Apply for the Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program
The Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program (BYDMP) provides career exploration for Black youth in grades 11 and 12 through 8-week, paid summer jobs with government. You can apply from 4 April to 18 April 2025.
Apply for the Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program.
The Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program introduces Black students in grades 11 and 12 to career options in government.
The program is offered in the summer and provides 8-week, paid summer jobs (work experiences) for Black youth in grades 11 and 12 who are planning to attend university or college. Students earn a salary, get real-world work experience, learn how government works and explore different jobs.
Summer jobs start on 7 July 2025 and end on 29 August 2025.
Mentorship and networking
During the program, students are paired with a mentor of African Descent. Mentors check-in regularly with students, help students develop their skillset and provide support throughout the program. Bi-weekly workshops also provide opportunities for students to learn and network during the program.
Interview
If your job application is successful, the program will contact you to schedule an interview. You should carefully review the job description for each job you apply for to help prepare for your interview. You should also review any interview tips provided.
Preparing for first day of your summer job
For your first day of work, make sure you:
- arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
- know your work location and how to get to your place of work (if you take the bus, make sure you check the bus route before your first day)
- know where you can park your car, if you’re driving
- know the dress code and your work clothes are appropriate (your manager will tell you about the workplace dress code and if you need any special clothing like steel-toe safety boots)
- check the weather and make sure your clothes will be appropriate, if you’re working outside
- pack a lunch and snacks for your workday
Help with your application
The Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program can help you with the application process and answer questions about the program.
Eligibility
You can apply for the program if you’re a:
- student in grade 11 or 12 who is planning to go to university or college
- resident of Nova Scotia, Canadian citizen or Landed Immigrant
You also need to meet 1 of the following criteria:
- you’re an African Nova Scotian (Black) student with genealogical or ancestral connections to a historical African Nova Scotian (Black) community
- you’re an African Nova Scotian (Black) student with parents or guardians who are of Black African descent
- you’re Afro-Caribbean
You need to apply by 18 April 2025.
How to apply
- Review the summer jobs and detailed job descriptions available through the program.
- Keep the reference code for each job you’re interested in (you need to include the reference code during the online application process).
- Apply online.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Submit your completed application and supporting documents (including your resume, cover letter and letter of recommendation).
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, the Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program emails you to schedule your interview.
How long it takes
It should take 4 to 6 weeks for the Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program to let you know if you’re getting an interview. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to apply for the program.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- resume that describes who you are, your education, extra-curricular activities (like teams, sports and clubs), volunteer experience and any work experience
- cover letter addressed to the Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program
- recommendation letter (your recommendation needs to be from someone who knows you well (like a teacher, coach or employer) and isn’t a family member)
- social insurance number (SIN)
- bank account, including account number, branch number and institution number (you can find this on a void cheque and through online banking)
- email address that’s not your school gnspes email address (the program emails you if it needs more information to process your application)