We want to help youth succeed by providing opportunities to help them learn and grow. Through our programs, youth can develop skills that will help them achieve their goals and build their future. Youth can gain support in developing work experience, becoming involved in their community, building better relationships with others, and more. Learn about our youth programs listed below.

Aisha Addo, Youth Opportunities Fund grant recipient

Locations of programs

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  Youth Outreach Worker Program
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  Youth Outreach Worker Program

  Youth can receive help connecting to services and opportunities near them through the support of Youth Outreach Workers. Workers reach out directly to youth in their neighbourhoods and communities to make sure they know about available programs and services. Youth can access programs and services related to:

  • recreation and clubs
  • employment
  • housing
  • mental health

  Find out where your local Youth Outreach Workers are located.
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  Youth Mentorship Program
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  Youth Mentorship Program

  Mentors in the Youth Mentorship Program help youth build their confidence and self-esteem in different areas in their life such as school, work, and in their community. Mentors also help young people in:

  • improving their performance at school
  • finding employment or entrepreneurship
  • getting involved in their community

  Learn where to access your local Youth Mentorship Program.
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  Gang Prevention and Intervention Programs
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  Gang Prevention and Intervention Program

  The Gang Prevention and Intervention Program supports young people who are gang-involved, at risk of becoming involved with a gang, or wanting to leave one, to get a fresh start and help in:

  • finding a job or training
  • getting internships
  • learning about parenting
  • recovering from addictions
  • improving relationships

  Find out where youth can access the Gang Prevention and Intervention Program.
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  Restorative Justice and Conflict Mediation
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  Restorative Justice and Conflict Mediation

  With the support of community agencies and schools, youth can learn how to deal with conflict and violence with others and gain skills that will help them throughout their life. Students in the program build their skills in communication, positive social behaviour and stronger relationships through peer mediation.

  Learn where youth can get help with managing conflict.

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  Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities
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  Premier's Council on Youth Opportunities

  Youth and young adults from a variety of cultures, communities and backgrounds can join the Premier’s Council on Youth Opportunities. The council brings the voice of youth into government decision-making and provides advice to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Children and Youth Services on issues affecting youth. Through the council, youth can make a difference in the lives of young people across Ontario.

  Learn how to apply to the Premier's Council on Youth Opportunities.

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  Youth Opportunities Fund
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  Youth Opportunities Fund

  The Youth Opportunities Fund provides annual grants to youth-led grassroots groups, and youth-focused community organizations to help at-risk youth in Ontario. These grants aim to provide youth with:

  • stronger supports within their families
  • healthier relationships with peers and adults
  • more engagement in their community
  • easier access to community programs

  Find out more about how to apply to the Youth Opportunities Fund.
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  More programs for youth
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  More programs for youth

  Ontario has worked with community agencies, police and the private sector to develop more employment and entrepreneurship services and programs for youth, including:

  • Stop Now and Plan (SNAP)
  • YouthREX – Research and Evaluation Exchange
  • Youth Collective Impact
  • Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI)
  • Career Navigator

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  YouthVoiceON
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  YouthVoiceON

  We know young people use social media to voice their opinions on everything. That’s why we’ve created YouthVoiceON!

  For the first time in Canada, young people and government can have a direct, two-way conversation.

  YouthVoiceON is the place where Ontario youth ages 15 to 29 can discuss the issues they are concerned about — from finding that first job to dealing with the justice system.

  Their thoughts and ideas can influence the design of government plans and programs that directly affect the lives of youth.

  Learn more at YouthVoiceOntario.ca and follow us at @YouthVoiceON.