Programs

Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP)

Each year, DYSL hosts our “Youth Apprenticeship Program” (YAP), through the support of the Canada Summer Jobs program. The YAP program provides Delta youth with leadership and skills development through an 8 week job placement at our Thrift Store location.

The YAP program provides youth of all backgrounds - regardless of race, sex, gender, ability or religion - valuable career and leadership skills. The YAP program provides young people with meaningful, paid employment and customizes the role to meet the unique abilities and goals of the individual. No experience required!  

Applications for the YAP program typically begin in June. For more information, please email dysldirectors@gmail.com

Youth Initiated Programs

Young people have a lot of great ideas that seldom become reality. We provide funding to high schools in South and North Delta for student-initiated projects that benefit their school and community.

High Schools DYSL funds throughout the year:

South Delta Secondary School in Tsawwassen
Delta Secondary School in Ladner
Seaquam Secondary School in North Delta
North Delta Secondary School
Burnsview Secondary School in North Delta
Delview Secondary School in North Delta
Sands Secondary School in North Delta
Southpointe Academy in South Delta

Examples of projects:

Environmental

  • purchasing more recycle bins for inside the school and for the school grounds

  • designed and built a garden to grow herbs for the school’s cafeteria and for people to sit and enjoy


Multi-cultural awareness

  • showcased events displaying various ethnic diversities within their community (held cooking and dance events)


Cyber-bullying awareness campaign

  • hired a professional group to educate students on cyber-bullying


Mental Health Awareness Week

  • a week-long event bringing in a variety of educators talking about depression, mental illness, stress, and anxiety

dysl3.jpg

Bursaries

Bursaries are issued to graduating Grade 12 students for their post-secondary education

Each year, DYSL awards bursaries to graduating students across all seven Delta high schools. Our bursaries range in value from $500-$1000. Last year, we funded nearly $30,000 in bursary awards.

Our bursaries are awarded to students who meet at least one of the below criteria:

  • Community Service & Volunteerism: for youth demonstrating exceptional service to the Delta community.

  • Leadership: awarded for students who have demonstrated leadership in the community.

  • Spirit Award: For students who have demonstrated personal accomplishments despite facing adversity or challenges through the years.

Students seeking to apply for bursaries should inquire and apply through their high school graduation counsellor and/or career centre.

Youth Week

We provide funding to all of South & North Delta’s high schools to fund student-led events celebrating Youth Week. Students have a lot of fun organizing and implementing events showcasing the strengths of youth during a week full of activities. They learn the importance of teamwork and developed leadership skills.

The high schools will be celebrating DYSL Youth Week in February this year. They will put on fun activities and events throughout the week for students from Grade 8 – 12.

Download the Student Grant Application Form Here

Words from our youth program participants:

“I would like to voice the positive impact that the family of DYSL offered and instilled in me. As a high school student, I learned the importance of positive communication, teamwork, hard work, and helping others, and that helped ME to expand my horizons. Thanks to my great experiences at DYSL, and at their thrift store, I was able to help my community and obtain a sense of self-worth and learn from all the wonderful people that make up DYSL. Thank you for letting me be a part of this great organization.”

-Student Volunteer