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

Canadian Program

The first phase of NYA’s programming is the Canadian Program. Open to Nunavut and NWT youth ages 15-20, this program is highlighted by a 5-week placement in a southern Canadian community. Participants live with a host family and another youth participant and spend their days volunteering 35 hours per week at a workplace in an area of career interest. The Canadian Program emphasizes career skills, work experience, leadership, confidence, volunteerism and cross-cultural awareness.
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NYA Next

NYA Next is available to NYA Alumni (people who have done the NYA Canadian Program) under the age of 22. NYA Next works to revisit, reinforce and build upon the skills and lessons of the Canadian program by promoting education, personal growth, cultural awareness and career preparation. NYA Next focuses on goal setting and achievement, through an individual action plan for each participant – highlighted by a Personal Learning Project completed by each Participant. The summer placement for NYA Next will take place at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where Participants will complete a construction and building course; engage in volunteer work and service-learning, and participate in group activities.
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International Program

The International Program is available to NYA Alumni under the age of 22. This program 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.
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