their ideas into real-life solutions. The goal of the program is to make meaningful changes in our communities.

Applications open on September 1, 2025.
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The 2025 Challenge: Mental Health

The 2025 Press Start CoLab High School Program is all about the mental health of young people in Canada. Mental health is an important topic affecting high school students’ well-being. By addressing mental health early and from their perspective, we can make things better for students and also help pave the way for well-being into adulthood. The 2025 Press Start CoLab High School Program encourages positive and creative ideas that consider different perspectives to improve young people’s mental health. 

We ask participants to develop new and creative solutions for youth in their community that address at least 1 of the 3 sub-focus areas of mental health.
Sub-Focus Areas​
De-Stigmatizing Mental Health​
Cultivating mental health literacy, fostering awareness, and enhancing communication through open dialogues around mental health.
Building Confidence and Self-Image​
Celebrating individuality and amplifying diverse perspectives and voices to nurture confidence and positive self-image. ​
Creating Safe Spaces for Connectedness​
Creating accessible community spaces that foster connection and belonging, empowering others to speak openly about mental health in a safe and supportive environment. ​

Amazing Opportunity

The Press Start CoLab High School Program is open to high school students across Ontario. Participants must join the program with a group leader who is a member of the educational community. The program lasts for seven weeks. During that time, students will work on developing a practical solution within mental health. Participants will attend one Challenge Session—focused on inspired learning from a keynote speaker—and three Co-Creation Sessions—focused on collaboration and mentorship from experienced mental health entrepreneurs.

Grant Funding:

$25,000​

This money will be distributed across multiple successful ideas​

Mentorship

With entrepreneurship, industry, and academic experts

2025 CoLab High School Program Speaker

Participants will attend a virtual Challenge Session that will inspire and embolden their thinking around the 2025 sub-focus areas.

Efe Fruci

Efe Fruci, a distinguished TEDx Speaker and serial entrepreneur emerges as a seasoned professional career and confidence coach, boasting a wealth of over 10 years of experience. Her dedicated mission revolves around guiding individuals, particularly women, in constructing unshakable confidence and acquiring the essential steps to lead successful, purposeful lives. 

Renowned as the author of ‘Faith Over Fear,’ Efe Fruci’s literary work transcends conventional self-help, employing positive psychology to inspire others to recognize and embrace their innate greatness. Through her empowering words, individuals are emboldened to dream audaciously, navigating life’s challenges with a profound sense of confidence.

2024 CoLab High School Program Mentors

Mentors play a key role in bringing guidance and leadership to the CoLab High School Program. Mentors provide expertise, skillset, and insight into the problem area through Co-Creation Sessions.

2025 CoLab Program High School Mentors

Mentors play a key role in bringing guidance and leadership to the CoLab High School Program. Mentors provide expertise, skillset, and insight into the problem area through Co-Creation Sessions. 

Stay tuned for more information on this year’s incredible group of mentors.

2025 CoLab High School Program Details

When is it?

Event duration: 7 weeks

Start date: October 30, 2025

End date: December 4, 2025

Awards date: December 18, 2025

Who can join?

Applications: Open to Ontario high school students and members of the educational community

Background: Interest in the mental health and positive social change; Volunteer or extracurricular experience

Registration fee: No ​

Groups: 2-5 Ontario high school students with 1 group leader (member of the educational community, 18+)

Applications for the 2025 CoLab High School Program open on September 1, 2025.
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