The Press Start CoLab High School Program

Learn how to turn an idea into a business or project that supports the mental health of youth in your school or community.

$25,000 in Grant Funding*

Now in its third year and the exclusive focus of Press Start, the CoLab High School Program brings an innovation accelerator experience directly to Ontario high school students. What began with our flagship community giveback initiative for changemakers age 18–29, has been thoughtfully shaped over into an experience designed exclusively for high school students and the educators who champion them.

Over 7 weeks, student teams develop a real solution to a youth mental health challenge, work alongside peers and a member of the education community, and pitch for grant funding to bring their idea to life. Throughout the program, teams are supported by mentors, an inspirational keynote speaker, and equipped with practical tools for idea creation, collaboration, and bringing projects to life. 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 and academic experts.

*Grant funding will be distributed across multiple successful ideas.

For Educators

If you're a teacher, education worker, guidance counsellor, or social worker aged 18+ and employed in the Ontario education system, you're in the right place.

For Educators

Sub-Focus Areas

Groups will work together to develop their creative solutions that address at least 1 of the 3 sub-focus areas of mental health.

Building Confidence
and Self Image

Celebrating individuality and amplifying diverse perspectives and voices to nurture confidence and positive self-image.

De-Stigmatizing
Mental Health

Cultivating mental health literacy, fostering awareness, and enhancing communication through open dialogues around mental health.

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. ​ 

Program Details At-a-Glance

Who can join?

  • Applications: Open to Ontario high school students and members of the educational community
  • Background: Interest in positive social change; Volunteer or extracurricular experience
  • Registration fee: No
  • Groups: 2–5 Ontario high school students with 1 group leader, who is a member of the educational community and is 18+ years old.

When is it?

  • Event duration: 7 weeks
  • Start date: October 22, 2026
  • End date: December 10, 2026
  • Awards date: December 10, 2026
Program Kick-Off
October 22, 2026
4-6pm EST
Co-Creation Session 1
October 29, 2026
4-5pm EST
Co-Creation Session 2
November 5, 2026
4-5pm EST
Challenge Speaker
November 12, 2026
4-5pm EST
Co-Creation Session 3
November 19, 2026
4-5pm EST
Proposals Due
November 26, 2026
11:59pm EST
Grants & Awards Ceremony
December 10, 2026
4-6pm EST

Promotional Partners

Fall 2026 CoLab High School Program Speaker

At the midpoint of the program student teams attend a virtual Challenge Session featuring a guest speaker whose work and experience speaks directly to our sub-focus areas. Their story is meant to inspire and embolden new thinking and energize teams for the second half of their projects.

Maryanne Oketch

Maryanne Oketch

Maryanne Oketch is a familiar face because of her appearance on CBS's hit show, Survivor. She was known for her positivity, optimism, and genuine joy during her time on the island. She was the second black woman and the second Canadian to win the 42nd season, outsmarting 17 other contestants to become the "Sole Survivor". Maryanne is passionate about empowering the next generation to share their talent and stories to make change in their communities. Today, Maryanne works as a Host at TVO on their show "Nerds on Healthcare," and is in her third year of medical school at Western University.

LinkedIn Website Instagram

Fall 2026 CoLab High School Program Mentors

Throughout the program, student teams are supported by mentors who bring experience, guidance, and additional perspective. Mentors are there to support teams from early ideas all the way to being ready to submit their proposals.

What People are Saying

“When I stepped up as a mentor, I learned to really resonate with different qualities within myself and apply them in ways that helped others. Sometimes it was the best qualities and successes that were able to guide students and sometimes it was the difficult qualities and struggles that I was able to connect with them on and reassure them through. Being a mentor is more than just about being successful. It's about knowing how to frame failure as a way forward. This experience allows our mentors to provide insight into how to make the most of Press Start's tools and share key learnings as experienced mental health entrepreneurs.”

Chey Kidd

Chey Kidd, Mentor

FAQ's

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