NextGen Leaders Network

Registration for the Winter 2026 cohort will open in November 2025

We are proud to present our NextGen Leaders Network (NLN), a branch of our Future Leaders in Training Program (FLIT) for high school students in Grades 9 to 12. With the world changing rapidly and the adoption of advanced digital technologies, this program aims to create a pathway to prepare youth for future work opportunities.

NextGen Leaders Network (NLN) is a branch from our Future Leaders in Training (FLIT) Program that prepares students for the industry of tomorrow. Although these are two separate programs, students who complete FLIT prior to completing NLN, will receive the following after completing both programs: 

• FLIT specialization on their certificate of completion for NLN 
• Given priority for an instructor position at Engineering Outreach 
• $50 top-up 

NLN is a seven (7) week internship program that provides Black and/or female-identifying youth an immersive opportunity to develop their leadership skills, while being shadowed under our specific black youth and all-girls team. Selected students will collectively do training together, but then will branch off to their designated group to design and develop culturally relevant programs.

The Program will commence during the week of January 31, 2026, with participants expected to contribute approximately 5-7 hours per week. Each student will receive a $150 stipend upon entry into the program.

As the program is designed to emphasize professional and skill development, participants will undergo a structured evaluation process from Week 1 through Week 5. Weekly feedback will be provided to support continuous improvement and ensure alignment with program objectives.

By the conclusion of Week 5, participants who have demonstrated the following competencies (which are outlined in further detail using a rubric) will be awarded an additional $150 performance stipend:

• Development of innovative and meaningful content
• Effective communication with peers and program coordinators
  Consistent punctuality, professionalism, and accountability in the workplace

Participants who do not fully meet these criteria may continue in the program; however, they will not be eligible for the additional stipend.

Irrespective of evaluation outcomes, all participants will receive 40 volunteer hours, which may be applied toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements.

Program Details

Please note that the full schedule will be available once registration opens in November 2025