YMCA and YWCA Grants for Youth Internships 

New in Canada's Economic Action Plan

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government has announced plans to provide a one-time grant of $15 million to the YMCA and YWCA to place unemployed youth aged 15 to 30 years in internships with not-for-profit and community services organizations with a focus on environmental projects.

About the Program

The internships will help young Canadians develop their skills and gain the work experience needed to secure future employment. In total, up to 1,000 internships are expected over the duration of the initiative.

How It Works

The Youth Eco Internship Program places people aged 15 to 30 from diverse backgrounds into paid internship opportunities within the non-profit and community services sector in Canada with a focus on the environment, community and women's services. These positions, offered in a wide range of organizations, will help young Canadians learn the skills required to gain and sustain future employment within the sector.

Who Is Eligible

Youth participants must be unemployed, between 15 and 30 years of age, and legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

How to Find Out More

The YMCA and YWCA have developed a joint Web site, www.yeip.ca, where interested young Canadians and employers can find more information on the program and how to apply. Potential interns and employers can also contact the organizations toll free at 1-877-668-7602 (YMCA) or 1-877-994-6876 (YWCA).

Initiative Update

The first internships began on September 11, 2009. As of the end of January 2010, more than 290 youth are participating in internships, of which 94% have an environmental focus.

More Info:
http://www.yeip.ca

For more information on the Economic Action Plan initiatives, follow the links below:

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