LA&PS Wage Subsidy Program

Are you a non-profit, business or social enterprise with charitable status?

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies is excited to share the development of a unique funding opportunity geared to non-profit organizations through our new Wage Subsidy Program.

Funded by our generous donors, this initiative allows for non-profit organizations to hire a LA&PS student and receive funding to provide co-op opportunities for students within the sector. Hiring a LA&PS student allows companies to build their talent pipeline and benefit from fresh student perspectives. With over 20,000 students across 100+ academic programs, LA&PS offers diverse skill sets that can add value to any team!  

Quick Links

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• Hire a LA&PS Student

Social Justice, Equity & Inclusion

Positions that will allow for effective strategic thinking, planning, action and development in social justice, equity and inclusion.

Indigenous Rights

Indigenous organizations and communities engaged with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in areas such as Child Welfare, Education, Language and Culture, Health and Justice to develop community projects. 

Economic Justice

Community organizations, cooperatives, credit unions and other similar organizations which focus on economic justice issues. 

Social Planning Toronto is a non-profit, charitable community organization that works to improve equity, social justice and quality of life in Toronto through community capacity building, community education and advocacy, policy research and analysis and social reporting. Our co-op student supported action-oriented research, assisted with policy change strategies on social justice issues at the municipal level and contributed to provincial election engagement work. Tasks included conducting literature reviews, writing and contributing to fact sheets, blog posts and research reports, accessing and analyzing quantitative data, processing data requests and supporting coalitions. The student made an excellent contribution to the research, policy, coalition-building and community engagement work of the organization. Her work helped to advance our research, policy and community engagement initiatives. As a nonprofit organization, we do not have the resources to hire a summer student. We value the opportunity to participate in York's co-op program and appreciate the generous contribution of donors who make it possible for us to employ and mentor a York University student, while providing the student with a living wage.

— Beth Wilson, Social Planning Toronto, Senior Researcher

Working at Social Planning Toronto this past summer had a big impact on both my life and studies. It gave me hands-on experience in how research, policy and social issues come together in Toronto. I was able to work on meaningful projects, such as contributing to election fact sheets and supporting efforts around PSW work and care systems. The role really deepened my understanding of issues like housing affordability and the challenges personal support workers face. I also improved my research skills, especially in making complex information easier to understand, and I feel more confident in policy discussions. Overall, I’ve developed stronger organizational and communication skills, and it’s reinforced my commitment to tackling social inequities in my studies and career.

— 4^th year student, BA Sociology

Rainbow Railroad is a global non-profit dedicated to assisting LGBTQI+ individuals in dangerous situations around the world. Our development department plays a crucial role in funding our organization, and our co-op student was instrumental in helping us secure grants and manage relationships with donors. He showed great support in fundraising efforts, particularly around institutional giving. Additionally, he was always willing to assist with various tasks within the department, from donor communication to administrative duties. His contributions have been invaluable in furthering our mission to provide safety and support to LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution.

— Michelle Jung, Rainbow Railroad, Senior Administrator, Human Resources

This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Rainbow Railroad through LA&PS’ co-op program. Rainbow Railroad aids persecuted queer individuals in finding safety, and as a gay man, being part of this mission has been deeply fulfilling. In my role, I gained valuable insights into the non-profit sector and fundraising. I managed donor relationships, attended meetings and maintained detailed records, which required effective time management and communication skills. I am also thrilled to share that this opportunity has led to a part-time position at Rainbow Railroad during the fall semester as I complete my studies. This experience has been immensely rewarding, enhancing my professional skills and reinforcing my commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.

— 4^th year student, BA Arts in Global Political Studies

Sistema Toronto provides musical and intellectual opportunities to children in Toronto's underserved communities, with the goal of inspiring transformative social action. We build stronger communities by supporting children from marginalized neighbourhoods overcoming poverty, empowering them to grow and thrive as engaged citizens and future leaders. Our co-op student had a tremendous impact on our organization. During the summer months we focus entirely on prepping for the new school year, and she was able to help us prepare marketing materials and submit proposals for funding. The summer is also the time when most of our admin staff take their vacation, and our student was able to act as a connector through those periods and kept projects moving through various staff vacations. She also helped us fundraise over the summer, and therefore allowed us to run a stronger program.

— Andres Tucci-Clark, Sistema, Chief Operating Officer

This summer, with the help of generous donations from Canada Life and York University alumni, I was able to do a marketing co-op in Sistema Toronto in the summer. This position was the first office job I have ever had, and I learned so much about not only office life and the marketing industry, but about myself and my working style. I learned how to communicate in a professional manner as well as with external parties, creating strong professional relationships. I also got experience in creating graphics and video content for marketing purposes, using the company’s language and colours to enhance the company’s brand. This internship has also helped me figure out the type of work environment I thrive the best in, as well as the kind of work that I want to do after I graduate from university. Thank you once again for the donations that allowed me to receive this experience and be better prepared for my work life after graduation.

— 3^rd year student, BA Communication and Media Studies