What is one policy change you would make for your community?
LEVEL Youth Policy Program can teach you how to start making that change a reality. Applications are now open until October 31, 2026, for our 2027 cohort. This program is open to all youth aged 19 to 29 years old, who are Indigenous, racialized immigrants, or racialized refugees. Participants must live in B.C.
Many alumni go on to pursue further studies or careers in public policy and public administration. Others bring their knowledge and learning into their daily lives, enriched with crucial information about how they can advocate for the issues that matter to them at a grassroots level.
| View the 2027 program outline and schedule |
Policy skills for emerging changemakers
Public policy is about the decisions that shape how people live, and who get to sit at the tables where decisions are made. It’s too important to leave to someone else. Our program is created for racialized youth who want to learn how to create systemic change.
“We’re all decision makers. We’re all involved in policy in some shape or form. Just because we don’t have a master’s degree in public policy or we don’t have a job title with policy in the name, doesn’t mean we’re not involved.” — Adriana Laurent, 2020 participant
At LEVEL Youth Policy Program, learn from leading community organizers, policy groups, and researchers. You’ll be paired with a mentor to complete your final project. Our faculty have backgrounds in government, law, advocacy, and more.
What to expect at LEVEL YPP
The 2027 cohort runs from February to September 2027. You’ll learn about who’s involved in public policy, Indigenous governance, influencing change through storytelling, and more. You’ll walk away with a complete policy proposal on an issue that’s close to your heart and gear up to present this policy ask to elected officials and community leaders.
Our program is run on anti-racist, anti-oppression, decolonial, and feminist principles. We strive to create a trauma-informed and culturally conscious program. Participants may request access to counselling and other supports during the program, and Indigenous Elders join each cohort to offer culturally appropriate support and broader emotional support to participants.
Your lived experience matters in policy
You do not need formal experience or education in public policy to be considered a strong candidate for this program. You likely already understand what your community needs and where systems are falling short. Past participants came from a wide variety of backgrounds, live in both urban and rural areas in B.C., and have access to different opportunities in their lives.
“My biggest learning [from YPP] is being able to show up as my whole self within public policy. I feel an immense amount of gratitude and humility to be able to grow and explore policy, while also being able to integrate my Indigenous ways of being into my work.” — Qwuy’um’aat (Eyvette) Elliott, 2022 participant
If you don’t have formal experience or education in public policy, these are some signs that you may still thrive at a program like YPP:
- You’ve navigated a challenge that you wouldn’t want anyone else to go through
- You feel energized and inspired when you’re around changemakers
- Your TikTok algorithm focuses on social justice and social change
- You can’t help but imagine ways to improve your school, workplace, or community
- You often speak up or find ways to act when you notice something is unfair
- You question why some people face more barriers than others, and why there are rules or decisions in place continuing to keep those barriers in place
In addition, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements.
Participants should be prepared to attend the full program and contribute actively to their cohort. This means you’ll need to consider your schedule carefully and commit to attending both the virtual modules and two in-person modules in Vancouver and Victoria.
Apply by October 30, 2026
Does this sound like you, or someone you know? Make sure you apply by the deadline, October 30,2026 at 11:59 pm PST
| Review the self-reflection questions |
| Start your application |
Register for the information session
Join us for a virtual information session on October 7, 2026. Here, you can learn more about the program, ask questions specific to you, and understand what we’re looking for (and not looking for) in your application.
RSVP for virtual info session.
Register for drop-in office hours
After the information session, we’ll also offer three drop-in “office hours” for you to discuss your application and ask questions in a more informal environment. These will be on:
- October 14, 12-1 pm
- October 21, 12-1 pm
- October 28, 12-1 pm
Get reminders and resources
Subscribe to our newsletter to get reminders and resources about the LEVEL Youth Policy Program.
Contact us
If you still have questions, please reach out anytime at ypp@vancouverfoundation.ca.
About LEVEL
LEVEL is a youth initiative by Vancouver Foundation, a community foundation that supports non-profits and organizations across B.C.
