Science Horizons Internship Program

As a delivery agent for the Science Horizons Internship Program, Clean Foundation will subsidize:

• Up to 80 per cent of an intern’s salary to a maximum of $25,000 for youth from employment equity groups;
• 50 per cent to a maximum of $25,000 for qualified, job-ready youth; and
• barrier alleviation funds available for training, certifications, personal protective equipment, transportation, childcare/family care, remote work supports, adaptive technology, etc.

Eligible employers must fall into one of these categories:

• Legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations;
• Indigenous organizations and groups (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities); or
• Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments, and their departments, agencies, institutions and Crown Corporations, where applicable; 
• Public health, educational (including post-secondary educational institutions) and cultural organizations; or
• Individuals

Eligible employers must:

• be able to contribute at least 20% of the total cost of each internship;
• be able to create a position with an environmental focus for an individual who does not currently work at your organization;
• be able to host an internship between 6-11 months in length;
• be located anywhere in Canada;
• be able to supervise and mentor an intern utilizing a formal training plan;
• have an established payroll system; and 
• be able to receive payments by direct deposit. 

Step 1: Register as a Science Horizons Employer

Apply online by filling out an employer application. You will need to provide the following information:

• the gross salary for the position;
• length of internship; and
• a detailed job description.

Step 2: Hire an intern

Upon approval of your employer application, you will have 60 days to hire an eligible intern.

Eligible interns must complete an intern registration application. 

Eligible interns:

• must be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of the internship;
• must be legally entitled to work in Canada;
• must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have been granted refugee status;
• must not be in receipt of Employment Insurance during their internship;
• cannot be currently enrolled in school; and
• must be a graduate of degree or diploma programs from universities, colleges, post-secondary schools of technology, post-secondary institutes and CEGEP (collège d’enseignement général et professionnel, Québec).

Clean will send you candidates to review if your position is posted on our job board.

Once your intern’s application is approved, Clean will create a contract outlining the responsibilities of participating in the program. You will need to provide a signed offer letter outlining the gross salary and employment conditions prior to the contract being signed. Clean will provide the first installment of half your total wage subsidy amount within 30 days of contract signature.

You and your intern will also need to complete a short questionnaire as part of the onboarded process.

Employer check in: Feedback is important to help us grow the program. We will conduct a mandatory check-in with employers halfway through the internship. It’s a great opportunity for you to ask any questions and to share your experience.

Proof of salary: Every month you will have to submit proof of your intern’s salary by uploading an attestation letter signed by a chartered professional accountant (CPA), or someone who has signing authority in your organization. 

Changes to internship: You must inform Clean immediately in the event of an early termination or change in internship manager as per the contract.

Closing internship: Once all required documents (final reports and proof of salary) are submitted and reviewed, Clean will prepare your final subsidy payment.