NYA Next

Program Overview

Open to youth ages 15-20 from Nunavut and the NWT, NYA Next promotes education, personal growth, cultural awareness, and career preparation. The program is individually tailored to the interests and goals of each youth and prepares youth to become more confident, independent, and prepared for their next steps.

Similar to other NYA programs, NYA Next begins with several months of preparation and assignments completed by Participants in their home community. In July, Participants travel to Ottawa to take part in an Orientation that provides a foundation of skills to help them prepare for the summer.

Participants live in a group at Algonquin College, where they will spend the next few weeks, experiencing an environment similar to a post-secondary student. They will also volunteer, participate in hands-on college courses such as culinary, and construction trades, and complete a self-directed Personal Learning Project.

The youth learn how to work and live together as a team, while building independence and life skills. Participants conclude their summer with Re-Orientation before returning to their home communities to share their experiences with their communities, families, and friends.

Areas of Focus

NYA Next focuses on:

  • Post-secondary exploration and preparation,
  • A Personal Learning Project (a self-directed project in an area of interest),
  • Hands-on training and learning,
  • Volunteer work and service learning,
  • Career options and pathway exploration,
  • Life skills, leadership, and group living,
  • Individual coaching and goal setting,
  • Healthy lifestyles,
  • Cultural exchange and presentation skills,

Participant Benefits

Participants of NYA Next receive:

  • Up to 8 high school credits,
  • Experience living on a college campus,
  • One-on-one career and education exploration,
  • First-Aid training,
  • Experience in a college course,
  • Sessions on post-secondary options and preparedness,
  • Career preparedness,
  • 150 hours of hands-on volunteer experience,
  • Presentation and public speaking practice,
  • A strengthened sense of culture and identity.