About the Youth Impact Project
The Youth Impact Project (YIP) is a collaboration between the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region (CYPT) and Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab (SWRIL). The Youth Impact Project looks to fund youth who are addressing local challenges which are identified through the 2023 Youth Impact Survey results. The funded projects include a focus on supporting youth mental and physical health, increasing feelings of belonging, and responding to climate change and food insecurity.
In 2024, over 100 youth from 15 local organisations pitched their ideas to a panel of nine youth. The Youth Decision-Making Panel (“The Dragons”) decided which projects would receive funding to make their idea a reality. In 2025, CYPT and SWRIL are accepting youth applications online, and a team of three youth are deciding which projects will receive funding.
Funded Youth Project #2: North of Normal
We’re delighted to announce that the second youth project we’re giving funding to through our Youth Impact Project is the North of Normal! North of Normal is a video series that brings together young people for honest conversations about school, pressure, identity, family, mental health and other important topics.
Inspired by Jubilee Media’s “Middle Ground,” their first episode was a discussion between youth pursuing postsecondary degrees and youth who are not. Upcoming episodes include a “Spectrum” style video about whether it’s easy to be a teen today and another “Middle Ground” episode between retired and Millennial teachers. In addition to support from our Youth Impact Project fund, they’re also supported by Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region and Catalyst137.
More about the Youth Impact Project
CYPT and SWRIL are still accepting applications for youth-led projects to get funded. We invite you to apply as soon as possible because we’re evaluating projects on a rolling basis. Visit the following links for more information: