NYA is the only program of its kind, geared specifically to the needs of predominantly aboriginal northern youth. Though other exchange programs to which Northern youth can apply exist, what had been lacking until the creation of NYA was a significant and permanent youth program specifically designed to meet the unique needs of youth living in isolated communities in Canada’s north.

The program meets a growing imperative for initiatives that will enhance the confidence and world view of northern youth to enable them to assume the many leadership opportunities that exist for youth in the north. Programs that broaden a young person’s horizons will ultimately lead to higher levels of education and skill attainment as these youth reach for the possible - a conception of which will be directly traceable to their participation in this exciting, carefully designed, national and international exchange program.  

NYA was developed to meet the unique needs of young people in the North and has already solidly demonstrated its ability to profoundly influence Nunavut youth in a positive way, most notably through a 93% high school graduation rate among its alumni. NYA is also unique in its commitment to sustained involvement in the lives of its participants and alumni. NYA is committed not only to the personal development of northern youth, but also to the development of strong and vital northern communities.

Impacts of the Northern Youth Abroad program

• Better than average Canadian high-school graduation rates from Territories that have the lowest graduation rates in the country
• A bridging program for youth at risk
• High school credits for participation in the program
• Canadian Phase volunteer & work experience
• International Phase volunteer and work experience
• Mentors are found and paired with youth in their communities
• Host Family participation in Southern Canada
• Volunteer work placements in Southern Canada and Internationally
• Exchange between youth from different Northern communities
• Fostering a strong sense of volunteerism in northern communities
• Community awareness, and a connectedness to the rest of the north
• Community awareness, and a connectedness to rest of Canada and the world
• Building of youth alumni networks across the territories
• Strengthening of cultural awareness
• Motivation building, esteem raising, leadership development