Since 2003 AWARE has hosted one to two youth groups per year from Belfast and Dublin in partnership with Springboard Opportunities Limited.

Springboard Opportunities Limited brings together young people from the Catholic and Protestant areas of Belfast and Dublin and provides them with opportunities to develop their vocational and personal skills.  By bringing them to Vancouver the aim is to promote international awareness and exchange; to support understanding, discussion and collaboration across communities and encourage civic leadership.

The program participants are between 18 – 29 years old.  There are 21 in each group; 7 each from the Protestant and Catholic communities in Belfast and 7 from Tallaght (near Dublin).  Programs are a bridge to further education and training. 

The first half of the program takes place in Belfast where the young people participate in an eight week training program.  AWARE provides the second half of the program in Vancouver.  The program includes orientation, seven weeks of work experience with local employers, a program of activities for learning about Vancouver’s multi-cultural heritage, and an active social and sightseeing program. 

AWARE has hosted programs focused on the Media, and Sports and Recreation.  The placements are set up in radio, TV, video, film, music and recording studios, photography, marketing, promotions, schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and with City Parks and Recreation departments.

Through these programs Springboard reports exceptional outcomes with not only 90% entering employment or further education/training but many participants seek an increased role in regeneration and development across their communities.