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Transform the way you tackle challenges 

What is Foundations?

Velocity Foundations is a great way to learn about important issues while building an innovative mindset. Over 8-weeks we will explore a big societal challenge and provide expert guidance and innovative tools to find insights and solutions that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Spring 2023 challenge

It’s no secret that mental health has declined in the past few years. In fact, in 2021, over one third of students say they experienced poor mental health. This spring, students in Foundations will take a deep dive into student mental health and well-being. Together we will,

  • Speak with students, health specialists and other stakeholders to learn about a problem first-hand
  • Find out what psychology researchers have reported through their studies
  • Connect the dots to find the root causes and; 
  • Find a better way to solve the problem

Spring 2023 Foundations: A Happiness Project

Test Your Assumptions, Gain Insights 

Foundations unites you with students who are committed to addressing a major societal issue while equipping you with advanced skills, tools and direct access to expert guidance. 

“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” – Bill Nye 

Knowing how to problem-solve effectively has many positives like helping you make better decisions, increasing your confidence, improving your critical thinking skills, enhancing your creativity and innovation, helping you manage obstacles and setbacks, and lead to greater success and satisfaction. Plus, problem-solving skills are highly valued in the job market. 

How it works

Foundations is an eight-week program consisting of weekly 2-hour group sessions, along with regular check-ins with a Velocity team member experienced in problem analysis. 

  • Wednesday, May 24th from 4pm-6pm 
  • Wednesday, May 31st from 4pm-6pm 
  • Wednesday, June 7th from 4pm-6pm 
  • Wednesday, June 14th from 4pm-6pm 
  • Wednesday, June 21st from 4pm-6pm 
  • Tuesday, June 27th from 4pm-6pm 
  • Tuesday, July 4th from 4pm-6pm 
  • Wednesday, July 12th from 4pm-6pm 

Weekly Group Sessions  

The program aims to enhance your knowledge and expertise in a particular problem domain by actively engaging you in research and skill-building activities. 

Experienced Guest Speakers   

The program features guest speakers who bring experience and insight to the related topic. As well, a subject matter expert (SME) will be available to answer questions.  

Access Indispensable Coaching  

During the program you meet regularly with a Velocity coach who has expertise in problem analysis and is also available to assist with other areas of interest. 

Eligibility & Requirements

If you are interested in meeting new people, adding new skills to your toolbox and developing market & industry research knowledge by examining the topic of mental health and wellbeing, this is for you. This is not academic research!  

To participate you must be:

  • A current student at the University of Waterloo  
  • Have an interest in the topic for the semester (mental health and wellbeing) 
  • Prepared to commit to participating in scheduled sessions 
  • Have a curious mind and passion for learning 

If you have any questions about the program, eligibility, or want to discuss it further, contact the program manager.

1 Jones SE, Ethier KA, Hertz M, et al. Mental Health, Suicidality, and Connectedness Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, January–June 2021. MMWR Suppl 2022;71(Suppl-3):16–21. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.su7103a3