Policy Under Pressure is a hands-on learning program for youth (ages 18-30) looking to develop a clearer understanding of the climate policy landscape at a local level. This inaugural cohort will run March to May 2026.
Overview
From March 18th to May 27th, participants will learn about what it takes to make change happen in our local governments.
This cohort is designed to be a sprint, taking place over 12 sessions (+ a community event) across 3 months. The fast-paced nature of the program allows you to immediately put your learnings into practice. Participants will build their knowledge, skills, and capacity to engage in local policy through three core program modules:
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Explore topics related to climate action, local policy, and how local change happens in government and beyond.
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Using a multi-step process, develop a project or solution to a policy problem/project presented by one of our community industry partners. Connect with industry mentors to understand career pathways.
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Present your project for feedback, and iterate to make it the most impactful and relevant it can be!
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Share your hard work with our partners and community allies.
Whether change happens through internal policy processes or external pressures, decision-making is a fascinating space — and you could have a front-row seat!
Knowledge to Action
Our Knowledge to Action framework breaks down barriers by building skills from the ground up—no prior experience needed. Through hands-on learning and real-world experience, participants gain the confidence and tools they need to take meaningful action.
Session Dates
For the first cohort of this new program, sessions will take place at CityStudio Vancouver (1800 Spyglass Pl, Vancouver, BC) on Wednesday evenings and select Saturdays in March through May 2026.
Module 1: Learn
Session 1: Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026
Session 2: Saturday, Mar 21, 2026
Session 3: Wednesday, Mar 25, 2026
Session 4: Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026
Session 5: Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026
Module 2: Explore & Ideate
Session 6: Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026
Session 7: Saturday, Apr 18, 2026
Session 8: Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026
Module 3: Apply & Create
Session 9: Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026
Session 10: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Session 11: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Session 12: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Community Event
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Scheduling Note:
Wednesdays are 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturdays are 10:00am-3:00pm
A special thanks to our venue co-host and sponsor:
Participants brainstorming in CityHive's 30Network program
Participants at the Youth Climate Action Summit: Stories for Change
A cohort photo from CityHive's Envirolab Cohort 2
A cohort of CityHive's Youth Climate Innovation Lab
Participants pose for the camera in CityHive's Youth Climate Innovation Lab
FAQs
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CityHive’s Policy Under Pressure Program is completely FREE! There is no cost to you, and honoraria are available for those who need them.
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Maybe you! Any interested young people (ages 18-30) living in Metro Vancouver are eligible to apply. No prior experience necessary. Applicants are selected based on availability, and to ensure experience, age, and interest diversity within each cohort.
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Policy Under Pressure is led, convened and facilitated by trained youth facilitators bringing a range of lived and professional expertize. Their knowledge is augmented by guest speakers, mentors, and project partners from a wide range of industry backgrounds.
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Program sessions begin March 18th and run until May 27th. See the Session Dates section above for more details. Applications close March 1st.
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Our program sessions are pretty jam-packed. The sessions are hands-on, interactive, and encourage active participation. There will always be food, breaks and space for good conversation.
We like to say that you’ll get back what you put in. We blend content delivery and workshops with dialogue, group discussions, breakout sessions, and peer-to-peer learning. By the end of the program you will have developed a group project and presented it to the community. A great skill, portfolio, and resume building opportunity!
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You can apply using the link at the top of this page. You will have the opportunity to complete a written application using the link above. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any issues with a written application; we will assist you.
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Due to the place-based nature of the program and its in-person workshops, we require all participants to be located in Metro Vancouver for the duration of the program.
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We bring together a diverse cohort of young adults with various backgrounds. You will meet other participants who are just as eager as you to explore the realms of community engagement, policy, and climate action. You will also meet industry mentors and guest speakers working in traditional and non-traditional careers related to climate policy.
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The program is designed for you to get what you put into it. This is a project-based program where you are expected to work collaboratively with your peers and a community partner. This may require community engagement, critical thinking and some investigative research to understand the problems of local policy. You can expect to spend between 2-5 hours each week working on homework or project work (in addition to program session time).
Thanks to our supporters who make this program possible!
Want to learn more?
Contact Anjali
Anjali is the Program Coordinator for CityHive’s climate programs. You can reach out to her directly at anjali@cityhive.ca