STEVEN DENURE CHILDREN’S CONTENT INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

The YMA is launching the Steven DeNure Children’s Content Internship to encourage and support YMA members to offer students or emerging producers an immersive paid work experience, in English or in French, with a production company or broadcaster working in children’s content.

The goal is to support the development of well-rounded members of the industry by placing emerging talent with established production companies, studios or broadcasters who can offer hands-on skills development in content strategy, development, writing, production, or marketing of children’s content.

The YMA is committed to achieving greater diversity in the children’s content industry and encourages applications that support interns from equity-seeking groups, including Indigenous, Black, People or Colour, neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, and persons with disabilities.

Submit an Application Pool of Candidates

Available Funding

The YMA will provide $4,500 for a 12-week internship, to be matched by the mentor company.
(Interns receive $9,000 over 12 weeks @ 40 hours per week, at a rate of $750/week.)

In addition, should it be determined that travel as part of the internship would be in the best interests of the intern, the YMA may, at its discretion, also provide financial assistance to the mentor company to cover travel and/or registration expenses for the intern.

Number of Internship

One or two mentor companies will be selected annually for this financial support for the next 3-4 years while funds remain available.

A call for applications are usually issued annually in the spring with an application deadline approx May 15 for each year.

Eligibility

For the Mentor Company

Must be members of the YMA, including Canadian broadcasters, production companies and studios.
Must be based in Canada
Must contribute a minimum of $4,500 to match funding from the YMA
The mentor company is responsible for finding an intern and submitting an application to the YMA.
A mentor company applicant cannot be an employer or family member of the intern who they are proposing in their application.

For Interns

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Must be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
Must be a student or recent graduate of an accredited Canadian post-secondary educational institution.
Cannot be an employee or family member of the mentor company.

Application & Deadline

Application Process

Mentor companies must submit the following:

Application form - online
Proposal work Plan - to upload
Intern CV - to upload

Submit an application

Deadline

Mentor companies must submit an Application Form by May 16, 2025 5 p.m.

Selection & Report

Selection Process

A YMA Committee will evaluate the applications on their overall merit and select the mentor company(ies) offering the best opportunity to enhance an intern’s skills and provide a potential entry point into the industry.

While balancing regional and representational considerations, selection factors may include, but are not limited to:

Clear objectives and skills development goals
Strength of the proposed Work Plan (job description, diversity of training, mentor supervision)
Intern’s education, professional goals, work or volunteer experience
Commitment to the children’s content industry

The Committees decisions will be final. Given the limited funds, some deserving applications may not be successful.

Completion Report

Interns must submit a 2-page report about their experience upon conclusion of the internship.

Partners

This funding has been made possible thanks to contributions from YMA members Marlowe Stone, Steven DeNure and

Past Recipients

2025

WildBrain is a Canadian media company founded in 2006 under the name DHX Media through the merger of Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company.

2024

Lopii Productions Inc. is dedicated to producing shows that are high quality, inclusive and representative of all kids. Every child deserves to see themselves on TV. Lopii Productions also ensure authentic diversity and representation behind the scenes.

2023

BP Solarpunk Media is a Toronto-based studio creating linear and digital immersive experiences led by Kai Little-white.

Shanelle Simms aims to increase her professional and technical skill and contribute to the growth and development of the media and entertainment sectors. She is currently pursuing a post-graduate certificate in Film and Television - Business at Centennial College

Currently pursuing a degree in English Literature at Queen’s University in Kingston, Kira M. Christie is a dynamic young professional with a strong sense of customer service and great attention to detail. Through a variety of experiences — from barista to summer camp receptionist and tutor in English and math — she has developed solid communication, independence, and teamwork skills. Bilingual in English and French (B2 level), she has also begun learning Japanese.

Maria Bui is a graduate from Centennial College in Children's Media program and has expressed a real interest in working in children's TV. She is A keen creative with an enterprising drive and a passion for children's media and play-based learning. A strong team player that contributes resourcefulness and a wealth of diverse experience.

Little Engine Moving Pictures, led by Maria Kennedy, is a boutique, but quickly growing production and distribution company that develops, finances, produces and distributes original, innovative TV series, feature films and interactive content.

Tania Gonçalves is a film student in her third year of Humber College’s Film & Television Production. Currently, she is producing two PSA’s and another short film, which she hopes to be the next in a long line of producing credits.