Student Projects Grants: Funding opportunity leads student to Sudbury mines
Extra-curricular learning opportunities are precious, but unlike gems, they don’t have to be rare.
With the support of a Faculty of Arts Student Projects Grant (SPG), students can be supported in their pursuit of extra-curricular projects and activities during their studies. The grant provides financial support for opportunities that promote experiential learning and engagement, experiences that grant recipients consider invaluable.
This past year, Tyler Squibb took the chance to apply for the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Goodman Gold Challenge (external link) . With funding secured, Tyler and his team members harnessed their soft skills while developing an investment pitch that would withstand the tough pressures of the mining industry.
Tyler shares his journey from writing the application to exploring the Sudbury mines, reflecting on how the opportunity contributed to his personal and professional growth.
Goodman Gold Challenge Competition participants with Johnathan Goodman, CEO of Dundee Corporation and Dundee Precious Metals (far left). The photo was taken during the Awards Gala and Closing Ceremony at Sudbury’s iconic Science North, in the Vale Cavern.
Applying for the grant
Tyler learned about the Student Projects Grant through communications within a student investment club. After confirming his team’s eligibility, they submitted a group application outlining the scope of the competition, project goals, and the budget breakdown.
“The process was straightforward and well-supported, and we were grateful to receive funding that made the opportunity more financially accessible,” shared Tyler. “The SPG allowed us to fully engage with the event without worrying about logistical barriers.”
Tyler Squibb is a recent graduate of the International Economics and Finance program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). His academic focus has been on financial markets, economic analysis, and applied research during his studies.
Tyler Squibb (left) pictured with his teammates Kalab Tamirat (middle) and Aleksander Strazisar (right).
Digging deep for professionally relevant experience
“Our project was a live equity research pitch for the Goodman Gold Challenge (external link) , a national case competition where student teams evaluate real mining companies and pitch an investment thesis to a panel of industry professionals. Each team selects one of three featured junior mining firms. We chose Omai Gold Mines (external link) , a company operating in Guyana with a rich history of gold production and ambitious plans to redevelop and expand its high-potential properties,” shared Tyler.
“Our team conducted an in-depth valuation using both a Net Asset Value (NAV) model and comparables analysis, factoring in exploration upside, jurisdictional risk, capital requirements, and historical performance. Beyond financial modelling, we assessed Omai’s management strategy and asset development timeline to form a complete investment picture. We ultimately recommended a speculative buy, highlighting the opportunity for long-term value if certain milestones were met.”
“One of the most impactful parts of the experience was the access to real decision-makers.”
Top: Competition participants explore the Sudbury Mines. Bottom: group conference presentations.
The opportunity to meet the CEO of Omai Gold Mines gave Tyler and his teammates “a rare behind-the-scenes view of the company’s operational goals and strategic priorities.” “We spoke directly with senior leaders and analysts from major mining investment firms such as Kinross and Dundee Corporation,” Tyler added. “These conversations helped us understand how institutional investors approach junior exploration opportunities and which risks matter most in capital allocation decisions.”
“Presenting our pitch to a panel of industry professionals provided a realistic simulation of what it is like to work in equity research and investment banking. The judges asked thoughtful, high-pressure questions that challenged us to defend our thesis and sharpened our ability to think critically and communicate clearly under pressure.”
Extra-curricular experiences as valuable as gold
“The Goodman Gold Challenge was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate studies. It pushed me to apply classroom knowledge, including valuation methods, industry analysis, and risk assessment in a real-world, high-stakes setting,” reflected Tyler. “More importantly, it taught me how to navigate ambiguity and make informed judgments when data is incomplete or uncertain, as it often is in the world of junior mining.”
“Speaking with professionals gave me a clearer view of the mining sector and how investment decisions are made beyond spreadsheets,” Tyler added. “I also developed soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management that are just as critical as technical ability in the finance world. Overall, the experience deepened my interest in capital markets and helped solidify my goal of pursuing a career in investment analysis or private equity.”
With the support of a Student Projects Grant, Tyler and his teammates had the opportunity to travel to Sudbury, where they showcased their knowledge to industry professionals, including CEOs, investors, and representatives from schools around the globe. The experience enhanced Tyler’s network and strengthened the skills necessary for career success. After returning home, Tyler shared his newfound insights with his peers in the hope of building connections in the TMU community and encouraging others to pursue similar opportunities for advancement.
What is a Student Projects Grant?
Student Projects Grants, administered by the Faculty of Arts, provide financial support of up to $1,500 for student-initiated extra-curricular projects and activities that promote experiential learning and student engagement, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Students should email spg@torontomu.ca to express their interest in applying for a grant.