Whether French is your students’ first or second language, you know that genuine opportunities to practise and celebrate it don’t come along every day. That’s why French for the Future exists. Our mission is to build a strong bridge between youth and the Canadian Francophonie through transformative experiences, including in their own communities.
Wondering how it works?
French for the Future offers completely free programs designed for high school students and beyond. Here’s what’s available to your students right now.
National Essay Contest
The National Essay Contest is a concrete way to put French into action. Once a year, your students have the opportunity to write a 750-word essay in French on an inspiring theme and win one of 100 available scholarships.
These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $28,000, make it possible for recipients to pursue their post-secondary studies partially or entirely in French at one of our 15 partnering institutions across Canada.
In addition to providing a chance to win a scholarship, the contest gives young people the opportunity to reflect on their journey, develop their linguistic confidence and come to the realization that French can truly open doors for them.
Polina Tulupnikova, a program participant, shares their experience:
“I never thought that a French writing contest would have such an impact on me ... but it helped me grow and gain confidence.”
National Ambassador Youth Forum
If some of your students want to experience total language immersion, the National Ambassador Youth Forum (FNJA) offers them an unforgettable experience. During a one-week period, 35 young people from across the country come together to experience French immersion, develop their leadership skills and discover the Francophonie of the host region. All costs are covered, including travel, accommodation, meals and activities.
After participating in the Forum, students become French for the Future ambassadors in their communities. As ambassadors, these young people organize activities related to French and the local Francophonie. They are thus able to reach an average of 30 to 50 people and make a tangible contribution to promoting the language in their community.
Anisa Zangiabadi, a program participant, offers their perspective:
“The FNJA week was fantastic. I made new friends and amazing connections with so many nice people!”
United Bilingual Correspondents
For students who want to practise French in a more flexible and casual way, the United Bilingual Correspondents program pairs young people of the same age but from different parts of the country. Throughout the year, participants interact in French, progressing naturally and creating real connections. Hesitation and periods of silence are part of the process. The team provides support and organizes activities to create a dynamic and motivating experience. It’s a natural and stimulating way for young people to progress in French and build friendships across Canada.
Bilingual Young Leaders
For young people who want to make an even greater commitment, the Bilingual Young Leaders program brings together bilingual Canadians aged 16 to 22. This national advisory committee allows participants to work as a team to design and implement projects that promote bilingualism. These young people also receive training in governance, project management and leadership, which gives them the tools to increase the visibility of the Francophonie among other young people across the country.
Local Forums
And sometimes, all it takes is just one day. Local Forums offer a French immersion experience directly in the students’ community. Through interactive workshops, cultural activities and games, young people are often surprised to discover that French opens so many more doors than they initially thought!
Calgary Local Forum 2025
Calgary Local Forum 2025
Held in more than 15 major cities across the country, these forums bring together an average of 200 to 300 high school students per event. It’s often at these forums that something clicks and young people realize that French can be vibrant, unifying and a source of opportunities, even outside the classroom.
Whether your students choose to write, travel, meet other young people or get involved in their community, one thing is certain: The Francophonie awaits and has so much to offer them. All these programs are completely free and designed to strengthen their connection with the French language and culture, and to provide them with unforgettable experiences.
Check out our website to learn which programs best suit your classroom context, get information on how to register your students and find out important dates.
Thank you for helping to promote French among young people every day. We’re looking forward to working with you through one of our programs.
Translated/Adapted by the Language Portal of Canada team.
