LEVEL Youth Policy Program 2027: Fully Funded Public Policy and Leadership Training for Indigenous and Racialized Youth in British Columbia

The LEVEL Youth Policy Program (YPP) 2027 is an eight-month leadership and public policy development program designed for Indigenous and racialized immigrant and refugee youth living in British Columbia, Canada. The program provides participants with practical training, mentorship, policy development skills and opportunities to understand how public policy is created and influenced.

Organized through LEVEL, a youth engagement initiative of the Vancouver Foundation, the program is designed to help young people build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to participate in public policy discussions and advocate for issues affecting their communities.

Applications for the 2027 cohort are currently open, giving eligible young people an opportunity to join a cohort of emerging leaders from across British Columbia.

LEVEL Youth Policy Program 2027 Overview

The LEVEL Youth Policy Program brings together young people who are interested in leadership, advocacy and public policy. Participants explore how government works, how policy decisions are made, who influences those decisions and how communities can advocate for meaningful policy and systems change.

The program also places importance on Indigenous governance, cultural awareness, trauma-informed learning and respectful engagement with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.

Rather than focusing only on classroom-based learning, the program combines training, practical activities, mentorship, community engagement and the development of an individual policy project.

By the end of the program, participants will have developed a policy ask addressing an issue that affects their community. LEVEL will support participants in turning their policy ask into a professionally designed and printed policy ask booklet.

There is no final examination.

What Participants Will Learn

Through the LEVEL Youth Policy Program, participants will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of public policy and advocacy.

Key areas of learning include:

• Understanding the meaning and importance of public policy
• Exploring how public policy is developed and implemented
• Understanding the different levels of government in Canada
• Learning about Indigenous governance structures
• Identifying public policy issues affecting communities in British Columbia
• Understanding the stakeholders involved in policy development
• Learning how to engage with decision-makers and other stakeholders
• Developing strategies for influencing public policy
• Building capacity for policy advocacy and systems change
• Exploring storytelling and new narratives as tools for shaping policy
• Developing a policy ask around an issue affecting the participant’s community

The program also encourages participants to reflect on what it means to conduct policy and advocacy work on unceded Indigenous territories.

A Practical and Community-Based Learning Experience

The LEVEL Youth Policy Program is designed to be interactive rather than purely theoretical.

Participants will join a cohort of other young leaders from across British Columbia and take part in individual and group-based learning activities.

Activities may include:

1. Short readings and learning materials
2. Educational videos
3. Hands-on policy activities
4. Meetings with mentors and coaches
5. Interviews with members of local communities
6. Examination of existing advocacy campaigns
7. Group discussions and collaborative activities
8. Personal learning reflections
9. Development of a policy project

Participants are expected to complete assigned readings, activities and projects on time and actively participate throughout the program.

Trauma-Informed and Culturally Conscious Learning Environment

An important feature of the LEVEL Youth Policy Program is its emphasis on creating a culturally conscious and trauma-informed learning environment.

Participants will have opportunities to learn from and engage with Elders, mentors, counsellors, faculty members and other leaders with experience in public policy and community advocacy.

The program is designed to create a learning environment where participants can engage in meaningful conversations while respecting the different identities, experiences and journeys of members of the cohort.

LEVEL states that it also provides support for participants to access Elders and trauma-informed therapists during the program.

Final Policy Project

One of the most important components of the LEVEL Youth Policy Program is the final policy project.

Participants will identify a public policy issue that affects their community and develop a policy ask intended to advance change on that issue.

Participants receive support from mentors, subject-matter experts and a writing coach while developing their policy asks.

The final policy ask will be turned into a professionally designed and printed policy ask booklet.

Previous cohorts have developed policy projects covering a wide range of issues, including housing, immigration, Indigenous communities, migrant workers, social services, education, family support and racial equity.

The Policy Project Library published by LEVEL provides examples of projects produced by previous cohorts.

$1,500 Policy Project Stipend

The LEVEL Youth Policy Program does not provide a general participation honorarium. However, participants receive a $1,500 stipend to support the development of their individual policy ask.

This funding is intended to assist participants as they research, develop and complete their policy projects.

LEVEL also provides design, editing, printing and other support for producing the final project.

Fully Funded Participation

There is no cost to participate in the LEVEL Youth Policy Program.

The program provides participants with training materials, including a workbook containing learning objectives, readings, assignments, videos and other resources.

LEVEL also provides support for travel associated with required in-person program activities.

Participants who live outside Metro Vancouver can receive support for:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Meals during in-person modules and gatherings

For participants living within Metro Vancouver, LEVEL provides transit tickets to assist with transportation costs.

During in-person gatherings, LEVEL also provides refreshments and meals and makes efforts to accommodate dietary requirements.

Support for Participants With Work or Study Commitments

Applicants who are studying or working can still apply.

Successful applicants can request a confirmation letter from LEVEL explaining the purpose of the program and the leadership opportunity it provides. This letter can be used when requesting time away from school or work.

However, participants remain responsible for making arrangements to catch up on missed assignments, examinations or work responsibilities.

Childcare and Caregiving Support

LEVEL recognizes that participants may have childcare or caregiving responsibilities.

