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BioTalent — Science Horizons Youth Internship
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Subsidized environmental STEM intern
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Overview
Hire an intern for 6 to 12 months for an environmental science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) job and receive a subsidy of up to 80% of their salary (maximum $25,000).
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Research and experimental development
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 1, 2019
- Closing date : March 1, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Other Health Services
- Environment
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
- National
Activities funded
This grant supports projects that focus on providing youth with valuable work experience in environment-related STEM fields. Eligible activities are designed to benefit both employers and recent graduates by fostering skills development and encouraging participation in the bio-economy.
- Engaging young professionals in full-time internships within bio-economy or healthcare organizations.
- Providing training and skills development opportunities as part of the internship experience.
- Focusing work on innovative projects in green economy sectors.
- Offering salaries above the minimum wage to ensure fair compensation for interns.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Intern for clean energy research and development
$ 25,000
Internship program for developing an urban water management system
$ 25,000
Intern to assist in developing environmental education programs
$ 25,000
Hire an intern to assist in developing renewable energy models
$ 25,000
Internship for developing sustainable agriculture technologies
$ 25,000
Hire an intern for a wildlife protection project
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program requires that companies or organizations meet specific criteria related to their profile and intended internship activities.
- Eligible employers include individuals, for-profit organizations (such as small- or medium-sized enterprises, corporations, or industry associations).
- Provincial and territorial, municipal and local governments, including institutions, agencies and Crown Corporations, can apply.
- Post-secondary institutions and organizations, including non-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations, and band councils/tribal councils, qualify.
- The internship must not be funded by another federally-funded program like IRAP or Mitacs.
- The internship must be conducted in a bio-economy or healthcare organization.
Who is eligible?
Eligible employers under the Science Horizons program include individuals, for-profit organizations (small- or medium-sized enterprises, corporations, or industry associations), provincial and territorial, municipal and local governments including institutions, agencies and Crown Corporations, post-secondary institutions, and organizations such as non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous organizations including band councils/tribal councils and local organizations. The program is designed to assist employers in hiring young talent eager to work in environment-related STEM fields while helping graduates gain skills and experience.Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program grant:
- Companies funded by another federally-funded program like IRAP, Mitacs, etc.
Eligible expenses
The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program provides opportunities for young individuals to gain valuable work experience in the bio-economy or healthcare sectors. It covers a range of activities that align with environment-related STEM fields to equip participants with practical skills.
- Internships in bio-economy or healthcare organizations focusing on environmental STEM fields.
- Projects that ensure the development and training of interns in scientific and technical roles.
- Activities that provide a safe and inclusive work environment adhering to applicable laws.
- Experiences that offer potential career advancement and exceed minimum wage requirements.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program.
- New graduates aged 30 or under, legally entitled to work in Canada, not receiving Employment Insurance benefits, and meeting specific internship requirements are eligible.
- Employers must demonstrate the ability to provide a safe and inclusive work environment, offer skills development and training opportunities, and align with the program's goals.
- Priority is given to applicants from underrepresented talent groups and organizations that have not previously participated in the program.
How to apply
1
Verify Employer and Participant Eligibility
- Ensure the employer meets eligibility criteria under the Science Horizons program.
- Confirm that the internship and participants comply with the program's requirements.
2
Pre-approval Application
- Contact Jennifer Ash, Project Manager, before submitting the application.
- Prepare and send necessary information for pre-approval.
3
Gather Required Documentation
Collect supporting documentation for the participant and the internship.
4
Submit Claim Form
- Download the claim form from the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program Forms section.
- Complete the claim form, ensuring all necessary details and documentation are attached.
- Submit the completed form to the designated contact for reimbursement.
5
Approval Process
- Wait up to 10 business days for participant approval for program participation.
- Ensure the participant does not start the internship until approval is received.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The wage subsidy contribution is 80% of the participant's salary, up to $25,000.
- Employers may be eligible for up to an additional $5,000 for training, skills development, and wrap-around services.
- Participants must be approved for program participation prior to starting the internship, and this process can take up to 10 business days.
- Internships must offer a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment complying with all applicable laws.
- Applications are prioritized for employers who have not previously participated in the program and those hiring from underrepresented talent groups.
