Province investing more than $13 million into initiatives for youth

Mississauga | Ontario | Latest News |

By

Published June 25, 2020 at 6:03 pm

school3

The Ontario government is planning to invest millions into community-driven and youth-led projects aimed at helping children, youth, and families, particularly those facing economic and social barriers.

In a statement today, the government said that more than $13 million in funding will be allocated through the 2020 Youth Opportunities Fund, a province-wide initiative focused on creating opportunities for young people in Ontario.

This year, the funding will be split up between 43 community organizations and projects, including:

  • Black Moms Connection: Focusing on economic empowerment for Black mothers across the GTA
  • Immigrants francophones d’Afrique pour l’intégration et le développement (IFAPID): To support newcomers from Francophone African nations to navigate financial systems in Canada
  • Earthling Art Collective: To provide development and mentorship opportunities for youth leaving care and the justice system in Thunder Bay
  • Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment & Training: To help Indigenous youth in the GTA access employment and training opportunities in the skilled trades

“It is our responsibility as government to support our young people and help them find a path to lifelong success,” said Premier Doug Ford.

“This funding will enable youth across the province to develop the skills they need to be better engaged in school, empower girls and young women to lead, address racism and discrimination, and give young people access to the programs that will help them become the next generation of leaders and community builders.”

According to the province, the Youth Opportunities Fund provides funding through three granting streams: Youth Innovations focused on helping youth, Family Innovations to support parents, guardians and caregivers, and System Innovations which aim to improve systems so they work better for young people.

“The Youth Opportunities Fund is a way for our government to form partnerships with grassroots projects and community leaders who are creating change. Together, we can build an Ontario that gives everybody an equal chance to succeed,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

More information on the Youth Opportunities Fund can be found at otf.ca/yof.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising