This program is made up of 10 weekly workshops with a range of topics. Each workshop is 3 hours long and includes a short mid-way break.

New this season, we’re offering two participation options to suit your schedule and goals:

1. Drop-In Stream: Choose the workshops you’re most interested in and register for as many as your availability allows. Perfect for those with flexible or changing schedules. 
2. Cohort Stream: Commit to all 10 workshops and move through the series as part of a group of like-minded youth, fostering community, connection and shared growth.

Due to the drop in nature of this program, the number of participants may vary from day to day. There are 10-12 spots available per workshop and all participants are youth who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, and/or living with a disability.

In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and apply skills in teamwork, collaboration, and communication. You will also have the opportunity to refine or create your resume and cover letter and receive support in job searching and applying for jobs.Throughout the season you will also have the choice to deepen your knowledge of self & community care, routines, plant medicines, and more!

Cultivate applies a decolonial and anti-oppressive lens to employment training. This means we look critically at ideas like “professionalism” that reinforce white colonial norms. We also discuss equity and discrimination in the workplace, and support you to advocate for yourself and find employers aligned with your personal values. 

We value the wisdom and lived experience of each participant and encourage learning from each other through the program.

Cultivate is led by EYA staff, all of whom identify as Indigenous, Black, and/or People of Colour. All coordinators have experience and training in land-based education, youth work, and creating safe and inclusive spaces. Each coordinator is also on a unique environmental career pathway from which they will share experience and provide mentorship. You can get to know them and read their bios here.

The application process starts with an online application form. Following this, shortlisted youth will receive an invitation to a 15-minute confirmation phone call with an EYA staff. We know it takes time to apply for a program like this and will respond to all applicants, whether or not you are accepted to the program.

Each day starts at 4:30pm with a Welcome Circle & introduction to EYA. We then move into the daily workshop–usually starting with a game or other group activity! We take a 15 minute break about halfway through, where a light meal will be provided, and end the workshop in a closing circle.

We use the following communicable disease protocols to keep our staff and participants safe:

• Face masks are optional. EYA provides disposable masks for staff or participants who choose to wear them. 
• If a participant is sick, they should notify an EYA program staff right away.  EYA staff may direct the participant to wear a mask / maintain distance from other participants, or ask them to go home.
• Hands must be washed or sanitized:
  • When entering and leaving the garden
  • After coughing or sneezing
  • Before and after eating

We strive to make our programs as accessible as possible for our participants by being transparent on the inherent barriers that exist, and providing adequate support where possible. We recognize that disabilities are experienced on a spectrum and accessibility needs vary. Here are a few aspects of our programs which may create barriers or require further support to participate safely and comfortably:

• Some program days are outdoors: Rain or shine, in public greenspaces. We have large tents, and warm layers to lend, but participants are exposed to the elements throughout the program day.
• Program areas: uneven ground that has rocks & roots and can be slippery at times.  Some steps and ledges in indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Group composition: Generally 1 staff + 10 participants.  The group dynamic can be stimulating, chaotic, and noisy at times.  Participants can step away as needed if overstimulated.
• Communication: Largely verbal.  Facilitators will utilize visual supports such as white boards and diagrams to support when possible. 
• Accessibility of washroom facilities: At our Strathcona site, the composting toilet is not wheelchair accessible.  
• Activities: Many EYA activities are physical, such as games, digging, planting, walking.  Many activities can have alternative options and be adapted as needed.
• Digital learning: Some programming utilizes digital tools such as video conferencing, slideshows, and online collaboration. Closed captioning is available for video meetings.  Program registration generally takes place online, but paper applications are available.

Accessibility needs are extremely specific to the individual, and therefore this list is not comprehensive. When a youth applies for a program, we provide the opportunity to share about any health concerns, challenges or physical limitations that may require accommodations to support their participation in the program both in our application form and in our confirmation calls.  We can then work together to explore ways that we can adapt our programs and provide support to increase the accessibility.  Please reach out to us directly with any questions or concerns.