Community partners are an essential element of the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps Programs. The NSYCC values these partnerships as they ensure that youth in communities across Nova Scotia are being given an opportunity for employment and skill development.
This year the NSYCC is working to include Outdoor Air Quality Management as one of its project themes. Projects related to Air Quality would be very beneficial to students and the general public, by providing awareness and information on how to improve our local Air Quality. Air Quality projects could also contribute to the current scientific knowledge on the subject.
Find out about important dates.
Benefits to Community Partners
- Community partners are eligible for a project subsidy to which they can apply more than once.
- Community Partners can partner with the NSYCC to provide youth in their area with valuable work experience while completing a project that benefits the entire community and environment.
Community Partner Funding
The NSYCC provides 3/4 of the labour costs, while the community partner submits 1/4 of the wage costs to the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, and is responsible for all other project costs. Community partners often access funding from other sources (including other government departments) to support projects.
Other Sources of Funding
Environment Canada produces a quick reference of funding sources in Atlantic Canada called the Environmental Funding Guide.
Application Criteria for Community Partners
Community partners should demonstrate that the project will provide an opportunity for the personal growth and development of youth as well as having lasting and self-sustaining environmental and community benefits for projects that reflect one or more of the following themes:
- Solid Waste Resource management
- Watershed management
- Environmental education
- Air Quality management
- Pollution Prevention
- Environmental Conservation/Protection
Community partners must be able to contribute one quarter of the wage costs as well as provide any materials, equipment, special equipment training, and transportation required for the project. They are also responsible for the supervision and work space of two, three, or four crew workers (depending on their request). Community partners must demonstrate that any work carried out by crews will meet provincial Occupational Health and Safety Standards.
All projects, unless their priority theme area is environmental education, must include at least two public education sessions through which youth will promote their project to communities and other interested groups or individuals. One way to do this is through public information sessions. We also strongly encourage participants to create or try out other environmental education methods that may help in the awareness of their topic.
Community Project Review Process
Project proposals are reviewed based on the criteria outlined above. The review process includes discussions with the community partner about the proposal's objectives to ensure a top quality project and to foster a partnership relationship. Additional weight will be given to projects that demonstrate an ability to further the mandate of the department. A review panel rates each project and the successful applicant is notified within six to eight weeks of the deadline date. The community partner then enters into a contract agreement with Nova Scotia Environment and Labour.
To Apply
Look for NSYCC application forms at community workshops, employment centers, trade conferences, career fairs, community centers and local Nova Scotia Environment and Labour offices.
For more information, contact the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps.