We offer a range of innovative programs designed to empower young people to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. From community engagement to youth leadership, program development, research and advocacy, and partnership and collaboration, our programs provide the skills, resources, and support young people need to make a real difference.
Our Programs.
The London Youth Advisory Council
The London Youth Advisory Council is a self-governing council composed of 15 Youth Ward Councillors, aged 15-25. The council meets in a round-table format to discuss and analyze important issues, including carding, public transit, school dress codes, income disparity, and other concerns that impact their communities. Community members are welcome to attend council meetings. The councillors are elected every year in a citywide election, and they also attend community events, hold focus groups, interview local community leaders, and facilitate community development projects. The London Youth Advisory Council plays a critical role in promoting youth engagement and advocacy in London, and their efforts are making a positive impact on the community.
Youth in Philanthropy
Youth in Philanthropy is a committee of young people between the ages of 13 and 25 who play a vital role in adjudicating on youth-focused grants provided by the London Community Foundation. As a committee, Youth in Philanthropy is dedicated to supporting and empowering young people by identifying and awarding grants to programs and initiatives that benefit youth in London. The members of the committee come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of experiences and perspectives to the table. By working together, they are able to assess and prioritize the grant applications submitted to the London Community Foundation, ensuring that the most impactful and meaningful programs receive the funding they need to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Young Leaders Program
The Young Leaders program is a placement and training program designed for young people aged 18-24. The program offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to gain hands-on experience by being placed on a nonprofit board of directors for up to 8 months. During this time, young leaders will have the chance to learn about nonprofit governance, dynamic and team-based leadership, and a variety of other essential skills that will help them become effective leaders in their communities and beyond. By participating in the Young Leaders program, young people will be able to develop their leadership skills and gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. They will work alongside experienced professionals, gain exposure to diverse perspectives.
Community Action Team
The Community Action Team is an exciting program that provides young people with an opportunity to work collaboratively with our staff to design and implement community projects based on identified gaps and needs in the community. The program is designed to encourage young people to draw on their own lived experiences to identify and address issues that are important to them and their communities. Through the Community Action Team, young people will gain valuable skills in project management, teamwork, leadership, and communication. The program is team-based, meaning that participants will work together in small groups to develop their ideas and bring them to life.
Youth Connector Training
The Youth Connector Training is a specialized program designed to provide adults, mentors, and service providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support and connect with young people. The program focuses on four main learning outcomes/objectives, which include best practices for building strong and supportive relationships, ethical considerations and setting boundaries, cultural competency and trauma-informed support, and understanding the inter-sectional barriers young people face and making effective service referrals. The program equips participants with the tools and techniques to develop strong and supportive relationships with young people, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration.
We have more programs on the way.
We are constantly thinking of new ways to serve our youth, and as we continue to grow our capacity, we look forward to offering even more innovative programs in the future. Stay tuned for updates!