all Language grants
Investing in our next generation of language leaders with a program that combines Mentor-Apprentice learning in one of the 36 B.C. First Nations languages and a paid internship at a First Nations organization of your choice.
Are you a B.C. First Nations post-secondary student aged 18-35 who is interested in learning your language while working towards a rewarding career as a language immersion teacher, early childhood immersion educator or community language revitalization leader? Consider applying for FPCC’s Youth Empowered Speakers (YES) program!
The YES program provides training and paid work internships to pursue your career in addition to Mentor-Apprentice language immersion learning. The program also includes a paid internship at a B.C. First Nations organization. The program has three streams to choose from:
- Stream 1: Early Childhood Immersion Educator for ECE students.
- Stream 2: Language Immersion Teacher for BEd. students.
- Stream 3: Community Language Revitalizationist for post-secondary students to develop their language proficiency while gaining skills for a variety of community-based career options in language revitalization.
Eligibility
The Youth must:
- Be age 18-35
- Be from a B.C. First Nation and living in B.C.
- Be learning one of the 36 B.C. First Nations languages
- Demonstrate a commitment to share the language with others
- Apply with 1-3 fluent speaker(s) as Mentor(s)
- Identify two organizations willing to supervise the Youth’s work-term
- Provide proof of post-secondary acceptance by June 26, 2026
How to Apply
Applications are received through the FPCC Grant Portal. Before applying, watch the information video and review the two sets of guidelines below. The guidelines are optimized for accessibility purposes.
Applications may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. PT January 13, 2026.
For those over the age of 35, or under 18, there are additional Mentor-Apprentice immersion learning opportunities on the Mentor-Apprentice Program page.
Info Session
View the recording below to help answer any questions you may have about the program, eligibility and how to apply. For additional support please register for our online information session that we will be hosting on November 26, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT. The session provides the opportunity to ask questions and review how to fill out the application with FPCC staff. Please register in advance using the button below.
Please help raise awareness about this opportunity by sharing our poster.
Funding for the Youth Empowered Speakers Program is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage as a result of the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Languages Act, and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation through the Province of British Columbia.
Additional Resources
Tools and resources
We are here to support you!
Program staff are available to support you with your application. Contact the program staff listed at the bottom of this page if you would like assistance with your grant application.
Please reach out to the YES program staff no later than two weeks before the application deadline (January 13, 2026) if you have any questions about the application process. This includes eligibility, would like to discuss project planning and/or if you need support in completing your application.
Applications are completed on FPCC’s Grant Portal which functions best when used on a laptop or desktop computer. For applicants that require assistance with technology, we recommend having a friend, family member or someone they trust to assist them with completing and submitting the application.
Funding Process
We are here to ensure that the funding application process is as easy as possible and offer a convenient online portal so applicants can more easily apply for programs and submit reports. For additional information, please visit the Funding Process page.
Click the image to enlarge
Page image: Monika Alexis, Nsyilxcən Language Instructor, speaking with her daughter in the language nest.
Program Contact
Beckie Wesley
Beckie is a Language Program Associate working with the Youth Empowered Speakers Program. Beckie is a member of Snuneymuxw First Nation. She has a background in Management and Operations as well as a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.