How it works

How ASCEND Works 

1. Organizations apply to become employers and youth apply to become participants. Both applications for the spring 2026 cohort are now open, and the deadline to apply is March 15, 2026. 
2. The ASCEND team reviews the applications and contacts both employers and youth to let them know if they have been approved or not. Community Engagement Counsellors will work with organizations and youth to find out any needs, accommodations required, barriers, challenges, etc. to assess what will help placements be successful and beneficial/realistic for everyone. 
3. Employer organizations and NEET youth are matched based on referrals, location, needs, etc. 
4. Youth participants complete 70 hours of virtual pre-employment training arranged and coordinated by the ASCEND team. Youth participants are paid a training allowance by ASCEND (minimum wage equivalent) during these three weeks of training. Training for the third cohort is set to start March 30, 2026. 
5. Youth begin their work placements, with weekly check-ins with Community Engagement Counsellors. Counsellors will also maintain contact with the host employers to ensure they are also supported in working with their NEET youth placement.