40+ Years of Impact
When the ideas and drive of talented youth and partner organizations unite across the world, progress becomes unstoppable.
Discover what we’ve accomplished so far – and then join us to push it even further.
Lailat, a HerStart social entrepreneur on her organic farm in Zanzibar.
Bold Moves, Big Wins, Bright Futures
Our work at YCI fuels economic, environmental and social impact that reaches beyond borders. We deliver immediate results today —without compromising the needs of tomorrow.
Since 2010 alone we have invested in:
Young innovators and leaders supported to tackle the world's most pressing issues.
Partnerships with grassroots organizations, institutions and funders to amplify results.
Invested in impact grants for youth-led teams, entrepreneurs and partners.
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Volunteer hours have been completed by motivated youth to generate positive impacts in Canada and around the world.
Social and environmental innovation ventures have received training, mentorship and funding support from YCI.
Countries and countless communities representing diverse regions of the world.
Canadian young people have packed up their bags and relocated to another continent to volunteer or intern with our global initiatives.
Teams of young people have been ideating, designing and implementing creative projects for climate action across Canada.
Mentors and coaches with in-demand expertise have been connected to young leaders, advancing their personal and professional journeys.
The People Behind the Numbers
Meet the participants and partners that make these stats come to life.
“The HerStart Fellowship pushed me to go further and expand on my capabilities. Participating in this opportunity is an excellent catalyst for building your confidence and abilities while contributing to something that truly matters.”
“I never imagined that one day my business could grow to an international level, but through the [HerStart program] training I now have clients in offices and hotels.”
“YCI helped me break down how to take action in a lot of ways. The design thinking approach was neat because it guided us to develop a tangible and manageable way to do something about the climate crisis.”
“I spent years trying to figure out my path, but by pushing myself to take this opportunity, I have opened my eyes and figured out the field I want to go into. Now I get to be a part of creating life-changing and sustainable impact in people’s lives.”
“Through our partnership with YCI, we’ve gained valuable resources. We have been able to train women entrepreneurs in digital literacy and the volunteer program has brought diverse perspectives and fresh ideas.”
“EQWIP Hubs taught me how to turn challenges into opportunities as an entrepreneur. I incorporated what I liked doing with challenges my community faces. Now I can stand on my own feet, providing all that my family needs.”
“For me there was a lot of personal growth through [the Innovate MY Future] opportunity. I’ve gained a lot of skills through the workshops and the lessons that YCI and Evergreen had to offer for us, which I am really grateful.”
“I believe in the transformative power of women’s entrepreneurship. It’s amazing to see the amount of youth who show up to learn and develop their skills and learn new things in advocacy, empowerment and networking.”
Programs Through The Years
Over the past 4 decades, YCI has created synergy with youth, partners and funders to generate results that speak for themselves. Check out some of our most recent flagship programs.
2020-2028
HerStart: Innovate the Future
HerStart: Innovate the Future is an initiative propelling gender equality and economic empowerment in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda. The program is designed for women entrepreneurs to strengthen their confidence, skills and livelihoods by launching or scaling a social enterprise. Canadian volunteers contribute their knowledge and skills towards sustainable development through the ambitious goals of HerStart. Co-implemented with local partner organizations, HerStart reduces silos and drives long-term impact.
HerStart is a collaboration with 14 partner organizations in Canada, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda. It is funded in part by Global Affairs Canada.
2023-2024
Climate Futures Lab
Climate Futures Lab inspired the next generation of green leaders and innovators through experiential climate education. The program equipped over 100 youth (78% from underserved and at-risk communities) in Halifax and Calgary, Canada with the skills, knowledge and confidence to design and execute community climate projects in collaboration with local institutions and environmental organizations.
Climate Futures Lab was a collaboration with the City of Calgary, the Halifax Regional Municipality and several local non-profit organizations. It was funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.
2019-2023
Innovate MY Future
Innovate MY Future engaged 395 youth (ages 16-24) to take action on local climate issues in Ontario, Canada. In teams, they collaborated with local municipal partners and non-profit leaders to design innovative climate solutions. Climate Catalysts received training and coaching on design thinking to ideate, test and iterate their pilot projects. Participants were actively connected to mentors, networks and events to further their green careers.
Innovate MY Future was a collaboration with several municipal governments and local organizations in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). It was funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.
2018-2022
Innovate ME: International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)
Innovate ME provided 88 young Canadians (ages 19-30) the experience and insights needed to launch successful impact-driven careers as global citizens. Innovate ME Interns received tailored career coaching and completed 4-6 month placements with a dynamic partner organization based in 10 countries. Participants had the opportunity to see international development firsthand and engage in meaningful work that advanced environmental sustainability, fair governance and gender equality.
Innovate ME operated in partnership with 9 leading organizations in Djibouti, Thailand, Ghana, Ethiopia, Gabon, Liberia, Senegal, Rwanda, The Gambia and Zambia. It was funded by Global Affairs Canada.
2020-2022
Youth Climate Leadership Program
The Youth Climate Leadership Program (YCLP) was a 6-month program for youth leaders to take their climate innovations to the next level. 164 Climate Leaders were trained in design thinking, project management and climate science and were provided with resources to implement community-based initiatives with a team of their peers. Leaders accessed customized coaching and mentorship to level up their ventures and enhance their personal and professional development.
YCLP operated in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) and was funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and Bullfrog Power.
2015-2020
EQWIP HUBS: Powering Youth Innovation
EQWIP HUBs was a 5-year initiative that delivered innovative and sustainable livelihood programs to young people across 6 countries. Through a collaborative approach with local governments, private sector, civil society organizations and international volunteers, the project launched 12 innovation HUBs that scaled youth entrepreneurship and employment training, mentorship and funding for those that needed it the most.
EQWIP HUBs was a collaboration with Canada World Youth and 12 local partner organizations in Bolivia, Peru, Senegal, Ghana, Tanzania and Indonesia. It was funded in part by Global Affairs Canada.
What Can You Do?
No matter your age, background or location – you can join forces with YCI to accelerate youth innovation for good. Learn how you can elevate yourself and those around you in the pursuit of purpose and impact.
