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Teens at VPL

An illustration of three teens

Related Guides

Your resource for all things teen available at the Vancouver Public Library.

Education

Post-Secondary Planning

Education Planner

  • Make informed decisions about education and career options with the tools on this site. Use the Plan section to find articles and information about the different paths along the student journey.

WorkBC

  • Different jobs require different types of education and training. From trades to academics, explore potential education paths here.

BC Transfer Guide

  • Discover your transfer options in BC.

Province of BC

  • Explore the drop-down menus at the bottom of the page for a comprehensive list of your options.

Art, Trades & Technology Programs

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

LaSalle College

Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD)

Emily Carr University of Art and Design

Financial Assistance

Find sources on financial assistance, scholarships, and tuition aid in BC

ESL and Literacy Resources

Find sources on English as a second language and literacy.

Community Volunteering Opportunities

At the Library

Vancouver Public Library offers many programs that give teens an opportunity to earn community service hours for graduation. Check out the link below to find a program that suits your interests!

VPL Programs (minimum age: 13)

Search Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Connector – This site has postings galore, but not all are for teens.  On the left-hand menu, go down to Opportunities and tick "good for youth" Check the listings for location, position details, age requirements, and how to apply.

Places to Volunteer:

Minimum Age: 12

Minimum Age: Varies depending on position

Minimum age: Varies depending on position

Minimum Age: Varies depending on position

Minimum age varies and opportunities change seasonally

Minimum Age: 14

Minimum Age: 14

Minimum age: 14

Minimum Age: 15 (varies depending on event type)

Minimum grade: 10

Minimum age: 15

Minimum  Age: 16

Minimum age: 16

Minimum age: 15

Job Searching and Career Exploration

If you are between the ages of 15 to 30 you may qualify as a young worker for a number of employment programs in British Columbia. This guide will help you find the information you need to start working in British Columbia. 

This guide will help you to find information, resources, and support as you explore possible careers and seek out employment opportunities.

Business and Careers Subject Icon

A comprehensive Canadian career guide providing detailed listings of 550 occupations, including education and training information.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
Education Subject Icon

LinkedIn Learning offers video courses in business, computer technology, software, and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.

New to LinkedIn Learning? View a video tutorial or visit the LinkedIn Learning FAQ page for more information.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders

Mental Health Resources

Kids Help Phone is a website and phone number aimed at providing mental health support. You can call, text, or chat online to someone for support, as well as browse the website for more resources.

YouthInBC.com is a program of the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC. It connects youth with support, information, and resources.

The Foundry offers young people aged 12-24 health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated service centers in communities across BC.

QMUNITY is a resource centre for queer, trans and two-spirit people. Their Mental Health Hub pulls together resources for two-spirit, trans, and queer youth, including in-person support.

An online crisis and emotional support chat. They listen without judgement and keep chats confidential and anonymous.

Here to Help is a website that provides various resources and information on mental health, substance abuse, and support services.

Information to help youth manage anxiety plus info & self-help strategies.

Resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders

Kelty Eating Disorders is a website that offers resources and information on eating disorders prevention.

Jessie’s Legacy provides education and resources to help prevent disordered eating.

MindShift is an app that uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you deal with stress and anxiety.

HealthyMinds is a problem-solving tool to help deal with emotions and cope with stress. 

Calm is an app aimed at increasing mindfulness and to help with challenges such as reducing stress, better sleep, and self-improvement.

VCH has youth clinics all over Vancouver that are a great entry point into counselling and further supports for youth.

Breathr is an app for practicing mindfulness and meditation for youth.

Resources for trans and non-binary youth and their families.

Truth and Reconciliation

To support Vancouver teens in their reconciliation journey, we have compiled a resource list centred around Indigenous-authored accounts of residential school experiences.

We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to acknowledge the history and legacy of residential schools, and to come together in the spirit of hope and Reconciliation.

PDF download for the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Report

This ever-evolving list for ages 13-18 is a resource to explore Indigenous themes and history. The selected titles demonstrate resilience, joy, heartache and discovery as the characters engage with a variety of life experiences.