Youth Impact Project

Youth pitch solutions to problems identified in the 2023 Youth Impact Survey. We fund their ideas.
Youth project showcase
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Youth pitch ideas. Youth decide where the money goes.

With funding from the Region of Waterloo and United Way WRC, we and the Children and Youth Planning Table created a $70,000 fund to support youth ideas that address challenges seen in the 2023 Youth Impact Survey data.
2023 Youth Impact Survey

2024 Timeline

Learn more about the origins of the Youth Impact Project and how we got to where we are today.
April - May 2024

Youth develop their ideas and project pitch to present for up to $70,000 in funding. SWRIL and CYPT send out Youth Impact Project boxes to all the pitching groups. We recruit a Youth-Decision-Making Panel to decide which youth projects will receive funding.
July - August 2024

Youth receive funding to activate their ideas! SWRIL and CYPT support youth as they develop their projects.
January - April 2024
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SWRIL and CYPT give innovation training to youth-serving organizations in Waterloo Region. 16 organizations attended the training sessions and began working with youth to develop their ideas.
June 2024

At the Youth Impact Project Pitch Party, youth pitch their ideas. The Youth Decision-Making Panel deliberates, then announces which projects will receive funding to make their idea into a reality.
August - December 2024

Youth groups set out to make their ideas happen. In August, Harvest to Garnish and Sunset Youth Market events are held. In September, Youth Fun Fest is held.

Youth Project Showcase

Check out the youth projects that received funding in 2024!
"Book-a-pedia"
Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo
A book club where the stories bridge understanding and connection. Focusing on books by racialized and Indigenous authors to highlight diverse experiences and perspectives.
Two teenage girls standing outside with a large cardboard cheque. THey are at the Kitchener Market. Behind them is a tent that says "Harvest to Garnish". They appear to be recruiting people to join in on their initiative.
"Harvest to Garnish"
SCAWR
Combating food insecurity and promoting ecological sustainability through interactive cooking and gardening workshops in Summer 2024.
A group of young people smiling and holding a giant cardboard cheque. They are inside a room with a bright orange wall. They are popping a party popper, and the confetti is raining down.
"Voices 4 Youth"
Adventure 4 Change
Creating a suggestion box for community members to share their ideas for positive change. Interviewing community members about their thoughts and experiences.
"Soccer, Snacks, Shirts"
Langs
A free soccer tournament event for 20 kids (four teams of five). The group would like to provide a free lunch, fruit smoothies and a free T-shirt.
"Empowering Newcomers"
Kinbridge
A beauty program that teaches young women about hairstyling and aesthetic techniques, plus topics important for young newcomer women like self-care and confidence.
"Summer Youth Market"
Kitchener Youth Action Council
A summer market with over 15 youth vendors! The event happened in August 2024 and with the proceeds raised over $200 for OneROOF.
"Youth-Led Circles"
KW Multicultural Centre
Providing safe spaces for newcomer youth who may experience discrimination in the community. The sessions took place in September 2024.
"Project Astraeus"
UC GreenHouse
This project aims to help youth push the boundaries of innovation in STEM, connect with experts, and share their ideas, building a network to foster solutions to real-world problems. This project is underway as of Fall 2024.
"Youth Fun Fest"
SVP Teens
Get ready for Youth Fun Fest, an unforgettable day where teens can be free to play! Local performers, games, food, prizes. This event will take place on October 5, 2024.
"Kairos"
Camino Health & Wellbeing
A six-week summer program that for newcomer youth ages 14 - 18. Trades and employment workshops so that newcomer youth and their families don't view university as their only option.
"The Welcoming Table"
Volunteer Waterloo Region
Many students go to school hungry and experience bullying. This duo is inviting newcomers to their school group where they can combat hunger and discrimination - and find belonging.
"Churchill Basketball"
Kinbridge
In Summer 2024, this group used their funds to renovate their outdoor basketball court. Now, the basketball court is safe and accessible so that everyone can play and participate.

Meet "The Dragons"

This Youth Decision Making Panel decided which youth projects would receive up to $70,000 in funding. Together, they created grading criteria based on equity, passion for the idea, how it relates to Youth Impact Survey data, and longevity of impact in Waterloo Region.

Until December 2024, we'll be sharing updates about funded projects on our Instagram.
Our Instagram

What youth are saying

We interviewed young people who pitched and young people on the Dragon Team.
Peace
Pitcher, SVP Teens
“It being youth-led made us bond even more as a team. We learned more about teamwork, we learned more about leadership, we learned more about time management and the importance of delegation in a team.”
Wal
Pitcher, Adventure4Change
“Being youth-led, and the judges are mostly youth, we know that youth are hearing our ideas. Our ideas are for the betterment of youth and their lives within the community. It's really nice knowing that they will understand the struggles we’re talking about and the issues we’re addressing.”
Nolan
"Dragon" Decision Maker
"Having youth-led projects really separates this from other things that are out there. We're giving a lot of under-served youth the opportunities to pursue the things they're passionate about, an I think that's really great."
Youth Impact Project partners:
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