Learn how your city works. Build your leadership skills. Make an impact.
The Civic Youth Fellowship (CYF) is a leadership development program that connects emerging leaders from underrepresented communities with meaningful opportunities inside municipal government.
Through leadership development, mentorship and a paid 10-week placement with the City of Edmonton, fellows work alongside elected officials, City leaders and teams, contributing to real projects and priorities affecting Edmonton.
Indigenous-Focused Placements
New this year, CYF is partnering with the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office (IRO) to expand opportunities for young First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders interested in gaining hands-on experience in municipal government.
In addition, the IRO will coordinate placement opportunities available to selected fellows to contribute to meaningful City work connected to Indigenous priorities, initiatives and relationships.
Applicants interested in these opportunities may indicate their interest during the application process.
Apply for the Civic Youth Fellowship
We are looking for emerging leaders who care about their communities, are curious about Edmonton and are ready to learn and contribute.
You don’t need a background in politics or government. You need curiosity, a connection to community and a desire to contribute.
Deadline to apply: Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 19–30 years old
- Live in Edmonton or the surrounding area
- Have the legal right to work in Canada
- Demonstrate a commitment to community
- Be respectful and comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and perspectives
- Communicate clearly and professionally
- Be willing to learn, ask questions and receive feedback
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively
- Be willing to learn and use common digital tools
- Be interested in learning about Edmonton and municipal issues
Post-secondary education is an asset, but it is not required.
Next Steps
Applications are reviewed by a diverse team from IslamicFamily, the City of Edmonton, community partners and Friends of the Program. We look at your community connection, civic interest, experiences, ideas and potential to grow.
Selected applicants are invited to an interview with community leaders, City representatives and other professionals involved in the Fellowship.
Before beginning their placements, Civic Youth Fellowship participants receive free hands-on training designed to build their confidence, develop practical skills and set them up for success.
Participants can look forward to:
- Interactive training in civic engagement, leadership, communication and professional development
- Opportunities to learn from elected officials, municipal experts and community leaders
- A certificate of completion recognizing their achievements
- Complimentary lunch and refreshments at every session
The free pre-placement training takes place twice a month on Saturdays, from 9am to 4pm, between January and April 2027.
Your project video is shared with participating host offices before a speed networking event, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet City teams, discuss your interests and project idea, learn about their work and explore where there may be a strong fit.
Matches are made based on interests, skills, potential projects, host office needs and overall fit.
If matched, you’ll complete a paid, full-time 10-week placement with a City Administration team, Councillor’s office or the Mayor’s Office.
Your original project idea may become part of your placement, but it doesn’t have to. Your host office may have another project or priority that better aligns with its work and your skills. The project idea is an opportunity to demonstrate your interests, initiative and what you can contribute.
Being selected for pre-placement training does not guarantee a City placement. The number of placements depends on the host offices participating each year.
What if I’m not matched?
Completing pre-placement training is still an achievement. Participants who complete the program but are not matched will receive a certificate of completion and continue to benefit from the mentorship, relationships and professional and community networks developed through CYF.
Fellowship Showcase
At the end of the fellowship, fellows come together to share their experiences, projects and learning.
The showcase is an opportunity to celebrate their contributions, reflect on their growth and share what they have learned with City leaders, community partners, mentors and one another.
Global Recognition
Now entering its 5th year, CYF has grown into a highly competitive program. Last year, more than 250 young people applied for the opportunity to participate.
The Fellowship has also gained national and international attention as an innovative approach to strengthening representation and youth civic engagement. CYF has been shared at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Strong Cities Global Summit.
In September 2026, CYF was presented in Italy at the UNESCO International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR) Youth Boot Camp as an innovative municipal program that increases representation and civic engagement among young leaders. See 2026 Civic Youth Interns and Projects.
Our Partners
The Civic Youth Fellowship is delivered through a partnership between IslamicFamily, City of Edmonton, Canadian Race Relations Foundation and community partners who share a commitment to developing emerging civic and community leaders.
Community Champions
We are grateful to the Africa Centre, MacEwan University’s kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre and other community champions who help connect the Fellowship with emerging leaders and communities across Edmonton.
Become a Friend of the Program
If your organization is interested in supporting emerging civic leaders and would like to become a Friend of the Program, please contact sandra.moreno@edmonton.ca and alia@islamicfamily.ca.