Last updated: February 10, 2025
About YPP
The LEVEL Youth Policy Program (YPP) brings together Indigenous and racialized immigrant and refugee youth from across BC to provide training to shape and advocate for public policy that addresses issues impacting their lives.
KEY DATES
Applications for the next YPP cohort will open September 15th, 2025! The module dates will be released in the spring, so please subscribe to the YPP newsletter to receive program updates.
- September 15, 2025: Applications open.
- October 30, 2025: Applications close.
- December 2025/January 2026: Final decisions communicated via email.
- February 2026 to September 2026: Program modules in session.
- September 24, 2026: Final in-person policy presentations.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
The LEVEL Youth Policy Program will offer you the opportunity to:
- Understand key concepts about public policy
- Understand the different levels of government and learn about Indigenous governance structures
- Identify key public policy issues impacting your communities in British Columbia
- Identify and gain support to work towards influencing public policy and system change
- Understand the different stakeholders involved in public policy
- Engage in a trauma-informed and culturally conscious learning environment enriched by the presence and guidance of elders, mentors and counsellors.
- Draft a policy ask to advance a policy issue that impacts your community as part of your final project
By the end of the program, you will also have a professionally designed and printed policy project portfolio, as well as a strengthened capacity to influence policy change at multiple levels.
SCHEDULE
YPP is a six-month program from February to September except July and August. During those two summer months, you will be working on a final policy project that you will have the opportunity to present to your cohort and community. Final module dates are still being confirmed so please subscribe to the YPP newsletter to receive program updates!
In-person modules will take place between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, three days a month. Online modules will take place between 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, four days a month. Optional virtual socials to connect with your peers in the evenings. If you have any questions, email us at ypp@vancouverfoundation.ca.