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Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y)
Support for digital skills internships
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 30,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 15, 2026
Location
Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : September 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Higher Education
- Environment
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Young adults
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Digital skills internships for youth.
- Artist residencies focused on digital skill development.
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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)?
Digital skills internships for youth.
Artist residencies focused on digital skill development.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y)?
Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y) is funded by Innovation Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)