Programs

NYA offers three core programs for youth in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. All three programs are ten months long, and follow a similar timeline.

October-January: Application, interviews and selection
February-June: Assignments completed in their home community with the help of a local mentor
Late June: Participants travel to Ottawa for a week-long Orientation camp
June/July: Summer Placement
July/August: Week-long Re-Orientation camp
August-October: fall assignments in their home community

2025 Programs

NYA has opened recruitment for two Core Programs:

1. NYA Canadian Program

2. NYA Next Program

These two Programs have different goals, outcomes, and activities. They also have different travel dates and take place in different locations. Read about both programs, and think about your goals, what you want to gain from NYA, and where you think you’ll be a better fit.

NYA CANADIAN PROGRAM

  • Earn up to 9 high school credits.
  • Do assignments from February-October in your home community, with the help of a Mentor.
  • Travel away from home from mid-June until the end of July 2025.
  • Live with a Host Family and another NYA Participant in a southern province.
  • Volunteer 35 hours a week at a work placement.
  • Learn about you culture and share with others.
  • Gain independence, learn about career options, get work experience, experience life in the south.

Find out more!

NYA NEXT PROGRAM

  • Earn up to 8 high school credits.
  • Do assignments from February-October in your home community, with the help of a Mentor.
  • Travel away from home from early July to the end of July 2025. 
  • Live with a group of around 16 other youth in a college dorm.
  • Complete a construction class.
  • Explore your own interests.
  • Prepare for post-secondary and next steps.
  • Experience city life, work and live as a team, explore your career and post-secondary options.

Find out more!

International Program

The International Program is on hold for now. This program is usually open to NYA Alumni (youth who have already completed one of NYA’s other programs). It involves group travel to a summer placement in an international location. Previous International Program destinations have included Swaziland, Botswana, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Participants volunteer with local organizations, develop professional skills and take part in cultural exchange, including interaction with local indigenous populations. The International Program builds upon the foundation of the Canadian Program and emphasizes global citizenship.
Find out more!