Black Youth Leadership Program
The Black Youth Leadership Program is an empowering initiative designed to uplift and engage Black youth in community and civic activities. This program, led by the Council for the Advancement of African Canadians (CAAC) in Alberta and Crown Mentorship Foundation, provides valuable resources, training, and financial support through micro-grants to foster community organizing and volunteerism. It aims to nurture leadership skills and promote a culture of ownership and accountability.
Through structured activities and mentorships, participants are encouraged to lead and deliver community-based initiatives, contributing to their personal development and the collective well-being of their communities. Central to the program's ethos is enhancing understanding and practice of democratic engagement, emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion to inspire a lasting commitment to community service and innovation among African descent youth.
Over $620,000 was awarded to 137 micro-grant recipients in Cohort 1 of through the Black Youth Leadership Program (BYLP). Youth aged 15 to 30 in Edmonton, Calgary, and across Alberta created impactful community projects from January to June 2024.
Program Framework
Successful applicants, aged 15 to 30, will receive up to $5,000 to transform their enriching project ideas from the inception phase to implementation within the community.
Youth projects are supported through the grant in two distinct streams:
Innovation, Exploration and Creation
Showcasing Cultural Heritage
Eligibility/Requirments
- Led and created by African descent youth aged 15 to 30.
- All project ideas must not be a continuation of an existing program offered by an organization or club.
- Youth applicants must identify an issue in the African descent community, propose a solution, and include an implementation process.
- Projects must impact African descent communities within Alberta.
- The individual exists independently of a larger organization (other not-for-profit), charitable organization, municipality, university, school, religious institution, and/or hospital.
- Identifies an issue, a solution, and an implementation process
- Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
*Please note, that individuals on work or study permits are not eligible.
Project Timeline
- Applications open: July 6, 2024
- Information sessions: July 11, July 18, July 25 and Aug. 1, 2024
- Grant writing sessions: July 16 and July 25, 2024
- Applications close: Aug. 13, 2024
All applications are currently being reviewed. A member of the project team will be contacting all applicants that are shortlisted.
Successful individuals must take part in a mandatory orientation session prior to the project start date with Africa Centre staff.
How to Apply
All applicants must complete the submission form according to the specified deadline above and adhere to the grant guidelines below:
Summary: an overview of your project idea supporting youth (350 words)
- Who will benefit?
- Where your work will take place?
- Purpose of your project?
Concept: describe and list all major activities that you intend to create (400 words)
Plan and budget: provide more details about your idea and the core activities you will deliver (350 words)
- How will you deliver these activities?
- How often will you deliver these activities?
- How many youths do you intend to engage in each activity?
- Share elements of your program design and considerations.
- Where will project activities take place?
- What would your project costs entail?
Subject: what needs or issues are you trying to address? (350 words)
One community reference required
- Community references are trusted individuals who will support and advise on project development throughout planning and implementation. These could be members of your community, such as elders, teachers, coaches, members of NGOs or other networks. Essentially, this is someone who can help you plan and connect to maximize your project's impact on your community. Please keep in mind that family members can not be listed as a community reference.
Two pieces of government-issued ID
If you have any questions, please contact bylp@africacentre.ca
BYLP is funded by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community.
Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps.
#CanadaServiceCorps and #LeadersToday
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