Youth Programs
We are striving to create a world where young girls, boys, and gender diverse youth are supported, empowered, and heard. The YWCA Halifax Youth Programs include the CUSP Program and the impactful Youth Advisory Council. Through these programs and activities, we help youth navigate challenges, build self-confidence, and contribute to a more inclusive and caring community.
CUSP- Youth Volunteering and Community Changemaking is funded by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 12–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Canada Service Corps (CSC), has given youth the opportunity to step up to embrace a culture of service that empowers them to make a real difference in their communities while gaining invaluable skills.
Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps
Program Opportunities & Information
CUSP
Youth are on the “cusp of change.” The CUSP Program is a youth-led volunteerism and community changemaking initiative focused on supporting young people in building meaningful connections to their communities. The program encourages youth engagement through volunteer opportunities, community action projects, and skills-based learning workshops designed to support personal and leadership development.
- ACTivators (ages 12–15)
- ENGAGErs (ages 16–18)
- CHANGEmakers (ages 19–30)
CUSP includes learning workshops on various topics such as healthy relationships, worker and volunteer rights, and communication and public speaking. These workshops are delivered by both internal coordinators and external community partners like Nourish and Job Junction. Youth are then placed in volunteer positions based on their interests.
- Youth in the ACTivators and ENGAGErs groups also complete Community Action Projects, exploring ways they can support their community in areas that matter to them.
- For CHANGEmakers, participation in these projects is optional.
CUSP Summer Camp
Our youth team hosts an exciting and free summer day camp where young participants embark on a journey of self-discovery, creative expression, community advocacy, and amplifying their voices!
CUSP youth will be split into groups:
- Activators (12-15)
- Engagers (16-18)
- Changemakers(19-30)
Youth Advisory Committee
YWCA Halifax’s Youth Advisory Council empowers youth volunteers to use their voices together and create lasting change as a united committee. Youth council members work together to advise YWCA youth programs and create advocacy campaigns that speak to what matters to youth today.
Junior Cohort Committee: Youth ages 14 to 17.
Senior Advisory Committee: Youth ages 18 to 26.
Today’s youth are facing never seen before challenges— climate crisis, an unstable economy, and the lightspeed evolution of technology and social media. Youth know that it’s more important than ever to build strength and supports in their communities, and champion for a brighter future.
Get Involved!
There are a number of ways to get involved as a youth!
Youth Advisory Council positions run for one year, and applications to apply open each fall. Watch our social media for application openings or email us in September!
Joining the Youth Advisory Council is a great youth volunteer opportunity in Halifax to meet new friends, build leadership skills, and make change.
Our current Youth Advisory Council will be planning events and campaigns throughout the year that you can follow online!