About
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.
Fitness Mentorship Program will provide the following for successful candidates:
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
Provide mentorship and practice with teaching under the guidance of an experienced mentor
Sponsored by Hart House for the cost of the textbook, the Ontario Fitness Council written and practical exams, and the 2-year OFC membership after successfully passing their exams
Registration is closed!
- Danielle Dinunzio
Manager, Access and Strategic Initiatives
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 416-978-0691
Who can apply
Candidates who will be 18 years of age by August 31, 2024*
Youth 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, 2SLGBTQ+, Non-binary and Trans youth.
Additionally, youth who are interested in the study of recreation, fitness, wellness, health, sports and physical activity are encouraged to apply.
*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. The practical exam will be schedule at the end of August 2024.
Where and when
When will this take place?
Sessions are held for 3–4 hours on Tuesday and Thursday. Approximate session times are mid-day between 10 AM – 3 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break.
Important Dates:
- Introductions + Meet & Greet: To be confirmed
- Sessions Begin: Tuesday, July 2
- Written Exam: Tuesday, August 6
- Sessions End: Thursday, August 29 (tentative Practical Exam)
Sessions will be hosted in-person at Hart House located on the downtown University of Toronto Campus.
Commitment
Group Fitness Mentees are expected to commit to and complete the following:
- Completing approximately 8 apprenticeship hours per week for a minimum of 40 apprenticeship hours by the end of the program
- 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. Youth should be prepared to complete their readings between sessions and come prepared for the in-person learning.
- Completing a written exam
- Completing a practical fitness exam/assessment
- Completing post-program reflection and surveys
What it's like
The focus of each of your learning sessions will be different as we take you through the foundations and best practices of becoming a Group Fitness instructor.
Between 10AM – 12:30PM, you’ll be with fitness experts in our fitness centre doing theory and hands-on learning.
From 1-3 PM, the mentees will form a ‘study group’ alongside a U of T student to review any content you may need help with and continue the learning from that day. See our example schedule here.
We anticipate that mentees will be ready to write their written exam in early August. The first step towards completing your program!
It was expected that mentees read and review their textbook material or related videos between sessions.
Pay and 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.
Mentees will also be provided with a complimentary Fitness Centre Membership for the length of the program.
How to apply
The application form will close on Sunday, May 12 2024 at 11:45 PM.
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 all the application questions—and tips on applying—through the registration link.
What happens after I apply?
A review of applications will take place starting on Monday, May 13, 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted by email to set up a 30-minute virtual call with our staff team.
If you have more questions, please email Danielle Dinunzio.