Pledge to make a difference, together.
NYA serves to enhance student participation and success in education, career development and community leadership, enabling youth to become full participants in the ongoing development of Canada’s north. As a result of 14 years of operations we have more than 250 alumni and have seen success in increasing high school graduation rates and helping to build a skilled and well-educated northern workforce.
NYA's model of education through work and travel operates as separate, but related, 10 month long programs. In the Canadian Program participants spend 5 weeks living with a host family and volunteering at a work placement in southern Canada. In the second phase, the International Program, participants train at Algonguin College in the construction trades before travelling to Guatemala for 3 weeks to work on a charitable building project. Along with the opportunity to travel and gain new skills through volunteer work placements, youth are able to earn up to 18 high school credits.