Montreal, November 12, 2026 – The Youth Media Alliance (YMA) is proud to announce that Victoria Austin, a screenwriting student in the Cinema and Media Arts program at York University, is the recipient of the 10th Andra Sheffer Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship recognizes an outstanding student aspiring to build a career in children’s and youth screen content.

Victoria Austin will receive accreditation to attend KIMS Canada, taking place February 23–25, 2027, in Québec City, as well as the Banff World Media Festival, thanks to the support of Brunico. She will also receive a $4,000 travel grant from YMA. In addition, she will benefit from personalized professional mentorship and opportunities to connect with YMA members and influential industry professionals.

Currently completing the fourth and final year of her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Screenwriting at York University, Victoria Austin has always been passionate about creating stories for young audiences. Her creative approach is guided by one question: “Now how would eight-year-old me feel?” Driven by a desire to make children smile, laugh, and learn about the world through inspiring stories, she hopes to contribute to children’s television that makes both young audiences and their parents feel good and empowered.

Her experience already demonstrates a strong commitment to the industry. During the summer of 2026, she completed an internship as an assistant story editor with writer, creator and story editor Carolyn Hay, contributing to various projects, including the newly premiered series On Track with Andre Degrasse. She also assisted at two writers’ summits, gaining valuable experience in concept development, research, and adapting existing intellectual property.

Among her accomplishments is I Asked You First, a 10-minute short film she wrote and starred in, produced by York University in 2025. She is also developing several projects, including The Elemental Guardians and Sophie The Soccer Ball, two series aimed at young audiences. Alongside her writing, Victoria is actively involved in her university community and the world of soccer, where she plays and coaches as a certified soccer instructor.

The selection committee was composed of recognized industry professionals. YMA extends its warmest thanks to all committee members for their commitment and contribution to supporting the next generation of industry talent.

The Andra Sheffer Scholarship is made possible through the generous support of its financial partners: 9 Story Media Group, Apartment 11 Productions, Breakthrough Entertainment, Brunico, CMPA National, CMPA-BC Producers Branch, DHX Television, Give me Chocolate, Guru Studio, marblemedia, Portfolio Entertainment, Radical Sheep (Boat Rocker Media), Secret Location, Sinking Ship Entertainment, Shaftesbury, and the Shaw Rocket Fund.