Youth Futures - closed

Youth Futures is a six month bilingual program (February-August) that supports high school students, aged 16 to 21. The program helps high school students to succeed in post-secondary education and the work force, through leadership development, mentorship, employment placement, and post-secondary orientation. This experience aims to create equitable opportunities that helps youth build successful futures and strong communities.

Youth Futures is a partnership between the City of Ottawa, BGC Ottawa , and the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation. The program is funded, in part by the City of Ottawa’s Housing and Homelessness Investment Plan.

Before you begin

Are you interested in:

  • Improved confidence and self-esteem
  • Better leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills
  • Academic and employment self-efficacy
  • Improved attitude towards school
  • Stronger abilities in the workplace
  • Sense of responsibility and of community
  • Greater knowledge of tools and resources to transition to post-secondary education

If yes, here’s what you need to know about the program and how to apply.

Eligibility

You must:

  • Be going to high school aged 16 to 21
  • Be interested in exploring post-secondary education
  • Have two pieces of identification (see list below)
  • Be eligible to work in Canada
  • Have a Social Insurance Number
  • For students with Refugee status - must have a valid work permit
  • Parent or guardian must sign the application form if you are 17 years or younger
  • Complete the online application no later than January 19.

What you need

You will need to provide the following information and documents to participate into the program. Read carefully and contact us if you have questions – we are happy to help!

  1. Personal Information
    Name, address, date of birth, contact information, emergency contact, education history, status in Canada, etc.
  2. Two pieces of identification. One must be photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:
    • Birth Certificate
    • Passport
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Canadian Citizenship Card
    • Immigration papers
    • Driver’s license
    • Ontario Photo Card
    • Indian Status Card
    • Hospital card
    • Age of Majority Card

    Note - High school student and health cards are not accepted.

  3. Social insurance number (SIN)
  4. Work Permit for Students with Refugee Status
  5. Police records check form
    • Important:  If you require a Police Record Check for your work placement, we will submit your police records check for you at no cost. Do not submit your form to the police station.
  6. Bank account
    If you don’t already have a bank account, you must get one before the start of the program.
  7. Photo permission form
    Unless you are 18 years or older your parent or guardian needs to sign this form.
  8. Resumé
    Your most current resumé. If you need help to create a resumé, contact us at youthfutures@ottawa.ca.
  9. Statement answer or video
    • Prepare this statement or video before you start filling out your application. This will save you time and is an important part of the screening and interview.
    • You must submit a written statement (200 words or less) or a video (two minutes or less) explaining why you want to participate in the program.

Apply

What's next

Screening process

  • Once we get your application, we will review and score it.

Interviews

  • If screened in, you will get an email to register for an interview
  • Interviews will be from December to early February
  • The interview will last about 30 minutes
  • During the interview, we will evaluate your commitment and knowledge about the program

Acceptance

  • Final callbacks will be from February 5 to 16
  • The program will start on February 22
  • 150 youth are accepted into the program each year. If you are not accepted this year, we encourage you to apply again next year!

Contact

If you have any questions about the application process or about the program, email us at youthfutures@ottawa.ca.

For more information, visit youth-futures.com.