Accelerating youth innovation for good

Young people are the bold thinkers, doers and innovators of the future. Youth Challenge International invests the right resources at the right time to amplify youth-driven ideas, projects and ventures for impact.

Find An Opportunity

Two women in hijabs present a project poster to an audience at an indoor event.

A diverse group smiles holding signs for Gender Equality and Partnerships for the Goals in front of a colorful wheel.

Photos:

YCI Climate Catalysts in Canada (left) and International Interns in Ghana (right)

Shaping a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future

Real Challenges.
Real Opportunities.

Young people today are more ready than ever to challenge the status quo - but they need the right support to do it. At Youth Challenge International (YCI), we believe youth can build sustainable livelihoods while making lasting change.

That’s why we create essential tools, programs and platforms that future-proof the next generation.

Get To Know Us Better

Check Out Our Current Openings

International Program

HerStart International Fellowships

January, May, September start dates.

International positions for Canadian young professionals and students in Tanzania, Uganda & Ghana.

Learn More and Apply

International Event

Summit for Impact: Mt. Kilimanjaro

Summit Africa’s highest peak with a full support team, while investing in women-led social enterprises.

Get Ready to Climb

Invest in Innovation

Invest in the HerStart Catalyst Fund

Start a HerStart Circle of Impact to generate seed funding to propel women social entrepreneurs across Africa.

Start a Circle or Donate Now

Stay on the Pulse. Get on our List.

See the Impact. Follow Along.

YCI Flagship Programs & Events

YCI is setting a youth-centred strategy in motion, leveraging innovation to redefine what’s possible. See how you can be part of the transformation.

HerStart: Innovate the Future HerStart International Fellowships Climate Action Network Summit for Impact

HerStart: Innovate the Future

A young woman entrepreneur wearing a red dotted dress and a black headscarf, smiling and posing with boxes of Locusts Bean Tea.

HerStart is a YCI initiative that is advancing gender equality, climate action and economic empowerment through social entrepreneurship. YCI and our local partners deliver dynamic training, mentorship and funding to young women who are driving social innovation forward in their communities.

Propel Women Forward

HerStart International Fellowships

Two women smiling at laptops in front of a HerStart and Youth Challenge International banner.

HerStart International Fellowships are unique volunteer placements for Canadian young professionals and students in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda. Build in-demand skills, strengthen global networks and advance sustainable development with YCI and our incredible partners. This opportunity is funded by the Government of Canada.

Learn More & Apply

Climate Action Network

Five young people hold climate action signs at an outdoor rally in front of a stone building.

Through programs like Climate Futures Lab, the Youth Climate Leadership Program and Innovate MY Future, YCI connects 1000s of young people, partners and mentors across Canada. Together are tackling local climate issues, building critical skill sets for the future and driving forward youth-led projects with impact.

Explore the Network

Summit for Impact

A group of hikers ascend a rocky mountain trail at sunrise, walking in a single file line.

Join YCI for the adventure of a lifetime and summit the wonders of the world (like Mt. Kilimanjaro or Machu Picchu), while supporting women-led social enterprises to launch and scale. YCI provides all of the logistics, support and motivation that you need to complete bucket list experiences with impact!

Get Ready to Climb