The Young Leaders Summit will inspire a new generation of public transit leaders, users and advocates as we build a more sustainable and equitable future. The summit will be held in Edmonton, Alberta, from November 10-12, 2023. It’s a unique opportunity for undergraduate students, graduate students, new grads and early career professionals to learn, share ideas and connect with peers and industry professionals.

If you are 18 to 28 years old, or an early career professional, don’t miss this opportunity for an all-expenses-paid experience (except for a nominal registration fee) with travel, accommodations, meals, summit participation, and in-town transportation. Applicants must reside in Canada, and have a keen interest in public transit, sustainable transportation, advocacy and leadership.

Applications for the Young Leaders Summit opens July 4, 2023.

The early-bird application deadline is July 26, 2023, which enables shortlisting of applicants. The final application deadline is on August 11, 2023.

We expect to complete the evaluation of YLS applications by mid-September, and will be notifying applicants by no later than September 15th, 2023.

For additional questions, contact yls@cutaactu.ca. We look forward to receiving your application!

Sincerely,

CUTA Young Leaders Summit Organizing Team

1. Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be Canadian residents and be at least 18 years of age as of November 8, 2023. Overall, up to 80 applicants may be selected.

The following persons are invited to apply:

  • University and college undergraduate degree students in their upper years (i.e., 3rd, 4th and greater years)
  • Students enrolled in masters programs with limited experience working in a related profession
  • New graduates/professionals in their first few years of work (i.e., 1st and 2nd years of professional work)

The CUTA Young Leaders Summit aims reflect the diversity of Canada’s communities and the public transit industry. This diversity includes:

  • Educational backgrounds (planning, engineering, architecture, communications, trades etc.)
  • Life stages (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, new grads, and new professionals)
  • Geographic (provincial, territorial and municipal jurisdictions of Canada)
  • Gender identities and sexual orientations (e.g., LGBTQ2S identifying persons)
  • Cultural backgrounds (e.g., Indigenous, Asian, South & Central American, African, Afro-Caribbean

Sharing these details in your submission is appreciated and will help the for the selection committee ensure diverse representation at the summit. Your personal information is protected under CUTA’s Privacy Policy.

Participants from previous national or regional CUTA Youth Summit events are not eligible to participate; however, they may be considered for roles as speakers, volunteers, or facilitators. If you are interested in taking part in this way, please indicate your interest by contacting yls@cutaactu.ca

2. Application Requirements

All personal information and supporting documentation are to be submitted at https://event.fourwaves.com/cutayls/submission

Supporting documentation includes:

  1. Application Essay: 2 pages, 1,500 words, single-spaced, OR a YouTube video. See section 4 for details.
  2. Resume/CV. 2-page maximum, file size 1MB or less
  3. Completed application form. https://event.fourwaves.com/cutayls/submission

There is no fee to submit a delegate application to attend the Young Leaders Summit. If your application to attend is successful, a nominal fee will apply to secure your registration. The fee structure is as follows:

  • Students: $100
  • Early-career Professionals: $200

Delegates must be willing to travel to the summit with travel options provided for their region - intercity bus, use of their own vehicle and be reimbursed mileage at a pre-determined rate or by air for select locations only.

3. Application Timeline

  • July 4, 2023 - Applications Open
  • July 26, 2023 - Early Bird Deadline. Applicants who apply by this deadline will be shortlisted.
  • August 11, 2023 - Final Applications Close
  • August 21, 2023 - Successful applicants notified
  • November 10-12, 2023 - CUTA Young Leaders Summit in Edmonton, Alberta

4. Application Essay

Part 1: About You

Max 500 words.

A. Your experience and goals. (Max 250 words)

  • What experience do you have in sustainable urban transportation and/or urban issues?
  • Describe the skills and qualities that make you a suitable candidate for the upcoming summit.
  • Are you interested in pursuing a career in sustainable transportation or related fields? If so, which area(s)?

B. Your life and sustainable transportation. (Max 250 words)

  • What role does sustainable urban transportation play in your life?

Part 2: Your Views

A. Challenges and opportunities in sustainable transportation. (Max 250 words.)

  • In your view, what are the challenges and opportunities in sustainable transportation in your own community?
  • How would you work with your local transit system and other important local stakeholders to encourage sustainable transportation in your community post-summit?
  • Briefly explain your goals, interest and motivation for taking action and what you think you will need to meet your objectives.

B. Promoting transit for your peer group (18-28 years olds and/or early career professionals). (Max 250 words).

  • In your opinion, how can the transit industry best promote the use of public transit as a lifestyle choice for your peer group (18-28-year-olds and/or early career professionals)? What should the transit industry be doing? Why?

Part 3: Your Plan for Action

Max 500 words or a YouTube video

A. Your Vision.

  • What is your vision for increasing the use of public transit and other forms of sustainable transportation to improve sustainability and quality of life in our cities and communities?

B. Vision in Action

  • Describe your idea(s) for making your vision a reality through a sustainable transportation project or initiative.

C. Plan for Action

  • What resources and skills do you hope to acquire through your participation at the Youth Summit to assist you in launching this project or initiative?
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