About the University
Behind our small classes is a much bigger idea about who gets to learn and what education can make possible.
THE WORLD'S TINIEST UNIVERSITY
Potential Is Everywhere. Opportunity Isn't.
Some people have easy access to education, expert advice, and opportunities to try new things. Others have just as much curiosity and potential, but far fewer doors open to them. We don't think that's how the world should work.
Something remarkable is changing. New technologies are making knowledge and capabilities that once required years of training or considerable expense accessible to almost anyone. But having these tools available isn't the same as knowing what's possible or having the confidence and skills to use them.
Tiny University exists to help close that gap.
We believe people shouldn't have to be wealthy or highly educated to develop an invention, pursue an ambitious idea or find new ways to improve their lives. We also believe communities hold enormous untapped potential to solve their own problems, if more people are given the opportunity to contribute.
We know a single class won't eliminate inequality. But it can open a door that someone never knew existed. Our ambition is to open as many of those doors as we can.
Because opportunity should never be a privilege reserved for a fortunate few.
Being able to do more isn't necessarily the same as living better. We believe knowledge and new capabilities matter most when they give people greater freedom to shape their own lives and make a positive difference in the world. Sometimes progress means accomplishing something extraordinary. Other times, it's finding a little more happiness in an ordinary day. Both are worth pursuing.
OUR CORE BELIEF
The Point of Progress Is a Better Life
OUR PEOPLE
Interdisciplinary Minds
Ethan de Winter
Founder & Facilitator
Ethan is a community development practitioner and researcher whose work brings together education, creativity, technology, and wellbeing. He is also a certified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) instructor and therapeutic arts facilitator. His current master’s research at Middlesex University explores how community-based learning and emerging technologies can support more connected and meaningful lives. He founded Tiny University with a simple belief: everyone deserves access to the knowledge and skills to improve their lives. Through free, hands-on classes, he hopes to help everyday people discover new possibilities and become more capable of shaping their own futures and communities.
Amie Brochu, MSW, PhD
Community Advisor
Amie is an educator and mental health social worker whose work focuses on helping people and communities build wellbeing and resilience. Her experience brings a valuable perspective to Tiny University's mission of making learning more accessible and helping people develop the skills and confidence to improve their lives.
Rashmi Bhansal
Community Advisor
Rashmi is a wellness practitioner and artist whose work brings together mindfulness, psychology and creative expression. Her perspective supports Tiny University's mission of making learning accessible and helping people discover creative, practical ways to improve their wellbeing and lead richer, more fulfilling lives.
Matthew Liang
Community Advisor
Matthew brings expertise in public health research, program evaluation and social prescribing. His guidance helps Tiny University measure the impact of its classes, reflect diverse community perspectives and develop learning experiences that make a meaningful difference in people's lives and communities.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Bring a little more possibility into the room.
Interested in hosting a Tiny University class, collaborating on research, or finding time back for your team? Tell us what you have in mind.
We bring free mini-classes to communities because the knowledge to build a better life should belong to everyone.
© Tiny University | Halifax, Nova Scotia
Accessible Learning & Community Innovation
