The University of Toronto Hart House Group Fitness Mentorship Program provides youth with the opportunity to become certified fitness instructors while earning a stipend (payment) for their commitment.
About the Mentorship Program
The Group Fitness Mentorship Program aims to:
- provide scheduled theory and hands-on learning opportunities under the supervision and mentorship of a senior group fitness instructor,
- graduate 4 fitness instructors certified by the Ontario Fitness Council (OFC),
- provide a barrier-free experience for participants, and
- provide mentorship and practice with teaching under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
As part of the Hart House Access and Community Engagement Work Readiness Pathway, this get-paid-to-learn initiative aims to strengthen employability skills for youth in our local community.
We recognize the under representation of Indigenous, Black, Racialized, Trans, Non-binary people, and Muslim women, particularly in campus fitness, and encourage youth from these communities to apply.
To apply, please fill out this online form.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Candidates in Grade 12 (17-18 years old) who identify with one or more of the following groups are strongly encouraged to apply: Indigenous youth, Black youth, Racialized youth, Muslim youth who identify as women, Non-binary and Trans youth.
Due to requirements by the Ontario Fitness Council, all participants in the program must be at least 18 years old by the time they take their practical exam to be certified as a Fitness Instructor. You will have 1-year to complete your practical exam after successfully passing your written exam that is scheduled for late August 2022.
When will this take place?
Sessions are held on Mondays and Thursdays between 12:30 – 2:30 PM* and run for 8 weeks starting the week of Monday, July 4, 2022. An additional hour will be scheduled weekly for virtual learning supports. Exact times to be confirmed.
Where will the sessions take place?
Sessions will be hosted in-person at Hart House located on the downtown University of Toronto Campus.
What is the commitment?
Group Fitness Mentees are expected to commit to and complete the following:
- Completing approximately 5-6 apprenticeship hours per week for a minimum of 40 apprenticeship hours. This includes classroom theory learning time + hands-on practical learning sessions to put theory into practice,
- Completing all necessary accompanying readings in the provided textbook,
- Completing a written exam, and
- Completing post-program reflection and surveys.
What is the pay & hours?
Mentees will receive $700.00 as a one-time payment upon completion of the above commitments at the end of the program. Mentees are sponsored by Hart House for the cost of the textbook, both exams, and the 2-year OFC Membership after successfully passing their exams.
How do I apply?
To indicate interest, please complete our online form. We suggest writing your responses in Word or a Google Doc first and then copying & pasting it into the online form for submission. You can view the applications in advance here.
Word doc application information can be viewed here.
Application Writing Tips can be viewed here.
What is the deadline?
The application form will close on Sunday, May 29, 2022.
What happens after I apply?
A review of applications will take place starting on Monday, May 30, 2022. Selected candidates will be contacted by email to set up a 30-minute virtual call with our staff team.
I still have questions, who can I speak to?
We will host a virtual application information session on Tuesday, May 17 at 4:30 PM. Please email [email protected] for further details on the information session or for inquires about this program.