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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:

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Young innovators and leaders supported to tackle the world's most pressing issues.

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Partnerships with grassroots organizations, institutions and funders to amplify results.

$M+

Invested in impact grants for youth-led teams, entrepreneurs and partners.

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A woman presents ideas on a large paper to a group at an indoor innovation event.
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Volunteer hours have been completed by motivated youth to generate positive impacts in Canada and around the world.

Smiling woman holding jars of peanut butter cookies and peanut butter chocolate spread outdoors.
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Social and environmental innovation ventures have received training, mentorship and funding support from YCI.

Countries and countless communities representing diverse regions of the world.

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Canadian young people have packed up their bags and relocated to another continent to volunteer or intern with our global initiatives.

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Teams of young people have been ideating, designing and implementing creative projects for climate action across Canada.

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Mentors and coaches with in-demand expertise have been connected to young leaders, advancing their personal and professional journeys.

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.

Smiling person in a purple HerStart shirt stands outside by an orange wall on a sunny day.

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.

$M
In funding from the Government of Canada.
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Young women trained in social entrepreneurship, human-centred design and community leadership.
$+
Invested in validating or growing women-led social businesses through the HerStart Catalyst Fund.
International and national volunteers contributing their time, energy and skills through 3 and 6 month placements.
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HerStart is a collaboration with 14 partner organizations in Canada, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda. It is funded in part by Global Affairs Canada.

Smiling woman with arms raised stands behind a Youth Climate Action booth with information and displays.

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.

$
In funding from the Government of Canada.
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Hours of volunteer time invested by young people in local climate action initiatives.
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Almost all participants reported improved skill sets, in areas like design thinking, team work and outreach.
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Additional community members were directly engaged in the youth-led climate projects.
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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.

Six women smiling and holding a large project poster titled "Innovate My Future" in a bright indoor setting.

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.

$M
In funding from the Government of Canada.
Innovative projects on topics ranging from sustainable fashion to ecosystem conservation.
Volunteer hours invested back into their local communities by Climate Catalysts.
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Community members actively engaged with the youth-driven climate initiatives.
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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.

A smiling woman in glasses and a black t-shirt leans forward in an office with orange curtains.

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.

$M
In funding from the Government of Canada.
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All interns had increased confidence in their employment skills.
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Hours of support contributed by interns for partner organizations in 10 countries.
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Almost all interns directly benefitted from the job search skills gained.
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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.

Four people sit around a paper with a lightbulb drawing, writing on colorful sticky notes in quadrants.

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.

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In funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Additional youth recruited and contributed to the youth-led teams.
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The majority of Climate Leaders identified as a visible minority, low-income family member or newcomer.
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Most participants gained invaluable skills in areas like communications, project management and climate knowledge.
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YCLP operated in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) and was funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and Bullfrog Power.

Six people, smiling, sit together on stairs in a group photo, some wearing white polo shirts with logos.

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.

$M
In funding from the Government of Canada.
Young people upskilled in leadership, employment readiness and entrepreneurship.
Hours of volunteer time contributed by 526 international volunteers.
Youth innovators received grants to launch or scale their businesses.
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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.

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