The Youth Achievers program is designed to empower young people (ages 12-17) with the confidence, resilience, and practical skills that are needed to thrive as they transition into adulthood. The program will run from October - June and is perfect for youth who are interested in getting their volunteer hours while building skills that will position themselves for success in their futures.
Youth Achievers is built upon six core pillars, each workshop is designed to foster meaningful growth and real-world readiness in every participant:
Throughout this pillar, participants will learn the foundation of skills that will be required to succeed in the remainder of the program. They will learn:
o How to be adaptable and handle change;
o The importance of being self-motivated;
o How to make confident decisions;
o Active listening for relationship building;
o Setting expectations and understanding the expectations of others.
This pillar will provide youth with the strategies to achieve their academic goals. It will touch on areas such as:
o Study strategies;
o Academic Preparedness.
o Preparing for their future education.
This pillar is an opportunity for participants to learn strategies to be prepared for their short-term and long-term career goals. It will discuss topics such as:
o Dealing with Failure and Uncertainty;
o Trying Different Things for Diverse Skills;
o The Importance of Networking & Relationship Building;
o Employment Logistics: Resumes & Interviews, Etiquette, Workplace Safety, First Aid & CPR Certification, Employment Standards.
Youth will acquire the “hands-on” skills that are needed to manage a household. They will learn important skills such as:
o Use of Tools;
o How to sew and take care of clothing;
o Cooking: Hygiene and How to;
o Financial Literacy: Budgeting, opening a bank account, understanding your credit, etc.;
o Living alone: How to be a good neighbor, how to be a good tenant, keeping things clean, paying bills.
Throughout this pillar, youth will acquire verbal and non-verbal communication skills that will allow them to develop positive relationships and manage difficult situations. Topics will include:
o Communication;
o Adaptability & Regulation;
o Overcoming obstacles.
This pillar modelled after our YMCA HBB Youth Engagement Series, will provide participants with the tools to navigate the challenges within their community, social media to keep youth safe. As well as giving participants the opportunity to build relationships with community organizations. Participants will undergo workshops covering:
o Healthy relationships;
o Media Literacy & Online Safety;
o Substance Use & Misuse;
o Guns and Gangs;
o Positive Relationships with the police.
Interested in joining the program?
Complete the form below to join the Youth Achievers program.