Canada’s $23.8M Digital Skills for Youth Program 2026

The Government of Canada has officially launched a major funding opportunity under the Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) Program, investing $23.8 million to help young people develop critical skills for the fast-evolving digital economy.

Announced by Mélanie Joly, this initiative is part of a broader national effort to strengthen Canada’s workforce and prepare youth for careers in emerging technological fields.

This call for proposals represents a significant opportunity for organizations to secure funding while contributing to youth employment, innovation, and digital transformation across the country.

About the Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) Program

The Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program is a flagship initiative under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

The program focuses on equipping young Canadians with:

• Digital and technical skills
• Hands-on work experience
• Access to employment opportunities in high-demand sectors

Since its launch in 2018, DS4Y has already supported over 6,900 youth internships, making it a proven and impactful initiative.

Purpose of the 2026 Call for Proposals

Through this new funding round, the Government of Canada is seeking qualified organizations to deliver training and employment opportunities for youth.

The key objective is to:

• Build a future-ready workforce
• Help youth adapt to technological advancements
• Strengthen Canada’s digital economy

Selected organizations will play a crucial role in connecting young people with employers and equipping them with practical, job-ready skills.

Funding Details

• Total Funding: $23.8 million
• Funding Period: 2026–2027 to 2027–2028
• Program Type: Government-funded initiative (via call for proposals)

This funding will be distributed to organizations capable of implementing impactful training and employment programs for youth.

Focus Areas and Skills Development

The DS4Y program emphasizes training in high-growth and future-oriented sectors, including:

• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Big Data and data analytics
• Automation of knowledge-based tasks
• Digital innovation and technology-driven industries

These areas reflect the skills most in demand in today’s and tomorrow’s labor market.

Who Can Apply (Organizations)

The program is open to a wide range of entities, including:

• For-profit organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments
• Crown corporations
• Indigenous governments and organizations
• Agencies representing Indigenous communities

Applicants must demonstrate strong connections with employers to ensure meaningful work placements for youth.

Who Benefits (Youth Participants)

Although organizations apply for funding, the ultimate beneficiaries are young Canadians, particularly:

• Recent graduates
• Individuals seeking digital skills training
• Youth entering the labor market

Notably, post-secondary education is not required for participants in:

• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

This ensures inclusivity and reduces barriers to participation.

Program Benefits

The DS4Y program offers extensive advantages for both organizations and youth:

For Organizations

• Access to federal funding
• Opportunity to lead national-level initiatives
• Strengthened partnerships with employers and communities

For Youth

• Hands-on work experience
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies
• Improved employability and career readiness
• Opportunities in high-demand digital sectors

Government Vision and Strategic Importance

According to Minister Mélanie Joly, the program reflects Canada’s commitment to preparing its youth for a rapidly changing economy driven by technology.

The initiative aims to:

• Ensure long-term economic growth
• Promote innovation
• Build a resilient and adaptable workforce

Deadline

The deadline to submit a complete application is:

👉 May 22, 2026

Late applications will not be considered, so early preparation is strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

Interested organizations must submit their proposals through the official Digital Skills for Youth program platform managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the program guidelines and ensure all required documentation is included.

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