08/29/2026
🌱 25 RURAL PEI HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL GET A SEAT AT THE TABLE
What if, instead of simply asking young Islanders what they think about their communities, we actually gave them a seat at the table where decisions are being discussed?
That’s the idea behind PEI’s Youth On Board Program, and another group of Island high-school students will soon have the opportunity to take part.
The Government of PEI says applications for the 2026-27 program will open by August 31.
👥 WHAT IS YOUTH ON BOARD?
The program gives up to 25 rural PEI high-school students an opportunity to become involved with a rural non-profit board.
The goal is to introduce young Islanders to volunteerism, teach them how boards and councils operate, and help community organizations become better at including youth perspectives.
And this isn’t simply sitting in the corner watching.
Participating students can:
• Take part in board governance training
• Learn how non-profit organizations operate
• Work with a mentor
• Gain networking experience
• Build skills they can add to their resumes
• Attend meetings and experience how community organizations actually function
🌱 WHO CAN APPLY?
Students enrolled in Grades 10 through 12 as of September 2026 are eligible.
Priority may be given to students living in rural PEI, which the program defines as areas outside Charlottetown, Summerside and Stratford.
Students should also be prepared to complete online training and commit to attending five or more meetings with their matched organization between September 2026 and May 2027.
💰 STUDENTS CAN ALSO RECEIVE AN HONORARIUM
Students aren’t necessarily being asked to give all of this time for free.
The program provides honorariums based on participation:
• 2 meetings: $200
• 3 or more meetings: $400
• 5 or more meetings: $500
Participating non-profits can also receive an honorarium.
🏘️ COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS GET SOMETHING TOO
There’s another side to this program that we really like.
The students get experience, mentorship and an opportunity to contribute.
But the organizations get something valuable too: a young person’s perspective.
Eligible incorporated non-profits and municipalities can participate, with organizations required to provide a mentor and give the student opportunities to attend meetings.
Youth do not participate in in-camera or private discussions.
💚 GIVING RURAL YOUTH A VOICE
Young Islanders will eventually become the volunteers, business owners, community leaders and decision-makers helping shape the future of PEI.
Giving them an opportunity to learn how community organizations work while they’re still in high school seems like a pretty great place to start.
Applications for the 2026-27 Youth On Board Program are expected to open by August 31 and will be accepted until September 11.
📲 WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Full program details, eligibility requirements and application information can be found on the Government of Prince Edward Island website by searching for “Youth On Board Program.”
💬👇 WHAT’S UP PEI — LET’S TALK
Do you know a rural PEI high-school student who would be great at something like this?
Tag them or their family below so they know this opportunity is coming! 💚
And what do you think about giving more young Islanders a seat at the table in their communities?
