all Language grants
Investing in our next generation of language leaders with a program that combines Mentor-Apprentice learning in one of the 36 funded languages and a paid internship at a First Nations organization of your choice.
Are you a B.C. First Nations 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 Program (MAP) language learning. The goal of the program is for youth to learn their language while preparing for a career in language revitalization in one of three streams:
- Early Childhood Immersion Educator Stream for ECE students alongside MAP hours and a paid internship
- Language Immersion Teacher Stream for BEd students alongside MAP hours and a paid internship
- Community Language Revitalizationist Stream for students in a degree/program (relevant to their career in language revitalization) alongside MAP hours and a paid internship
For those over the age of 35, there are additional Mentor-Apprentice immersion learning opportunities on the Mentor-Apprentice Program page.
The YES program is for B.C. First Nations youth ages 18-35 years old living on or off-reserve. Participants must be studying Early Childhood Education, pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree or pursuing a degree/program that is linked to a career in language revitalization. Youth must be able to provide proof of acceptance to a post-secondary institution.
Recorded Info Session
View the pre-recorded info session below to help answer any questions you may have about the program, eligibility and how to apply.
Live Q & A Session
We will be hosting an online Q & A session on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 12 – 1 pm PST.
Register for the Q&A session here!
How to Apply
Applications are received via FPCC’s Grant Portal. Note: FPCC is currently transitioning to a new improved grant portal. All new applications for YES must be made on this new system. For information and support resources on the new Grant Portal 2.0 click here.
Prior to submitting an application, please read the program descriptions and guidelines below. Click “Apply Now” for further information on our new Grant Portal 2.0 and how to apply.
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.
Tools and resources
We are here to support you!
Program staff are available to support you with your application! Please contact the program staff listed at the bottom of this program page by January 13, 2024 for a one-on-one review of your draft application. Requests for support after this date will be met as staff time allows. You may also contact an Outreach Coach for information on project planning, resources and information sessions.
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.
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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.