Written for York University by Tina Merhi.

Tina is a fourth-year BFA student at York University pursuing Cinema & Media Arts – Production at the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. She creates innovative content by combining her passion for filmmaking, writing and editing with her background in marketing.

Meet Rehan Jetha

Meet Rehan Jetha, a first-year engineering student at York University and recipient of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship.

We caught up with Jetha to chat about how he discovered his passion for engineering, what he’s most looking forward to at York and his advice for fellow incoming students.

Tell us how you became interested in engineering

From a young age, Jetha displayed a deep interest in understanding how things work. “I was always curious,” he explains. “I liked asking insightful questions and pursuing science and math classes. But what really drew me to engineering was its human aspect, applying knowledge in practical ways to help people.”

This passion translated into action early on. At just 12 years old, Jetha programmed a home automation system to assist his grandparents, who faced mobility challenges. Seeing how technology could directly improve their lives showed him that engineering goes beyond equations – it’s about making a difference.

Why did you choose York’s engineering program?

When it came time to choose a university, York stood out. The Lassonde School of Engineering’s commitment to developing entrepreneurial-minded engineers resonated with him. “The integration of engineering with business, combined with York’s sustainability focus, aligned perfectly with my values,” he shares. “During my campus tour, I felt it was a place where people genuinely wanted to make an impact.”

How did your passion for engineering lead to the Schulich Leader Scholarship?

Jetha’s high school journey blended creativity, leadership and STEM innovation. While in school, he founded a robotics club that merged technical problem-solving with artistic collaboration. “Working with visual arts students on publicity was exciting, we even inspired some of them to pursue STEM,” he recalls.

Beyond robotics, Jetha served as Debate Club President and participated in Ethics Bowl competitions, fostering skills for ethical engineering.

His efforts culminated in earning the Schulich Leader Scholarship, awarded to Canada’s top incoming STEM students. For Jetha, the achievement wasn’t about checking boxes – it was the result of pursuing what he loved and committing to meaningful community impact.

What are you most excited about as you start at York?

As he embarks on his first year at York, Jetha is eager to dive into hands-on labs, connect with like-minded peers and join clubs such as the Rocketry and Racing teams. He also envisions using his degree to launch innovations in automation and sustainability.

“Growing up in a multigenerational household, I saw firsthand the need for technology that supports seniors and individuals with mobility issues. I’d love to develop solutions in that area, or even design something as ambitious as a real-life WALL-E robot!”

Meet York U's 2025 Schulich Leaders

Check out this short YouTube video to learn about York's Schulich Leaders.

What is the Schulich Leader Scholarship Program?

The Schulich Leader Scholarship program is offered by only 20 universities in Canada – including York University! It’s a prestigious scholarship that allows promising entrepreneurial-minded students to pursue their dreams and become the next global pioneers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Scholarships are valued at:

• $100,000 ($25,000 × 4 years) for student(s) admitted to Science, Technology, or Mathematics programs of study; and
• $120,000 ($30,000 × 4 years) for student(s) admitted to an Engineering program at York’s Lassonde School of Engineering.

Recipients also join an elite network and benefit from student enrichment opportunities throughout the year.

Nomination deadline: January 28, 2026
Application deadline: February 18, 2026

Curious about the Schulich Leader Scholarship or other awards you could apply for? Explore your options and see how you can fund your education.