The Peer Program is a 4-year program that aims to advance the personal and professional capacity of Indigenous youth (18-29). The program is specifically designed for youth across Canada who have limited access to education and employment experience. The program will work with each youth participant to collaboratively identify their needs, goals, and priorities and will connect them with experts, facilitate access to supportive education opportunities and offer transition into the workplace as a professional.
How does the Peer Program work?
Phase I: Peer
- Youth will receive access to relevant training, workshops, and mentors related to personal and professional development.
- Youth will be invited to participate in including culturally appropriate healing camps.
- Each youth’s unique needs and professional goals will be nurtured by CRE’s experts.
- CRE will also connect each youth to key organizations in their field(s) of interest where they can volunteer or work as interns to gain professional experience.
Phase II: Graduate as Mentors
- Peer graduates will become mentors to and support the journey of the newly recruited peers.
- As mentors, youth will continue to work on their personal and professional development goals.
Phase III: Fast-tracked into Professional Degree
- As youth progress through the program, CRE will provide support and guidance to:
- Identify professional degree/ certificate programs according to their areas of interest;
- Submit applications for professional degrees/ certificates;
- Apply for advanced standing in these programs; and
- Adjust to various educational and professional environments and systems.
Phase IV: Integration into employment
- As youth graduate or complete their learning and certification, CRE will support their integration into the job market.
- CRE will provide support in creating resumes and cover letters, practicing networking, honing interview skills, and adjusting to professional workspaces, as needed.
- CRE will also provide you with letters of recommendation, endorsements, and access to various networks of personal and professional connections.
Benefits, Eligibility, and Responsibilities
Benefits:
- Stipend ($400/month)
- Culturally appropriate coaching & mental health support
- Certificate of participation & recommendation upon completing the program
- Assistance with post-secondary education
- Workshops/Trainings on:
- Facilitation and organizing youth circles in your community
- Culturally appropriate Healing Camps
- Life skills and personal/professional development
Eligibility: Indigenous Youth (ages 18-29) with limited educational and professional experience.
Responsibilities:
- Participate in weekly check-in with Peer Coordinator/ Peer Supervisor to create and follow through on a work plan
- Assist in the recruitment of other peers for subsequent cohorts.
- With support from CRE, organize and co-facilitate youth circles to discuss everyday challenges and gaps in the community
- Other duties assigned by Peer Advisory Supervisor
Application Form: Peer Program
Currently not accepting applicants. Applications will open on October 31, 2022
Meet the Peers
If you know others who may be interested or may benefit from this program please forward this information to them and/or invite them to reach out using the contact info listed below.
For more information, contact:
Ryan Besito
Peer Culture Supervisor, Indigenous Knowledge & Curriculum Department
Email: ryan@canandianroots.ca
