For Teachers

Q. How do I support a student who wishes to participate in the EWC program?

Ensure your student's eligibility for the program! Students wishing to participate in the EWC program must:

• be 14-17 years of age when they take part
• be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
• be enrolled in an educational institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in their province or territory
• obtain authorization from a parent or guardian
• obtain a recommendation from your school

Locate your EWC regional coordinator! Your student will need an Access Code from this person to access our Online Registration Form! EWC sends the contact name/phone number of your EWC regional coordinator to your school annually; your school's guidance counsellor (or teacher-representative) will likely have this information. If not, please contact us at registrar-registraire@historica-dominion.ca, or 1-800-361-0419, extension 229, for this information.

Recommend your student! Your student must have a signature from a school authority on his/her hard-copy Registration Form prior to sending it to EWC. This indicates that the student has been given permission to miss a week of regular classes.

Encourage your student to register early! Space is limited due to heavy demand.  EWC strives to have youth reps from every province and territory each week, therefore the number of participants eligible for each area is set on a pro-rata basis.

Q. Why should I recommend this program to youth?

We believe introducing Canadian youth to Canada's diverse cultures, perspectives, ideas, institutions, leaders, career options, heritage and contemporary issues, opens their eyes to the vast potential of their lives, their communities, their country and the world. Providing a platform where Canada's youth voices are valued and heard leads to a strengthening of these voices, of youth leadership in Canada, and of our nation, as a whole. This is an opportunity like no other!

Q. Who endorses this program?

EWC has been recognized and endorsed by every Ministry of Education in every province and territory across Canada, and receives generous funding from Canadian Heritage, Veterans Affairs, the RCMP and more. Youth participation in the EWC program is also officially recognized by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program.

Q. Does this program have linkages to our province’s curriculum?

Absolutely! EWC program has recently undergone a curriculum audit, the result of which has received glowing reviews from provincial ministries.

Q. What does it cost for a student to participate in the EWC program?

Participation costs $625, which covers all program supplies/activities, meals, accommodation, site visits/tours, travel in Ottawa, etc. Some provincial governments provide funds to students who wish to attend the Centre, therefore your student's fee may be reduced. (Your local EWC regional coordinator will inform you of the final cost.) Your student's travel to and from the Centre is generously paid for by Canadian Heritage!

Q. Can our school, school board, or parent/teacher’s association fund this student’s participation fee?

Certainly! Many communities across Canada support their local youths' participation in the EWC program. We strongly support the creation of EWC "scholarships" in your school district! Your EWC regional coordinator may also have innovative ideas which could maximize the student participation opportunities in your region.

Q. Are there special funds available for a student with severe financial limitations?

Some EWC regional coordinators from across Canada have funds available for students who would not, otherwise, be able to participate in the EWC program. These funds often come from local donors who believe in the value of the EWC experience. We suggest you speak to your regional coordinator about this student's circumstances.

Q. Do you accept students with disabilities or special needs?

Absolutely! EWC is a fully accessible, barrier-free environment. Special medical and dietary considerations are accommodated upon request. Should accompaniment be required, EWC is also pleased to host students' personal support workers. We recommend that you, and/or your student's parent/guardian, speak to a representative of EWC's Program Department about your student's unique needs prior to filling out the online registration form. Please call or email:

Program Department
1-800-361-0419
program-programme@historica-dominion.ca

Q. Can my school send a class or a group to EWC?

EWC welcomes groups. We try to ensure a pan-Canadian delegation of youth attend EWC every single week, however, so we must plan for such groups carefully. Speak to your EWC regional coordinator about your group ASAP. EWC will work with you to ensure the best possible travel and programming experience for your students.

Q. Do participating students report back to the school/peers upon their return?

We strongly encourage schools to provide opportunities for returning students to share stories about their EWC experiences with their peers. This can be done through assemblies, class presentations, articles in the school paper, parent/teacher meetings, or even by contacting their local media or MP. It's a great way to get other students and parents interested in EWC, and spread the word about the program within the educational sector.

Q. How can I promote EWC in my school or school board?

If your school doesn't yet have a dedicated EWC teacher-liaison, we'd love you to become one! Every year, EWC sends promotional packages to every high school across Canada, and teacher-liaisons play a vital role in getting this information to the school's administration, teachers and students. If you'd like additional copies of EWC's promotional items for distribution/posting at your school, contact your EWC regional coordinator, or contact registrar-registraire@historica-dominion.ca today!

Q. Besides student participation, are there any other ways to get my school involved with EWC?

Absolutely! Teachers can become teacher-monitors, and witness the EWC program in action, first-hand. Your school may also wish to spread the word about FYICanada.ca, EWC's new online forum for Canadian teens, and to encourage youth participation on the site.