During in-person gatherings, the organization states that it makes efforts to accommodate childcare and caregiving needs for participants who have young children, Elders or other adult dependents in their care.

Technology and Internet Support

Applicants who experience barriers related to computer or internet access can discuss their circumstances with LEVEL.

The organization states that it will explore ways to support participants with program requirements and ensure they have ongoing access to training and learning materials.

English Language Requirement

The program is delivered in English.

Applicants must therefore be fluent in spoken English and have at least basic proficiency in reading and writing English.

LEVEL states that it currently does not have the capacity to provide multilingual interpretation or translation for each module or to translate policy asks.

Participants who speak additional languages are encouraged to incorporate those languages into their policy work where appropriate.

2027 Program Schedule

The LEVEL Youth Policy Program will run from February to September 2027.

The program consists of online and in-person modules, with participants expected to participate in the designated format.

Module 1: Introduction to Public Policy and Each Other

Location: Online

Dates: February 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2027

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time on each date

This opening module introduces participants to the program, their cohort and the foundations of public policy.

Module 2: Public Policy in British Columbia

Location: Online

Dates: March 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2027

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time

This module focuses on the public policy environment in British Columbia and helps participants understand how policy operates within the province.

Module 3: Stakeholder Analysis and Budget Cycles

Location: Online

Dates: April 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2027

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time

Participants will learn about stakeholder analysis and budget cycles, two important components of understanding how policy decisions are developed and implemented.

Module 4: Canadian Government and Indigenous Governance

Location: In person in Victoria, British Columbia

Dates: May 5, 6 and 7, 2027

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time

This module examines Canadian government structures alongside Indigenous governance.

Module 5: Storytelling and New Narratives in Shaping Policy

Location: Online

Dates: June 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2027

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time

Participants will explore storytelling and the development of new narratives as tools for communicating policy issues and influencing public discussions.

Policy Ask Writing

During the policy-development period, participants will work with mentors, subject-matter experts and a writing coach to develop their individual policy asks.

These meetings will be arranged at times that work for the participant and their mentor or coach, subject to the program’s minimum participation requirements.

Preparing for Module 6

Location: Online

Dates: September 16 and 17, 2027

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time

This stage helps participants prepare for the final module and presentation activities.

Module 6: Reflecting and Moving Forward

Location: In person in Vancouver, British Columbia

Dates: September 22, 23 and 24, 2027

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time

September 23 will be Presentation Day, providing participants with an opportunity to present their policy projects to their cohort and community.

In-Person Attendance Requirements

Although much of the program takes place online, participants are required to attend designated in-person modules.

The 2027 schedule includes in-person sessions in:

• Victoria, British Columbia, in May
• Vancouver, British Columbia, in September

The program does not offer hybrid participation for modules. Participants are expected to attend modules in their intended format.

LEVEL has stated that supporting geographical representation is a priority and provides travel-related support for eligible participants who live outside Metro Vancouver.

Important 2026 Application Dates

Applications for the 2027 LEVEL Youth Policy Program opened on September 14, 2026.

Important dates include:

• September 14, 2026: Applications open
• October 7, 2026: Information session
• October 14, 21 and 28, 2026: Drop-in application office hours
• October 30, 2026: Applications close
• December 2026 or January 2027: Final decisions communicated by email

Applicants are encouraged to use the information session and drop-in office hours to learn more about the program and receive assistance with their applications.

Information Session and Application Support

LEVEL is offering an information session on October 7, 2026, for prospective applicants who want to learn more about the Youth Policy Program and determine whether it is suitable for them.

Drop-in office hours will also be available on October 14, 21 and 28, 2026.

These sessions can be particularly useful for applicants who have questions about the application process or want guidance while preparing their application.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the LEVEL Youth Policy Program 2027 is:

October 30, 2026

Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

How to Prepare Your Application

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the program’s eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions before applying.

LEVEL also provides self-reflection questions to help applicants think about their experiences, interests, communities and reasons for wanting to participate.

When preparing an application, applicants should be ready to demonstrate their interest in areas such as:

• Leadership
• Public policy
• Advocacy
• Community issues
• Systems change
• Policy development
• Community engagement

Applicants should also consider the amount of time required to participate in the full program, including online training, assignments, mentorship activities, policy development and in-person modules.

Application Link

Start the application:
vancouverfoundation

Application Website

LEVEL Youth Policy Program: levelvf.ca/youth-policy-program

Additional Information

Applicants can review the official eligibility information, frequently asked questions and self-reflection questions before submitting an application

For questions about the program, applicants can contact:

Email: ypp@vancouverfoundation.ca

For more leadership programs visit the OFY Website HERE

Conclusion

The LEVEL Youth Policy Program 2027 provides an opportunity for eligible young people in British Columbia to develop practical knowledge of public policy, leadership and advocacy while working on an issue that directly affects their communities.

The program combines structured training with mentorship, community engagement, practical assignments and an individual policy project. Participants can also receive a $1,500 stipend for their policy ask, training materials, travel support for required in-person activities and assistance with producing a professionally designed final policy project.

With applications closing on October 30, 2026, eligible applicants interested in public policy, leadership, advocacy and community-based change should review the official requirements carefully and prepare their applications before the deadline.