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Youth Research Academy

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A group of youth aged 16 to 27 with experience in the government care system in BC who are trained to carry out research projects on the health of youth in and from government care.

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ABOUT THE YRA

The Youth Research Academy (YRA) is a program for young people aged 16–27 with experience in the government care system in BC. Over a 10-month cohort, members of the YRA learn skills in community-based research, and are supported to carry out research projects of interest to youth in and from government care and the agencies that serve them.


YRA members also build other employment and life skills, like financial literacy, professional communication, working independently and in a team, and conflict resolution.


YRA cohorts have presented their research to support staff and decision-makers in community organizations, health authorities, and municipal and provincial governments. They have also shared data and their own perspectives to inform policies and programs impacting youth in and from care in BC. 

ABOUT THE YRA

The Youth Research Academy (YRA) is a program for young people aged 16–27 with experience in the government care system in BC. Over a 10-month cohort, members of the YRA learn skills in community-based research, and are supported to carry out research projects of interest to youth in and from government care and the agencies that serve them.


YRA members also build other employment and life skills, like financial literacy, professional communication, working independently and in a team, and conflict resolution.


YRA cohorts have presented their research to support staff and decision-makers in community organizations, health authorities, and municipal and provincial governments. They have also shared data and their own perspectives to inform policies and programs impacting youth in and from care in BC. 

YRA REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS

Browse the YRA's recent releases, which share findings from each cohort's research projects and use data from the BC Adolescent Health Survey and Youth Transitioning Out of Care Study. 


Find more YRA materials in the Resource library.

Supports in the spotlight II: Supporting BC youth in and from government care
Using 2023 BC AHS data, this report identifies supports that can help youth in and from care to experience more positive health and well-being.
Youth Transitioning Out of Care in Metro Vancouver: 2025 update
The second report prepared for TRRUST Collective Impact, sharing updated findings from youth leaving care in Metro Vancouver.
2024 Youth Research Slam: Violence prevention and safety promotion
Supported by the YRA, 15 youth gathered for 5 days in the fall of 2024 to analyze 2023 BC AHS data on violence prevention and safety promotion.
Youth Transitioning Out of Care in BC: Fall 2024 update

Prepared by the ninth YRA cohort, this report shares updated findings from the YRA-led longitudinal study of the experiences of young people as they transition out of government care in BC.

Celebrating a decade of the YRA

In 2026, McCreary celebrated 10 years (and 10 cohorts) of the Youth Research Academy. For a decade, the YRA has brought together young people with lived experience of the government care system in BC and supported them to develop skills, build connections, and contribute to improved outcomes for youth in and from care across the province.


To mark this milestone, McCreary hosted an event for YRA alumni to reflect on all that had been accomplished over the years, and celebrate the continued impact of the YRA's work on supports for youth in and from care in BC.

Lessons from 10 years of the YRA

McCreary has also learned a lot over those 10 years, and we have created a guide and accompanying toolkit to share those learnings to help other groups meaningfully engage youth with lived experience in the research that affects them.