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The SCS Experiential Empowerment & Development (SEED) Initiative
With financial support from Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE™ Community Investment Program, the McGill School of Continuing Studies has launched its SEED Initiative to help increase access to professional education and career advancement.
In collaboration with community partner organizations, up to 30 individuals will be selected each cohort as SEED Fellows to complete a Professional Development Certificate (PDC) in either Project Management or Applied AI and Data Analytics for Business, improve their proficiency in French, and learn invaluable career development, interpersonal, employability skills.
SEED Fellows benefit from:
- A scholarship that covers tuition and fees
- Support in finding paid internship opportunities in their professional fields
- Networking events
- Mentorship opportunities
- Personalized career coaching
Type: Part-time, Non-credit, Professional development Courses: 9-10 required courses Continuing Education Units: Varies Cohort 6 Schedule:
Spring/Summer 2026 to Spring/Summer 2027Delivery: Online Questions? seed.scs [at] mcgill.ca
Information Sessions
Dates - Recruitment for Spring/Summer 2026
| Date | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, February 5, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Online | Register for February 5 |
| Wednesday, February 11, from 6:30 - 7:30p.m. | Online | Register for February 11 |
| Tuesday, February 17, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Online | Register for February 17 |
| Monday, February 23, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Online | Register for February 23 |
Program Details
Who Should Apply
- A newcomer to Canada seeking to integrate into the workforce
- An underemployed or unemployed professional
- A person facing economic barriers to professional education and career opportunities
Learning Outcomes
- Develop or enhance in-demand professional skills
- Improve French language proficiency
- Gain practical experience
- Establish professional networks
- Clarify your career goals and create pathways to achieving them
Schedule
French language courses (all levels)
Written English for Professional Communication course (online, optional)
Career Planning course
Fall 2026
Interpersonal Skills course
Professional Development Certificate courses begin
Online paid internships become available (optional)
Winter 2027
Professional Development Certificate courses continue
Online paid internships available (optional)
Spring/Summer 2027
Professional Development Certificate courses finish
Employability Readiness course
Courses will take place in the evenings online between 6 and 9 p.m. EST unless otherwise noted. For course details, see courses below.
Courses
Core SEED program
- French courses (all levels)
- YCBS 216: Interpersonal Skills for Professionals
- YCBS 292: Career Planning
- YCBS 289: Employability Readiness
- YCGL 416: English Written Communication Strategies for the Workplace
- Professional Development Certificate in Project Management
Or - Professional Development Certificate in Applied AI and Data Analytics for Business
Eligibility
SEED Initiative Eligibility
- Be 21 years of age or older to be admitted as a mature student
- Proof of citizenship/residency status in Canada
Professional Development Certificate Admissions Requirements
- Please review the Admission Requirements to be accepted into the PDC in Applied AI and Data Analytics for Business
- Please review the Admissions Requirements to be accepted into the PDC in Project Management
How to Apply
The SEED Initiative is now accepting applications for the Spring/Summer 2026 session.
Courses will be delivered in an online synchronous format.
To apply, please complete the application form.
McGill SEED Initiative Application – Fill out form
Required reference form – email this form with the other required supporting documents listed
on the application form to seed-documents [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Reference) .
The application deadline is Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Please apply as soon as possible since additional information may be requested by the School to consider your application.
News and Articles
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Empowering career boost for newcomers, marginalized groups Experiential learning, coaching and internships are part of a new professional development program at the School of Continuing Studies buoyed by a $2-million gift from Scotiabank. Dean Carola Weil elaborates on the inspiration and aspirations for the SEED Initiative. |