Shaping Futures
Connecting Youth to
Value-Based Opportunities
Youth Connect Services is a Black-led, Black-focused nonprofit organization that exists to provide the highest standard of training and support to racialized/black youth in Toronto East, Canada to ensure they’re an integral part of the Canadian workforce. We operate exclusively for charitable purposes:
- To relieve poverty through support services to low-income and underserved youth and families.
- To advance education by providing skill-based training, workshops, and educational resources to marginalized youth and families.
- To promote community wellbeing by providing culturally sensitive support through social development initiatives.
Vision
Bridging the gaps in opportunity
for black youth
Laying the groundwork for marginalized youth to become contributors to the economy
Empowering minority black youth through skill-building programs
Encouraging entrepreneurship in youth from underserved communities
Transforming futures through mentorship and career counselling
Elevating youth potential through pre-employment skills training
Empowering Toronto’s Black Youth with
Employment Opportunities
Where young minds are honed through professional insight, building a skilled and resilient workforce
Mentorship
Our mentor-ship programs are aimed at fostering social skills, confidence and genuine connection by partnering youth with leaders in the community.
Youth Employment
Our employment preparation, job search activities and the Employment Readiness Program prepares youth to find employment.
Networking
Our networking services are designed to foster social networking skills and valuable connections in the community.
Our Impact So Far
We’re determined to create an environment where youth have the resources and support to change the world for the better.
500+
Youth mentored
6+
Years of Creating Sustainable Employment
15+
Programs & Services
50+
Community and Corporate Partners
Programs
Our programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by underserved and economically disadvantaged youth. We offer a holistic approach to empowerment—nurturing leadership, promoting professional success, and equipping young people with real-world skills to thrive in today’s world.
Youth Empowerment & Life Skills Program
The program equips participants with essential practical skills through workshops on financial literacy, time management, and goal setting. Activities also include conflict resolution, leadership development, and counseling and mentorship.
Upto 4 Weeks
For Free
Training Certificate
Employment Readiness Program
The program offers key job search preparation, career exploration with Black professional mentors, workplace culture training, and entrepreneurship skills, empowering youth for stable and fulfilling employment.Upto 8 Weeks
For Free
Professional Certificate
Digital Skills & Tech Bootcamps
The program provides tech mentorship from BIPOC professionals to youth. They gain hands-on experience in areas like coding, web design, media creation, and cybersecurity, while learning crucial online safety practices.Upto 8 Weeks
For Free
Professional Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Our mission is to relieve poverty, advance education, and promote community wellbeing by providing culturally sensitive support, skill-based training, social development and poverty alleviation programs for low-income marginalized youth- particularly Afro-Caribbean descent in Toronto East.
We offer mentorship, skill-building workshops, career development resources, entrepreneurship training, leadership programs, and more, all tailored to the needs and aspirations of racialized youth.
Our programs are free of charge to ensure accessibility for all racialized and economically disadvantaged youth.
Our programs are designed specifically for youth from low income Black and Afro Carribean communities.
Eligibility may vary depending on the program, but generally, youth from racialized communities aged 15-29 are encouraged to apply. Specific criteria can be found on the individual program pages.
You can follow us on social media or check our website regularly for updates on new programs, events, and opportunities.
Mentorship pairs youth with experienced professionals or community leaders who guide them, share their knowledge, and provide support in navigating personal and professional challenges.
Yes, we welcome mentors and volunteers who are passionate about empowering racialized youth. Please reach out to us on our social media handles or write to us at info@youthconnectservices.ca to learn more about the application process.
Our goal is to create a supportive environment that nurtures the growth and development of marginalized youth, helping them overcome systemic barriers and become leaders in their communities and beyond.
For details about donations, visit the Get Involved page on our website or write to us at info@youthconnectservices.ca. You can also give us a call at (855) 893-7003.
Our Trusted Partners
We’re proud to work alongside a network of dedicated partners who help us expand our reach, enhance our programs, and create lasting impact through mentorship, funding, job placement opportunities, and specialized training.
Addressing the employment gap, YCS helps youth secure meaningful work
Youth Connect Services bridges the employment gap by providing youth with valuable skills and resources and personalized support
Boosting Networking YCS holds LinkedIn Learning Workshops
Youth Connect Services offers LinkedIn Learning workshops to help youth build strong profiles, expand career networks and connect with potential employers.
Cultivating Connection: Youth Connect Services announces new mentoring workshops
YCS introduces new mentoring workshops to guide youth on their career journeys and provide invaluable mentorship, helping young individuals build confidence and achieve their goals.
Ways to Contribute to Youth
Connect Services
black youth of Toronto to a better future.
Donate
Volunteer
Partner With Us
Testimonials
Voices of empowerment, success, and opportunity
Tisha Brown
Simon Wilson
Noah Anderson
Community Engagement Meeting
The Community Engagement Meeting is a dynamic event designed to bring together youth, community leaders, and local organizations to discuss issues impacting young people. This gathering provides a platform for youth to voice their ideas and solutions, empowering them to become active change-makers in their communities.
Toronto Business Center
Black Entrepreneurship and Leadership Summit
An inspiring event that celebrates and empowers young Black entrepreneurs and leaders, this summit offers workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on building leadership skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and providing the tools needed for success.
Toronto Business Center
WEBINAR: Behavioral Skills for Employment
An informative session aimed at equipping youth with essential soft skills for the workplace. Through expert-led discussions and practical tips, participants will learn how to improve communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability—key skills that employers value.
Online
Entrepreneurial Bootcamp 2025
An intensive, hands-on program designed to empower young aspiring entrepreneurs. Through expert-led workshops, interactive sessions, and real-world case studies, participants will gain the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to launch and grow their own businesses.
Toronto Business Center
Financial Literacy Workshop
An educational event aimed at empowering youth with essential money management skills. Participants will learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit, all while gaining practical tools to make informed financial decisions.
Toronto Business Center
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
A special event dedicated to recognizing and honoring the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, this gathering celebrates their invaluable contributions to youth empowerment initiatives, offering a chance to reflect on the positive impact they've made in the lives of young people and the community.
Toronto Business Center