The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) jointly manage the Department of Indigenous Services Canada (DISC) First Nations & Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Co-operative Education Program for First Nations schools.
Objectives
The program has the following objectives:
- to promote the benefits of education as key to labour market participation
- to support the development and enhancement of essential employability skills among First Nations youth such as communication skills, problem solving and working with others
- to introduce youth to a variety of career options
- to support the provision of mentored school-based work and study opportunities such as co-operative education and internships
- to help First Nation youth overcome barriers to employment
Key activities include: training experiences that support youth in acquiring skills needed for work placements; career development information, including awareness and support activities like career fairs and leadership projects; and career planning and counselling activities.
The First Nations Schools Association and First Nations Education Steering Committee jointly deliver the Indigenous Services Canada First Nations & Inuit Youth Employment Strategy Co-operative Education Program for First Nations schools in British Columbia.
See full details in the program guidelines.
Eligibility
Eligible recipients are First Nations schools on reserve. Eligible Co-op participants are students in grades 7 to 12 who are enrolled in and attending a First Nations school and who are ordinarily resident on reserve.
Program Resources
- 2022-2023 COOP Guidelines
- 2022-2023 COOP Proposal Form – Due October 14, 2022
Final Reports are due March 24, 2023.
Contact
Please contact programs@fnesc.ca for program questions and support.