What is Next Level?

Before the pandemic, 95% of employed young women* in Canada were working in the services sector. Young women were the first to be sent home, and the last to return to work as things begin to reopen.

Today, young women are the furthest group from returning “back to normal” in the workforce. Young women are suffering employment losses three times the national average.

Next Level is our response to this urgent disruption caused by COVID-19. Through this pilot program, we will provide young women and gender diverse youth from the retail and hospitality sectors in Canada with leadership and social entrepreneurship training along with supportive coaching to navigate the changing economy on their own terms.

*For the purposes of this project, we use “young women” when referencing Statistics Canada data, which currently does not collect or report on data that reflects the gender spectrum. Next Level is committed to equity and gender inclusion, and seeks to support any women-identified and gender diverse youth and coaches who meet the eligibility criteria.

How does Next Level work?

In this pilot we’re recruiting 50 participants + 25 coaches from across Canada! (See below for “Participant Eligibility”.) The programs will run over the course of four months, from November 2021 – February 2022. During this time, we will meet online using our own Learning Management System, powered by LearnWorlds.

Participants will also be paired in groups with one other participant and a trained coach. The group will meet twice per month during the program to set and work through their personal and professional goals.

Who should participate?

Next Level Leaders: Young women and gender diverse youth who want to take their careers to the next level -- whether in entrepreneurship, retail, hospitality, or another sector! If you’re creative, have hustle, and want to connect to a network of likeminded community members – this program is for you!

Coaches: Women and gender diverse professionals with backgrounds in start-ups, retail, hospitality, non-profit, corporate, and/or coaching. If you believe diverse youth face intersecting barriers to economic empowerment and you’re committed to supporting youth to navigate internal and external barriers – this program is for you!

What will Next Level Leaders learn?

We’re still finalizing the trainings! Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:

• Leadership styles, building confidence and negotiating
• Communications, marketing and building a personal brand
• Personal and business financial literacy and budgeting
• Job interviewing, resume-writing, and networking
• ...and more!

How is my personal data used and stored?

Please note that applicants’ personal data will be stored securely by our organization on the third-party Submittable server. Applications will be stripped of the personal identifying information when reviewed by a voluntary Application Reader Committee member. Data will not be shared with any other company or organization. All successful applicants’ data will be stored on Airtable and Salesforce and be used only by our employees.

Why is this program important right now?

Prior to COVID, 95% of employed young women* were working in the services sector, predominantly in hospitality or retail. As of March 2021, young women in Canada (20-24) are suffering employment losses three times worse than the average – placing them the furthest of any demographic away from pre-COVID numbers. We must get creative to ensure an entire generation of young women and gender diverse are not left behind – by building new pathways for young women and gender diverse youth to navigate a changing economy and access economic mobility.  

How is Next Level funded?

Fora's Next Level project is funded by the Government of Canada under the Future Skills program.

How will my Next Level experience be affected by COVID-19?

Due to COVID-19, Next Level will be 100% virtual. Trainings and other program activities will be hosted on a Learning Management System (LMS) in which all participants will have a unique profile. For any technological barriers, Next Level Leaders can reach out to us for accommodation. Each Next Level Leader is expected to attend each workshop and actively participate.

How do I apply?

We will open applications for program participants and coaches on Tuesday, August 10th.

Key Dates Applications launch: Tuesday August 10 Applications deadline: Thursday September 16 at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mid-October. Please note that these dates are subject to change.

Application Process:

• All applicants must create a Submittable account to apply.
• Applications will include the option to submit responses in writing or by video or audio format.
• Applicants will be able to save a draft of their work before submitting.
• Applications will be reviewed by an Application Reader Committee. Please note that our staff will not be involved in the review process.

What type of Coach will I work with during the program?

Coaches are professional women and gender diverse individuals with previous leadership, entrepreneurship and/or mentorship experience who support the Next Level Leaders’ personal and professional goals. They assist them in navigating issues related to the program, (e.g., brainstorming ideas, providing entrepreneurial insight).

Will each Next Level Leader be matched with a Coach?

Yes, each participant will be matched with a Coach to provide support during the program. The matching process is guided by a coaching handbook.

Is this a paid opportunity?

Participants will receive a $400 CAD stipend upon completion of the project, as well as a technology stipend as needed.

What technology will I need to participate?

Next Level will be online for the duration of the program; therefore, it is encouraged to have a device that can connect to the internet in order to participate in the virtual workshops and programs. We will provide technology stipends as needed to accommodate participants (e.g., Wi-Fi top-up, Chromebook, etc.).

Key Dates for Coaches

• Tuesday August 10, 2021 – Recruitment for Coaches begins
• Thursday September 16, 2021 – Applications for prospective Coaches close
• October 2021 – Coaches are accepted into the program
• November 2021 – Program begins
• February 2022 – Program ends

Will this be a paid opportunity?

Coaches will operate on a voluntary basis, volunteering their time and support to the participants during the duration of the program.

Who can apply to be a Coach?

• Women and gender diverse adults with professional experience in entrepreneurship, hospitality, retail, start-ups, non-profits, social impact and/or other related professions.
• Bring coaching or mentorship experience and a passion for working with young leaders.
• Understanding of and empathy for how intersectionality, power, and privilege impact young women and gender diverse youth’s experiences in the workforce and in leadership.

A written application is required to apply.

What is the time commitment for Coaches?

Coaches should be able and willing to dedicate 4-6 per month for a minimum of 4 months to support participants.