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Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y)

Support for digital skills internships

Offered by
Innovation Canada
Official source: ised-isde.canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 30,000
Up to 15% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.
See full eligibility

Overview

The program offers up to $24,000 in support for paid internships and training. It helps employers host digital skills placements for underemployed post-secondary graduates.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$30,000
Maximum share of project costs
15%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
500 employees maximum
Audience
  • Youth (<40)
Legal structures
Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Culture and Arts, Higher Education, Environment, Employment and Training
Target groups
Young adults, Business owners / entrepreneurs, Academia / students
Scope
National

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

DS4Y funding update

Digital Skills for Youth now states an annual investment of $11.9 million over two years from 2026–27, replacing the previously tracked annual funding figure.

See more

Digital Skills for Youth now states an annual investment of $11.9 million over two years from 2026–27. This is a material change from the previously tracked annual funding figure.

Official source: ised-isde.canada.ca
October 6, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.
  • Non-profit organizations.
  • Other eligible organizations, including municipalities, Indigenous organizations, public health and education institutions, and provincial or territorial governments.

Who is not eligible

  • Organizations with more than 500 employees.
  • Prospective youth interns or artists applying directly.

Eligible expenses

  • Intern and artist salaries and benefits.
  • Training costs related to youth upskilling.
  • Direct costs needed to carry out the placement, such as safety equipment or disability accommodations.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Salaries or honoraria for non-intern staff, except training and mentoring time.
  • Host organization equipment, office supplies, and telecommunications fees.
  • Administrative costs.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Activities funded

  • Engaging Canadian youth in the development and enhancement of digital skills, including upskilling in cooperation with participants and employers
  • Activities designed to provide work experiences
  • Activities designed to provide wrap-around services to support youth employment needs, such as mentoring and coaching
  • Activities related to promoting the program and partner outreach
  • Activities that allow youth to acquire new and enhance existing digital skills and apply them, so that they can successfully transition into the labour market

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review program guidance
    • Read the program overview, eligibility details, and application guide from the delivery organization.
  • Step 2: Prepare the application
    • Prepare the host organization application and required program forms.
    • For approved placements, complete the Government of Canada participant information form before the internship begins.
  • Step 3: Submit the application
    • Submit the application using the method stated by the delivery organization, such as the online process or by email.
  • Step 4: Await results
    • Receive the decision by email after review.

Selection criteria

  • Value of the work experience offered (35%).
  • Strength of the recruitment process, including inclusion of underrepresented groups (25%).
  • Strength of the training plan (20%).
  • Regional and sectoral impact (20%).

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by a panel of arts professionals selected by IMAA.
  • Applications are assessed against published selection criteria.
  • Applicants receive results by email 4 to 6 weeks after the deadline.
  • Approved applicants must complete the Government of Canada participant information form before the placement begins.

Additional information

  • Delivery organizations now offer internship opportunities.
  • Organisations can book individual information sessions for questions.

Contacts

digitalskillsforyouth-competencesnumeriquespourlesjeunes@ised-isde.gc.ca

Official sources

Delivery organizations and their internship opportunities

Program guide

Digital Skills for Youth: Applicant guideDigital Skills for Youth: How to applyDigital Skills for Youth: Who is eligible

Application form

ISED-ISDE3776E - Digital Skills for Youth APPLICATION FOR FUNDING
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) Program

What is the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y)?

The program offers up to $24,000 in support for paid internships and training. It helps employers host digital skills placements for underemployed post-secondary graduates.

How much funding can be received?

Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) program?

To be eligible for the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) program, you must: Your organization must be seeking interns to apply digital skills.

What expenses are eligible under Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y)?

Intern and artist salaries and benefits. Training costs related to youth upskilling. Direct costs needed to carry out the placement, such as safety equipment or disability accommodations.

Who can I contact for more information about the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y)?

You can contact Innovation Canada by email at digitalskillsforyouth-competencesnumeriquespourlesjeunes@ised-isde.gc.ca.

Where is the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) available?

The Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) program is available across Canada.

Is the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) is a Wage Subsidies And Interns