Call for Applications: 2025–2026 Youth Fellows Program (Deadline: 6 August, 2025)

About the Fellowship

The Youth Fellows Program is a national initiative designed to empower young leaders across Canada to lead important conversations on AI and online safety. Fellows will organize Youth Forums in key cities, co-author influential policy reports, and contribute to shaping Canada’s digital governance landscape.

We’re recruiting three Fellows (ages 18–25) to join our 2025–2026 cohort. This is your opportunity to take leadership in the national digital policy space while gaining hands-on experience in public engagement, policy advocacy, and youth-driven research.

Fellowship Highlights

• Lead one Youth Forum (topic options: AI & Privacy, AI & Information Integrity, or AI & Age Assurance)

• Co-author two reports: one regional forum report and one national summary on Public Trust in AI Amongst Youth

• Collaborate on a breakout panel at the 2025 Attention Forum on Digital Governance

• Present findings at a final launch event in Ottawa (April 2026)

• Travel to all four Youth Forums across Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax)

What You’ll Receive

• $20,000 CAD honorarium, paid in project-based installments

• All travel and accommodations fully covered

  After-school programs for underprivileged youth

• Leadership training & mentorship, including weekly coaching, public speaking workshops, and media exposure

• Collaboration with partners including: Young Peoples Alliance, NoSo, Children and Screens, 5Rights, and Fairplay

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for engaged and passionate young leaders who:

• Are aged 18–25 and enrolled in a Canadian undergraduate program

• Are based in Canada (international students are not eligible)

• Have experience in community organizing, advocacy, or public engagement

• Care deeply about youth wellbeing, online safety, and digital rights

• Are strong communicators and team players (French/English bilingualism is a bonus)

• Are available to travel for required events across Canada (see dates below)

Key Travel Dates

• Toronto, ON: Sept 27–28 or Oct 3–4, 2025

• Montreal, QC: Oct 22–24, 2025 & Jan 30–31, 2026

• Vancouver, BC: Feb 27–28, 2026

• Halifax, NS: March 27–28, 2026

• Ottawa, ON: April 2026 (exact date TBC)

Hosted by the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy – McGill University
Deadline to Apply: August 6, 2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
Fellowship Start Date: Week of September 1, 2025
Honorarium: $20,000 CAD + covered travel and accommodations

How to Apply

Email your application to Helen Hayes at helen.hayes@mcgill.ca by August 6, 2025.

Include the following materials:

• A 1-page cover letter outlining:

  • Why you’re interested in the Fellowship

  • What unique skills you bring

  • Your preferred Youth Forum topic

• Your resume

• (Optional) A 30-second video introducing yourself and your passion for the role

Learn more about our work at the Attention Forum on Digital Governance

Empower youth. Shape policy. Create impact.
Apply today and join the next generation of digital change-makers.