What We Do

YCI is where youth innovation and impact meet.

Our dynamic global team ignites and accelerates purpose-led programs, partnerships and enterprises that level up the next generation.

Find An Opportunity

Ayélé (International Fellow) leading a digital skill building training session in Mpigi, Uganda

‘Business As Usual’ Is No Longer Working for Young People

youth are unemployed worldwide. This is 3.5 times higher than the unemployment rate of adults (World Economic Forum, 2024).

of global youth are living in low-income or conflict-ridden countries, where climate change is a severe ‘risk multiplier’ (Kofi Annan Foundation, 2024).

In 4

young people worldwide are socially disconnected. Social isolation is becoming so common that it is now called the ‘loneliness epidemic’ (Gallup & Meta, 2022).

At YCI we challenge the status quo, seeing possibilities where others see limits.

Photo: YCI teams up with Gejja Women Foundation for a Partner Innovation Fund project in the community

Three women sit at a table, smiling and talking; one writes in a notebook while another holds a mug.

A woman in a red shirt smiles, holding jars and a pack of ginger in a shop with spice products on shelves.

Future-Proofing the Next Generation Together.

Youth Challenge International meets youth where they are and propels them where they want to go.

Alongside young people and partner organizations we learn fast, fail smart and turn insights into action. We curate high quality programs, signature events, insight reports and impact funds for young people and their supporters.

By joining us you are breaking down barriers and rebuilding what’s next.

A man smiles and talks to a woman at a booth during an indoor networking event.

Two smiling young women at a climate protest hold a “There is no Planet B” sign and a flag with a face on it.

A woman arranges yellow and pink sticky notes on a large sheet of paper on a table.

Judith, a HerStart entrepreneur in Tanzania conducting a business planning exercise for her social enterprise.

Our Approach: Accelerating Youth Innovation for Good

Accelerate
We provide the tools, resources and spaces to catalyze ideas, networks and business models that amplify impact. We are forward-thinking, always looking two steps ahead.

Youth
We work with – and for – young people who are aspiring (or current) impact leaders and entrepreneurs, with ambitions to build sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities.

Innovation
We create spaces for incubating bold new ideas and scaling results. We have an insatiable appetite for risk, failure and learning. We push boundaries and think beyond limits.

For Good
We strive for equity and sustainability in everything we do and support youth aligned with these values to do the same. We think that the economy can – and should – be a powerful force for good.

Explore YCI Opportunities

YCI takes a 360° approach to the design of programs, events and funds that boost youth livelihoods and impact. See how you can fuel real progress with us.

Summit for Impact HerStart: Innovate the Future HerStart International Fellowships Climate Action 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, while accelerating youth innovation for good. YCI provides all of the logistics, support and motivation that you need to complete bucket list experiences with impact! Check out the upcoming Mt. Kilimanjaro or Peru events.

Get Ready to Climb

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 we are tackling local climate issues, building critical skill sets for the future and driving forward youth-led projects.

Explore the Network

A woman in a blue and white hijab stands by an electrical control panel with colorful indicator lights.

Powering Up Impact

Over 4 decades, YCI has been a problem solver, community builder and movement maker driving innovative change. On both local and global stages, we have launched countless impact programs and ventures developed for and by youth.

But don’t just take our word for it...

See Our Results

Bimkubwa, a HerStart entrepreneur in Tanzania testing her product offering.

Innovation In Action

2 Extraordinary Hikes to 'Summit for Impact' in 2026

2025-08-22

Impact Story

HerStart Fellowship Alumni Spotlight: How Tayba Grew in Uganda

2025-08-15

Impact Story

You’re Ready Now: How Miranda Moved from Graduate to CEO

2025-07-24

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.