Canadian Program

Program Overview

Each October, youth ages 15–20 from Nunavut and the NWT are invited to apply to NYA’s Canadian Program. Every applicant completes a short phone interview, and after careful consideration of every application (on average over 200 youth apply each year!) a number of Participants and Alternates are selected.

With support from a local Mentor, Participants and Alternates complete assignments between February and June to prepare for their summer placements in southern Canada.

In June, youth travel to Ottawa for Orientation, where they build skills in leadership, teamwork, confidence, and workplace readiness. From there, Participants are paired up and placed with Host Families across the country for five weeks of volunteer work experience. Living in pairs provides support, while the placements offer hands-on learning and cultural exchange.

Before returning home in August, everyone gathers in once more for Re-Orientation. Re-O focuses on reflection, celebration, and planning for how to apply new skills and experiences back in their communities. Participants also prepare a presentation to share their NYA journey with family and friends.

By the end of the summer, Participants return home with new confidence, stronger skills, clearer goals—and up to nine high school credits.

Areas of Focuslow ropes

The Canadian Program focuses on:

  • Cross Cultural Learning and Awareness,
  • Volunteerism,
  • Earning High School Credits,
  • Career Exploration,
  • Job Training,
  • Leadership,
  • Self-Confidence,
  • Self-Esteem,
  • Community Development,

Participant Benefits

Participants in the Canadian Program Receive:Miranda at work

  • Minimum 150 hours of hands on work experience,
  • Up to 9 high school credits,
  • WHMIS, First Aid, and Swim 2 Survive Training,
  • Sessions on career planning and goal setting,
  • Confidence,
  • Public speaking training,
  • A unique opportunity to experience a new culture and place,
  • The ability to share your own culture,
  • The chance to make friends and meet other Northerners from different communities.