AKFC is excited to announce our Teachers’ Leadership Institute, August 5-10 at York University — empowering educators to bring global citizenship, sustainability, and international development themes into their classrooms.
Inspiring global citizens, together.
Our Teachers’ Leadership Institute is a fully funded 4-day in person convening that aims to strengthen the professional capacity of educators across Canada.
Through a combination of in-depth training sessions, collaborative learning opportunities, and access to educational resources, the Institute will enhance participants’ pedagogical strategies and deepen their subject-area expertise.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed! Please stay tuned for the next application cycle.
About the program
To be eligible for participation in AKFC’s Teachers’ Leadership Institute, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a certified educator currently teaching in a 9–12 setting in Canada. Open to teachers across all subject areas.
- Be based in Canada and available to attend the full in-person program at York University in Toronto, from August 5 to 10, 2025 (arrivals: August 5, full-day programming: August 6 to 9, departures: August 10).
- Demonstrate a strong interest in integrating global citizenship, sustainability, and global development themes into classroom practice.
- Exhibit a willingness to share learnings with peers and take on a leadership role in promoting global education within their school or district.
- Be open to reflective practice and collaborative learning with educators from diverse contexts.
- Be proficient in English, as the Institute will be conducted primarily in English.
- Must commit to ongoing engagement with AKFC’s Educator programming across the 2025-2026 school year, including supporting students in the implementation of an action project.
About
Our Youth Leadership Academy is a fully funded in person convening that aims to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to actively engage with global issues, promote sustainable development, and foster global citizenship. The academy will provide a collaborative learning environment where participants explore global challenges, leadership skills, and strategies for effective engagement.
The cost of travel from anywhere in Canada, accommodation, and meals of the in-person convening in Toronto is fully covered by the program.
Eligibility Criteria – Youth Leadership Academy
To be considered for AKFC’s Youth Leadership Academy, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 16 and 18 years old at the time of the program (as of August 5, 2025).
- Be a resident of Canada and able to travel to Toronto for the full duration of the Academy from August 5 to 10, 2025 (arrivals: August 5, full-day programming: August 6 to 9, departures: August 10).
- Demonstrate a strong interest in global citizenship, sustainable development, and addressing global issues at the community or international level.
- Have prior leadership experience (formal or informal) OR show strong potential and motivation to grow as a leader in their community or field.
- Be willing to actively participate in all four days of programming and contribute to group learning and collaboration.
- Be comfortable communicating in English, as all programming will be conducted primarily in English.
- Be returning to high school in September 2025.
- Be willing to implement an action project during the 2025-2026 school year.
Application Submission
- Included in Application process for Teachers’ Leadership Institute.
Do I need prior experience with global citizenship education?
- Prior experience is not required, but an interest in global issues and a willingness to learn and lead within your school community are essential.
Do I have to be a social studies teacher to apply?
- We welcome teachers who teach all subject areas to apply!
Is there a cost to attend?
- No, the program is fully funded. AKFC covers the cost of travel, accommodation, and meals for participants attending the in-person convening in Toronto.
Can I attend only part of the program?
- Full participation in all sessions is mandatory to ensure cohort cohesion and maximize learning.
Is the program bilingual or only in English?
- The program will be conducted in English. Participants should be comfortable reading, writing, and speaking in English.
What is the commitment after the Institute?
Participants are expected to:
- Engage with AKFC’s Educator programming during the 2025–2026 school year.
- Support students in implementing an action project related to global citizenship and sustainability with a microgrant.
What kind of support will I receive after the Institute?
- Participants will receive access to a national network of educators, continued professional development opportunities, classroom resources, and more!
Am I expected to supervise students who are attending the Youth Leadership Academy?
- Teachers are only expected to supervise students during travel to and from Toronto. Once students arrive at York University, supervision is fully managed by AKFC staff and trained volunteers. A dedicated team will be on-site throughout the week to ensure student safety and support.
Can I nominate more than one student for the Youth Leadership Academy?
- Yes, you may nominate more than one student. Please complete a separate nomination form for each student. If you’re submitting multiple forms, you can streamline the process by entering your name and writing “N/A” in the required fields before the student nomination section on additional submissions.
