Canada’s public education system is not keeping pace with rapid economic, social, and technological transformation. We need the inventive, fresh, and bold voices of young people to disrupt outdated systems and rethink the role of education in our society!
Young people are wired for innovation
According to research out of the University of Waterloo’s Youth and Innovation Project, young people’s brains are natural challengers of the status quo, being more risk-tolerant than adult brains.
For too long, young people have been excluded from the conversation! At the current pace of change in our society, it is not enough to continue tinkering around the edges doing what has always been done. We need young minds to break through the barriers that prevent real change.
Why young people need a voice at the table
Public education lays the foundation for realizing all our social, economic, and cultural rights. It’s the place where we should be preparing all young people – and not just some – to thrive in a complex global world. It can be one of our most important catalysts for societal change, but it is not currently living up to its potential. Public education in Canada is good, but it’s not great.
We need more than tokenism! Instead, we need true intersectoral and intergenerational conversations with young people at the forefront of innovation.
Linxi Mytkolli,
Diabetes Action Canada | CIHR SPOR Network
Intergenerational Retreat 2022
Crossing sectors and generations for real transformation
If you are 15 to 29 years old and passionate about education, we need you! You will join a diverse group of change making creative thinkers to influence decision-making, strategy, and communications at People for Education all towards facilitating the conversation on the future of public education in Canada.
More information about the Youth Network
When we uplift youth and students during their public education, we will see the lasting impact… that they believe youth should be uplifted, they believe that youth should have a seat at the table and that their voice is just as valid and as important as an adult’s voice.
Paige Wallace, Youth Network 2023
Public education needs to address the issues that are within the system and reconstruct itself in a way that enforces and empowers all voices.
Vanessa Memeh, Youth Network 2023
Applications are now open!
Lead the charge for the future of public education.
A better future starts with better public education! Join the youth network to help catalyze real systemic transformation. We need your innovative ideas and creative thinking to shape a future for public education that equips all young people with the skills, the agency, and the capacities they need to build a successful future – for themselves and for Canada.
We are looking for network members with a range of diverse life experiences. There is no such thing as being underqualified! As long as you’re interested in public education, we want to hear from you!
Select the plus (+) icon to the right of the field below to open the application form.
Pan-Canadian Youth Network 2023 Application
People for Education is on the lookout for a diverse group of young people aged 15-29 from across Canada who
are passionate about reimagining public education. Once your application is in, PFE will contact you with next
steps to join our network. The deadline to apply is April 13, 2023.
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Not ready to apply? Still have questions?
Like you, we recognize that we are always learning how we can more intentionally integrate young people into our work. If you’re not ready to apply, there are many other ways to get involved. We welcome you to share any stories, ideas, and/or ways you want to collaborate with us. Please reach out with any other questions or suggestions!
Please contact [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!
Thank you to our sponsor!
