Black Youth Leadership Program
About the Program
The Black Youth Leadership Program is an empowering initiative designed to uplift and engage Black youth in community and civic activities. Led by the Africa Centre, the program provides mentorship, training, and financial support through micro-grants to foster leadership, volunteerism, and community organizing.
Through the program, participants are encouraged to lead and deliver community-based projects that support both personal growth and community well-being. These experiences emphasize democratic engagement, equity, diversity, and inclusion, while fostering a lasting commitment to leadership and service among youth of African descent.
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
Join the BYLP Adjudication Board
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have experience in community advocacy, grant writing, or working with youth?
The Black Youth Leadership Program (BYLP) is seeking dedicated individuals to join its adjudication board. Board members are responsible for reviewing project proposals, providing feedback and support, participating in decision-making, and contributing diverse perspectives.
Join the team and help empower young leaders across Alberta.
Application deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM (MDT)
Program Impact
Since 2024, the BYLP has awarded over $1,800,000 to 398 micro-grant recipients, enabling youth aged 15 to 30 in Edmonton, Calgary, and across Alberta to create impactful community projects. Projects supported by BYLP focus on leadership, integrity, volunteerism, and accountability, strengthening community engagement and capacity.
Over $1.8 million in micro-grant funding awarded
Micro-grant recipients and youth-led initiatives
Grant applications received
Program Guidelines
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Innovation, Exploration and Creation : supporting new ideas and initiatives.
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Showcasing Cultural Heritage : promoting African Canadian heritage through projects.
Participants are given opportunities to showcase their projects and share their experiences through program activities such as the BYLP Project Showcase in Edmonton and Calgary, where grantees present their initiatives and highlight the impact of their work within their communities.
Eligibility / Requirements
- Led and created by individuals of African descent aged 15 to 30.
- Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Reside in Alberta, and the project must also take place within the province.
- Apply as an individual or part of a youth group.
- One person must be identified as the primary applicant if applying as a group.
- The primary applicant will handle most communications with Africa Centre and ensure tasks are completed.
- The grant funding will be deposited into the primary applicant’s account if awarded.
- It is up to the group to decide who this person will be before applying.
*Please note, that individuals on work or study permits are not eligible.
Project Timeline
Applications for the BYLP are currently closed.
If you have any questions, please contact bylp@africacentre.ca
Resources
For all questions, please contact bylp@africacentre.ca
All applicants must complete the submission form according to the specified deadline above and adhere to the grant guidelines below:
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