Hiring early-career talent in environmental STEM roles costs money. The Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI) helps by covering much of an intern’s wages. But your organization must meet certain employer rules. This checklist explains who qualifies, which jobs are eligible, and the common mistakes employers make, based on current program requirements from ECO Canada.
The Science Horizons Youth Internship is a federal wage subsidy program delivered by ECO Canada. It supports employers that create new, environmentally focused STEM jobs for young professionals.
Check the list below to see if your organization qualifies.
You can apply as an employer if you are one of the following:
There is no size limit. Small businesses, startups, and large employers can all apply.
To qualify, the internship must be:
Short-term contracts or part-time roles do not qualify.
The role must be clearly connected to environmental work and fall within STEM fields. Eligible focus areas include:
General admin, marketing, or sales roles do not qualify unless most duties are directly tied to environmental STEM outcomes.
Employers must:
You are responsible for onboarding, payroll, and daily management.
The Science Horizons Youth Internship provides:
You must fund the remaining 20% (or more) of wages and any ineligible costs.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher lets you filter programs by province, industry, and hiring needs in seconds.
Posting the job before approval
If you hire or sign an employment contract before funding is approved, the position may be ruled ineligible.
Misclassifying the role as “environmental”
ECO Canada reviews job descriptions closely. Vague sustainability language without real environmental STEM duties is a common rejection reason.
Assuming any youth hire qualifies
The intern must meet strict participant rules, including age and education. Employer eligibility alone is not enough.
Budgeting for 100% wage coverage
The program caps funding at 80% of wages. Employers must plan cash flow for the balance.
For more employer-side pitfalls, see Common Mistakes Employers Make When Applying for Wage Subsidy Grants.
Q: Is the Science Horizons Youth Internship only for private businesses?
No. Public-sector employers, Indigenous organizations, and government departments can also apply if they create eligible roles.
Q: Does the intern need to be a student?
No. Interns must be post-secondary graduates, not current students, and be between 15 and 30 years old.
Q: Can non-profits apply as employers?
Indigenous and public-sector organizations are eligible. Other non-profits may be eligible if they meet ECO Canada’s organizational criteria and job requirements.
Q: Is the wage subsidy considered taxable income?
The funding is usually treated as government assistance and must be recorded properly for tax and accounting purposes.
Q: How long does approval usually take?
Timelines vary by intake and application quality. Employers should apply well before their intended start date.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada—check which ones match your employer profile and hiring plans.
If your organization meets this Science Horizons Youth Internship employer eligibility checklist, the next step is to confirm your role, budget, and candidate fit ECO Canada’s rules. Many employers also review similar federal and provincial wage subsidies to compare timelines and funding levels. GrantHub helps you see those options side by side so you can choose the best fit before you apply.
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