Youth pitch solutions to problems identified in the Youth Impact Survey data. We fund their ideas.
The CYPT and the Region of Waterloo are creating a pot of funding to support youth-led projects. Stay tuned for more information about when the project will launch!
In 2024, with funding from the Region of Waterloo and United Way WRC, the CYPT and Smart Waterloo Region created a $70,000 fund to support youth ideas that address challenges seen in the 2023 Youth Impact Survey data. In 2025, we did the same thing, but accepted applications/pitches online.
The Youth Impact Project is coming back in 2027. The CYPT and the Region of Waterloo are creating a pot of funding to support youth-led projects. Stay tuned for more information about when the project will launch!
The Children and Youth Planning Table manages the project. Our Youth Decision Making Team assesses the pitches, and then the CYPT distributes funding to youth.
The Region of Waterloo gives the CYPT the funding to run the Youth Impact Project.
A non-partisan, youth-led think tank working to deliver unapologetic clarity on provincial and federal policies impacting young Canadians.
A video series that brings together young people for honest conversations about school, pressure, identity, family, mental health and other important topics.
AI workshops and hands-on learning experiences in artificial intelligence for youth, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and collaboration.
Creating and distributing art kits through a partnership with the Region of Waterloo Library and Kitchener Public Library. The goal is to improve youth’s mental health and increase access to art supplies while reducing screen time.
An interdisciplinary youth-led climate group aiming to make climate initiatives more accessible to youth in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.
Provide equitable financial assistance to students who can’t afford the increased costs of music camp, so that they can have the community building experience without the financial burden.
An 8-week program for youth living with diabetes in Waterloo Region to access weekly fitness session including walking, yoga, and strength training.
Creating dedicated youth-led and supported spaces inside larger community events. These spaces encourage conversation, interactive activities, and resource sharing.
Space to learn about natural haircare, shared lived experiences, and reclaiming pride in Black hair. The program is a culturally relevant space for healing and wellness through hair education and community building.
A hackathon that allows high school students across Canada the opportunity to explore STEM. Workshops, mentorships, team building activities, and more that guide participants through ideation, coding, and navigating challenges in a team environment.
A youth-led, two-week winter break coding and activity program for children, ages 6-11. Kids will learn beginner skills like algorithms, block coding, and problem solving – while starting a small project.
A basketball tournament to empower youth through basketball – building community, leadership, and belonging in Waterloo Region. The free-entry one-day tournament focused on sport, mental wellbeing, and mentorship (including guest speakers).
Team Teens (formerly SVP Teens) is a group focused on bridging the gap between youth and community, and inspiring and preparing the next generation of leading philanthropists. Open to youth in grades 7-12, members will do fundraising, site visits to charities, and volunteerism.
A regional youth-led events team focused on inspiring youth in the Waterloo Region to turn their passion into action, and connections into change. WCCA Youth Club creates free opportunities for youth to learn and engage beyond the classroom.
Helping teens struggle less as they experience homelessness. These reusable bags are designed to be filled with everyday useful items for homeless teens, or teens in need. Bags will be made available at locations that are accessible to teens in need.
A joyful and empowering event that brings together Black youth in Cambridge, to connect, share stories and celebrate who they are. The event will support youth to build community, confidence, and coping tools for their mental health.
A free robotics competition for high school students in Waterloo Region. Information sessions, demos and tutorials, and upgraded kits to interested students free of charge, to facilitate their participation in the competition.
Providing safe spaces for newcomer youth who may experience discrimination in the community. The sessions took place in September 2024.
This project aims to help youth push the boundaries of innovation in STEM, connect with experts, and share their ideas, building a network to foster solutions to real-world problems. This project is underway as of Fall 2024.
Get ready for Youth Fun Fest, an unforgettable day where teens can be free to play! Local performers, games, food, prizes. This event will take place on October 5, 2024.
A six-week summer program that for newcomer youth ages 14 – 18. Trades and employment workshops so that newcomer youth and their families don’t view university as their only option.
Many students go to school hungry and experience bullying. This duo is inviting newcomers to their school group where they can combat hunger and discrimination — and find belonging.
This group is using their funds to renovate their outdoor basketball court so it’s safe and accessible for everyone to play and participate.
A book club where the stories bridge understanding and connection. Focusing on books by racialized and Indigenous authors to highlight diverse experiences and perspectives.
Combating food insecurity and promoting ecological sustainability through interactive cooking and gardening workshops in Summer 2024.
Creating a suggestion box for community members to share their ideas for positive change. Interviewing community members about their thoughts and experiences.
A free soccer tournament event for 20 kids (four teams of five). The group would like to provide a free lunch, fruit smoothies and a free T-shirt. Took place in November 2024.
A beauty program teaching young women about hairstyling and aesthetic techniques, plus topics important for young newcomer women like self-care and confidence. Took place in Fall 2024.
A summer market with over 15 youth vendors! The event happened in August 2024 and with the proceeds raised over $200 for OneROOF.
The Children and Youth Planning Table and Smart Waterloo Region give innovation training to youth-serving organizations in Waterloo Region. 16 organizations attended the training sessions and began working with youth to develop their ideas.
Youth develop their ideas and project pitches to get a piece of the $70,000 funding pot. SWRIL and CYPT send out Youth Impact Project boxes to all the pitching groups. We recruit a Youth-Decision-Making Panel (The “Dragons”) to decide which youth projects will receive funding.
Pitch Party! 23 groups of over 100 youth pitch their ideas to a panel of nine youth. The Youth Decision-Making Panel deliberates, then announces which projects will receive funding to make their idea into a reality.
Youth receive funding to activate their ideas! SWRIL and CYPT support youth as they develop their projects.
Youth groups set out to make their ideas happen. In August, Harvest to Garnish and Sunset Youth Market events are held. In September, Youth Fun Fest is held. In November, Soccer, Shirts, and Snacks event and Empowering Newcomers Aesthetics Program are held.
In 2024, a panel of nine youth decided which youth pitches would receive funding to make their idea a reality. Watch interviews with them to hear their thoughts on the process.
At the 2024 Youth Impact Project Pitch Party, 23 groups of over 100 youth pitched their ideas to build Waterloo Region. Watch interviews with them to hear about their ideas and their thoughts about YIP.
The Youth Impact Survey (YIS) is Waterloo Region’s opportunity to hear directly from young people about their own well-being. But it’s more than just a survey! It’s a four-part cycle focused on continuous engagement of youth voices:
This is a three-year cycle. The next Youth Impact Survey will happen in 2026.
If you’re a young person and want to be notified when the next survey opens, sign up for our Youth Mailing List.