Leadership Programs
Through One of Our Free Leadership Programs
Build your leadership muscles with Youth Central. You don’t need to identify as a leader to participate!
Calgary Youth Foundation
Create Change, One Grant at a Time
Join the Calgary Youth Foundation Committee and create positive change while learning first-hand about philanthropy and fundraising. Here’s what you’ll do:
Promote Youth Grant Opportunities: Plan and test promotional strategies.
Grant Distribution: Assess applications and decide which youth-led initiatives to support.
Raise Funds: Design and run fundraisers ranging from grassroots bake sales to pitching potential donors.
You’ll be part of a team of up to 14 committee members, meeting every other week from October to June.
Curious about our past recipients? Learn about the most recent round of projects here.
Get Involved
Interested in joining us? Applications for the 2024-2025 program year have closed. If you’re aged 12 – 18, follow us on social media @youthcentralyyc or email cyf@youthcentral.com to be notified when applications open next summer.
Questions? Reach our Program Coordinator at cyf@youthcentral.com.
Discovering Choices Youth Councils
Build Community
You have more power than you think. Make your school and your community a better place by joining a Discovering Choices Youth Council. You will build friendships and advance a common goal. You will:
Earn High School Credits: Learn by doing and develop practical, real-world skills while earning credits that take you one step closer to graduation.
Create Community: Connect with like-minded people while you volunteer for local community groups or plan social and learning events for your fellow students.
Facilitate Fundraisers: Practice your promotional, pitching and planning skills while raising funds for local causes you care about.
Youth Council members commit to meeting weekly at school throughout an entire school year.
Get Involved
If you’re a student currently attending one of the Calgary Board of Education’s Discovering Choices Schools, you may be eligible! Talk to staff at your Discovering Choices location in September for more information.
Questions? Reach our Program Coordinator at outreach@youthcentral.com.
Mayor's Youth Council
Speak Up, Be Heard!
Connect with peers and amplify youth voices on the issues that matter to you right here in Calgary! As a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Meet Calgary’s Mayor: Get regular insider access and learn how municipal government works.
Lead Initiatives: Head up projects, resources, and events that make our city a better place to live.
Lead Initiatives: Head up projects, resources, and events that make our city a better place to live.
Curious about what we’re up to? Check out our latest initiatives, including the MYC Report, AYC Report and Free.Period.
Mayor’s Youth Council members join us every week from October to June. Make a difference, one meeting at a time!
Get Involved
Ready to make your mark? Applications for the 2024-2025 program year have closed. If you’re a Calgary youth aged 12 – 18, follow @youthcentralyyc on social media or email myc@youthcentral.com to be notified when applications open next summer.
Questions? Reach our Program Coordinator at myc@youthcentral.com.
Youth Are Awesome
Your Voice Amplified, Your Stories Published!
Take your passion for writing, editing, and asking good questions to the next level with Youth Are Awesome, the website for youth, by youth. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Write and Publish: Elevate your perspectives by contributing to www.youthareawesome.com.
Learn and Connect: Engage with guest speakers and attend workshops.
Join a Community: Meet other youth who are as passionate about writing, journalism and current issues as you are.
Each year, roughly 15 bloggers and junior editors meet monthly from October to June. Every month, you’ll be responsible for at least two blog posts. Dive in and check out our latest posts!
Get Involved
If you’re aged 12 – 18 and excited about writing, email our Program Coordinator at info@youthcentral.com. We welcome new members all year round.
Questions? Reach our Program Coordinator at info@youthcentral.com.
Youth of Distinction Awards
Spotlight the Stars Among Us!
Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to celebrating Calgary’s brightest young people! The Youth of Distinction Awards are an annual, city-wide, youth-led program that recognizes outstanding youth in eight non-academic categories. It’s your chance to let your peers know they matter and celebrate their incredible achievements and their many different forms of leadership. You will:
Promote Nominations: Help us find and select amazing finalists by gathering and reviewing nominations.
Plan the Ceremony: Gain real-world event planning experience by organizing our annual awards ceremony.
Host the Event: Emcee the ceremony, meet the inspiring YODA finalists, and celebrate the outstanding youth of Calgary!
You’ll join a passionate team of up to 12 committee members, meeting weekly from January to May, to bring this fabulous award program to life!
Get Involved
Does this sound like your thing? Applications for the 2024 – 2025 program year have closed. Follow @youthcentralyyc on social media or email yoda@youthcentral.com to be notified when applications open next summer.
Questions? Reach our Program Coordinator at yoda@youthcentral.com.
Youth Volunteer Corps
Lead the Way in Volunteerism!
Join a passionate team of young leaders who are shaping the future of volunteerism in Calgary! As a member of the Youth Volunteer Corps Steering Committee, you’ll play a crucial role in making our program more youth-friendly:
Drive Change: Review policies and design program improvements to keep our volunteer initiatives fresh and relevant.
Plan Events: Organize exciting social and learning events that engage and inspire our volunteers.
Global Connections: Every two years, a few committee members have the opportunity to travel and participate in a conference with our international affiliate, Youth Volunteer Corps!
Our committee members, all aged 12 – 18, meet every two weeks from October to June. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop leadership skills and make a real difference!
Get Involved
Sound interesting? Applications for the 2024 – 2025 program year have closed. Stay updated by following us on social media @youthcentralyyc or email yvc@youthcentral.com to be notified when applications open next summer.
Questions? Reach our Program Coordinator at yvc@youthcentral.com.