The Youth Champions Program is a peer-to-peer learning exchange and collaboration space for Canadian and international youth, in a spirit of multi-generational collaboration with Canadian small and medium organizations (SMO). The program aims to increase their capacities, opportunities, and contribution to public engagement on global issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly gender equality.
Below, find details about the program objectives, eligibility criteria, and the past application process. You’ll also be able to see the latest information session for a more in-depth explanation and links to view our previous YCP cohorts.
This nine-month program starting in January 2023 will offer skills training, support, opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, tailored subject matter, and mentorship to SMOs and youth, who will then plan and implement public engagement activities to engage Canadians as global citizens.
Youth will benefit not only from the training, but also from opportunities to deepen their understanding and engagement, and address and overcome barriers to their meaningful participation in the international cooperation sector and on global issues. They will also have opportunities to influence decisions at the organizational level.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation and they will become part of a Youth Champions alumni network.
SMOs will benefit from focused learning opportunities to deepen their youth engagement, and collaborate with youth, and the general public through this experience.
The application process for the Youth Champions Program is meant to be a collaborative process between the SMO and the youth (Canadian or international). SMOs are encouraged to discuss the opportunity with the youth they wish to nominate, sharing with them the program objectives, activities, expectations, and requirements. A few items of note:
Did you miss the information session? Not to worry! Find the recording and slides to the right where you’ll find more information. Hear from a past YCP youth, see some examples of past public engagement activities and more!