Our Programs
EYA offers free land-based education and paid employment training programs for youth from equity-denied communities focused on native plant horticulture, ecological restoration, plant medicine, and community leadership.
How Our Programs Work
Our programs will support you to develop the skills and confidence to take action to care for the environment. They are led by youth educators who identify as Indigenous, Black, or People of Colour and integrate Indigenous teachings through visits from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. We run programs in two locations in East Vancouver - Strathcona Community Gardens and along Still Creek in Renfrew Ravine. Our programs are safe and inclusive spaces where you can connect with nature, explore your interests, and grow new skills to steward the land and pursue jobs related to environmental justice.
Find The Program For You
Cultivate
This free employment skills workshop series will support you to develop employability skills such as resume & cover letter writing, communication, and job searching as well as land-based job skills in invasive species removal, tool safety, and plant medicine.
Apply By Date
Applications Closed
Next Program
February 27 - May 1, 2025
Eligibility
Youth ages 17-25 who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or living with a disability.
Roots & Shoots
This paid 10-week job training program and 12-week work placement will support you to develop land-based job skills in horticulture, ecological restoration, and environmental education, as well as employability skills like project management and communication.
Apply By Date
Applications on Hold
Next Program
Summer 2025
Eligibility
Youth ages 18-25 who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or living with a disability.
Nature Stewards
These free multi-week programs will support you to develop skills to care for nature in your community, including growing native plants, restoring wildlife habitat, and working with plant medicines, while earning up to a $200 honorarium.
Apply By Date
Applications Closed
Next Program
February 16 - June 1, 2025
Eligibility
Youth ages 14-18 who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or living with a disability.
Peer Mentors
In this volunteer program, you’ll develop skills in youth work and land-based education through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience helping to deliver our Nature Stewards programs alongside EYA staff.
Apply By Date
Applications Open Soon
Next Program
June 7 - August 19, 2025
Eligibility
Youth ages 18-25 who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or living with a disability.
Youth Habitat Crew
Through this paid summer job, you’ll work with a small group of youth to help maintain EYA programming sites while developing land-based job skills like ecological restoration and medicine harvesting.
Apply By Date
Applications Open Soon
Next Program
June 16 - August 29, 2025
Eligibility
Youth ages 14-25 who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or living with a disability.
School Field Trips
Through our curriculum-aligned field trips, your students will engage in 90-120 minutes of land-based learning at EYA’s programming sites in Strathcona Community Gardens.
Apply By Date
Submit Request Anytime
Next Program
March - June 2025
Eligibility
Elementary and high school classes from VSB public schools, with priority given to alternative schools and schools located in East Vancouver.
Youth learn to use plants for food, medicine, and fibre.
