Youth Futures is a six-month (March to August) bilingual program that aims to create equitable opportunities for youth facing marginalization and other barriers by providing experiences, skills and support that lead to success in post-secondary education and work experiences.
Youth Futures is a partnership between Algonquin College, Carleton University, City of Ottawa, La Cité, Ottawa Community Housing, Ottawa Community Housing Foundation, BGC Ottawa, Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa. The program is funded, in part by the City of Ottawa’s Housing and Homelessness Investment Plan.
Before you begin
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
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 or valid work permit
- Have your parent or guardian must sign the application form if you are 17 years or younger
- Fill on an online application no later than January 23
What you need
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!
- Personal Information
Name, address, date of birth, contact information, emergency contact, education history, status in Canada, etc. - 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
- Indian Status Card
- Hospital card
- Age of Majority Card
Note - High school student and health cards are not accepted.
- Social insurance number (SIN) / work permit
- Visit the Government of Canada website Social Insurance Number - how to apply.
- If you do not have a SIN or a valid work permit, you must get one as soon as possible. The wait can take up to six months or longer.
- Visit the Government of Canada website Get a work permit.
- Police records check form – filled out
- Download a Police Records Check
- Important: note you only need to fill out the form. If you are selected to participate, we will submit your police records check for you at no cost. Do not submit your form to the police station.
- A void cheque or bank deposit slip
If you don’t already have a bank account, you must get one to provide a cheque or bank deposit slip. - Photo permission form
Unless you are 18 years or older your parent or guardian needs to sign this form. - Resumé
Your most current resumé. If you need help to create a resumé, contact us at youthfutures@ottawa.ca. - Statement answer
- You must draft a 200 word-or-less statement explaining why you want to participate in the program.
- Prepare this statement before you start filling out your application. This will save you time and is an important part of the screening and interview.
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
The program has a Mandatory Vaccination Policy where you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to take part in the program.
- As you fill in your application, you must acknowledge and accept the vaccination policy.
- Do not send vaccination records through email.
- If you are accepted into the program, you will need to show visual proof of vaccination during orientation and training to enter o enter the facility.
- Technology
You must have reliable technology such as Microphone, Webcam and the Internet to participate in the program. If this is an issue, contact us at youthfutures@ottawa.ca.
Apply
Apply
Online
What's next
What's next
Screening process
- Once we get your application, we will review and score it
- First round of callbacks will be between January 18 and February 11
- About 450 youth apply each year and we call back about 250 youth
Interviews
- If screened in, you will get an email to register for an interview
- Interviews will be from January 30 to February 13 and February 20
- The interview will last about 30 minutes
- During the interview, we will evaluate your commitment and knowledge about the program
- 250 applicants will be selected for interviews due to limited capacity
Acceptance
- Final callbacks will be from February 19 to 25
- The program will start on March 3
- 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
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.