
ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Subsidized environmental STEM intern
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $25,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : March 1, 2023
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Hire an intern for 6 to 12 months for an environmental science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) job and receive a subsidy up to $25,000 to cover up to 80% of their salary. Plus a potential of $5,000 for additional participant supports.
Activities funded
This program is available to employers located in Canada. Eligible locations include businesses of all sizes that operate within Canadian jurisdiction.
- Canadian-owned businesses.
- Canadian subsidiaries.
- Municipal governments in Canada.
- Provincial or territorial government departments in Canada.
- Indigenous organizations within Canada.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Hire an intern to develop environmental education programs for schools
$ 23,000
Hire an intern to assist in a conservation project targeting endangered species
$ 25,000
Hire an intern to implement climate change mitigation strategies
$ 25,000
Hire an intern to conduct a marine biodiversity research project
$ 25,000
Hire an intern to develop green technology prototypes focused on solar energy
$ 25,000
Hire an intern to develop an urban greening initiative
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria that employers must meet to participate in the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program.
- The employer must be Canadian-owned, a Canadian subsidiary, a municipal government, a provincial or territorial government department, or an Indigenous organization.
- The employer must provide a new, full-time permanent position.
- The position must be environmentally-related to the STEM field.
- The funding will cover full-time placements that are 6 to 12 months long.
Who is eligible?
The Science Horizons Youth Internship program is open to youth candidates who are aged 15-30, are post-secondary graduates, and hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status. For employers, this program is accessible to Canadian-owned businesses, Canadian subsidiaries, municipal or government departments, and Indigenous organizations that can provide new, full-time permanent positions in the environmental sector related to STEM.
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant:
- Non-Canadian-owned businesses
- Non-Canadian subsidiaries
- Entities not falling under municipal government, provincial or territorial governments department, or Indigenous organizations
Eligible expenses
The Science Horizons Youth Internship grant focuses on engaging young professionals in projects that facilitate environmental advancements within the STEM fields. These activities are designed to foster growth and innovation while supporting the workforce transition of young graduates.
- Creation and execution of projects related to environmental science and technology.
- Development of innovative environmental engineering solutions.
- Scientific research projects with a focus on environmental challenges.
- Mathematical modeling and data analysis projects addressing environmental issues.
- Implementation of environment-focused technological advancements in businesses.
Eligible geographic areas
The Science Horizons Youth Internship covers specific expenses related to the intern's employment.
- 80% of the participant’s salary, up to $25,000, for a full-time position.
- Additional participant supports, potentially up to $5,000.
Selection criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Participants must be aged 15-30.
- Funding is focused on the STEM field.
- Participants must be post-secondary graduates.
- Eligible candidates must hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.
How to apply
1
Complete Eligibility Assessment
- Visit the Science Horizons Youth Internship website to start the application process.
- Fill out the eligibility assessment form online to determine if you qualify.
2
Fill Out Application
Proceed with filling out the detailed application form online once pre-qualification is confirmed.
3
Find Placement
- For youth, seek opportunities with potential employers related to environmental STEM jobs.
- For employers, utilize resources like the ECO Canada Job Board to find suitable candidates.
4
Confirm Match and Secure Funding
- Once a placement match is made, ensure contract agreements are signed by both parties and returned within 15 days.
- Funding is secured following the receipt of signed agreements.
5
Fulfill Reporting Requirements
- Both the employer and the candidate must complete and submit reports throughout the placement duration.
- Ensure timely submission of these reports to receive the wage subsidy.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- ECO Canada provides additional support to the recruitment process through resources like a Job Board.
- Employers are required to provide a new, full-time, permanent position as part of the eligible criteria.
- The program is designed to enhance environmental career pathways and skill development.
- Continuous reporting is required to maintain eligibility for wage subsidy throughout the placement period.
- The program promotes mentorship and network building for young professionals in the environmental sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI). 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 ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI)?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI)?
Who is eligible for the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI) program?
Who can I contact for more information about the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI)?
Where is the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI) available?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI) program?

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