A free 8-week program for youth ages 16–24 that combines hands-on workplace experience, leadership and career readiness training, mentorship, and anti-hate education.
Participants complete weekly volunteer shifts at our Thrift & Fund store in Coquitlam, gaining practical experience in retail, customer service, teamwork, and communication. Through interactive workshops, youth also build leadership skills, learn about financial literacy and career readiness, and develop practical skills to recognize and respond to discrimination and help create more inclusive communities.
Participants will also receive mentorship from a caring adult volunteer and create a youth-led community awareness project promoting inclusion, belonging, and respect.
- Volunteer hours for graduation and future opportunities
- Real workplace experience in retail and customer service
- A $150 honorarium upon successful completion of the program
- A certificate of completion
- Leadership and communication skills
- Anti-hate and anti-racism training
- Resume, cover letter, and interview support
- Financial literacy training
- Mentorship from a caring adult volunteer
- A youth-led community awareness project you can add to your resume or portfolio
- Greater confidence, new connections, and skills for your future
Eligibility
- Ages 16-24
- Able to commute to internship location: 552 Clarke Rd, Coquitlam
- Can focus for at least 30 minutes, follow instructions, and volunteer in a retail environment with minimal to medium one-on-one support
- Able to attend in-person leadership workshops and online mentor check-ins
- Youth who normally have a support worker may participate if the support worker attends training and all shifts (families are responsible for arranging support)
Questions?
Contact Ness at ness@lowentropy.org
Testimonials
“Being in this program was one of the best things to help me start off in getting work experience and I’d recommend to anyone!”
– Alek
“My biggest takeaways are definitely cashiering experience and being able to get a sense of how working in the retail/customer service industry feels.”
– Fall 2024 Participant
“The staff at Thrift & Fund are so friendly. I was greeted with smiles daily and really enjoyed the energy of the store.”
– Olive
100% of participants reported feeling more confident in themselves and their abilities through their internship experience.
Our Supporters
The Government of Canada
