ACSEL seeks to encourage the civic participation of Alberta youth by providing Canada Service Corps alumni (aged 16 to 30 years old) support and resources to develop new or enhance pre-existing community-based projects from April 2024 – March 2025. Successful applicants will receive up to $5,000 in grant funds to help implement their work and will have access to a series of learning workshops on the fundamentals of project management and community service.
Objective
Empower Canada Service Corps alumni to develop their community projects and enhance their community participation through resilient project management, responsible implementation, and inclusive collaboration.
The program provides participants with:
- A space to develop leadership skills by learning about community work and the fundamentals of project management (e.g., marketing, budgeting, and operational planning).
- The opportunity to learn and grow alongside individuals who want to impact the community positively.
- Access to a grant resource to help with project planning and implementation.
How it works
- Fill out our online application form and draft budget template. We aim to get back to you on the status of your application within 10 business days of receiving your application.
- If you are approved, you will receive an acceptance e-mail and you will be added to our Google Classroom to access the learning session recordings and important documents.
- Implement your project! Upon completion, you are required to submit a financial reconciliation document provided to you by the program coordinators.
**Applications for the current program year are now closed and will re-open for the 2025-2026 cohort in the spring. To receive updates about the program, click the link below to join our mailing list.**
Each service project must have a project lead responsible for submitting the application and receiving the grant. Project leads must be able to commit to program check-ins and the completion of the mandatory learning sessions.
Eligibility:
- Must be 16-30 years of age at the time of application;
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or has been granted refugee status in Canada;
- Must have participated and completed a program or microgrant opportunity funded by the Canada Service Corps; and
- Must have a significant tie to Alberta (e.g., have some kind of residence in the province, attend school in Alberta, etc.).
If forming a project team, 40% of the team members (aka catalysts) must be from Alberta and they do not need to be Canada Service Corps alumni.
Questions?
Reach out to us at: youth@volunteeralberta.ab.ca
FAQ
Check for the CSC logo on marketing materials. The logo should look like the one we have at the bottom of this page.
Some of the past programs in Alberta include:
- Youth @ the Table – Volunteer Alberta
- RISE – Apathy is Boring
- #RisingYouth – TakingItGlobal
- ELYCA Program – Action for Healthy Communities
- SDG Hub – Alberta Council of Global Cooperation
- Youth Volunteer Corp Program – Youth Central
You can also visit the CSC website to see a more comprehensive list: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/youth/canada-service-corps/partners.html
The main program commitments outside of implementing your project are learning opportunities. There are around 30 hours of program commitments. Outside of implementing the project, there are mandatory learning sessions, a minimum of 2 check-ins during the program duration, and networking opportunities with community partners and peers.
We use a variety of methods to ensure that as many learning styles and preferences are accommodated. We offer online synchronous/asynchronous sessions using Google Classroom, 5-minute tutorial videos, tipsheets, online coaching sessions, peer-to-peer group check-ins, and 1:1 check-ins.
Get inspired
Check out the projects launched and powered by the ACSEL microgrant! Follow us on Instagram (@youthvolab) to see these projects in action.
ACSEL is made possible by funding from Canada Service Corps
We are grateful to be recipients of funding support from the Canada Service Corps (CSC) for ACSEL. CSC empowers young Canadians to make an impact by offering meaningful volunteer service opportunities to youth aged 15-30 from coast-to-coast. For more information on the funding program, and a list of other opportunities for youth to get involved, visit the Canada Service Corps website.
