Opportunities from Empowerment Squared

The current application form for Cohort 5 onwards describes a seven-month participation cycle consisting of a one-month onboarding period, a three-month international placement, two weeks of Reintegration Training, and three months of Public and Alumni Engagement. Placement work includes community-based research, outreach, education support, data collection and collaboration with local partners. The main programme page says future cohorts remain open on an ongoing basis after the September 7 Cohort 5 cutoff.

Applicants must be 18–30 at the date of travel, be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, hold a passport with at least six months of validity at travel, and be willing to commit to the full programme. Priority is given to equity-deserving groups, including applicants of Black African descent, Indigenous communities, racialized minorities, people with disabilities, low-income backgrounds and other marginalized communities. Prior university study or work experience is not required by the programme page.