Backgrounder: Canada Service Corps for youth

The Canada Service Corps’ 2022 call for proposals aimed to expand the program and strengthen diversity. Canada Service Corps (CSC) projects target themes that are important to young people, including reconciliation, building an inclusive Canada, preserving the environment, promoting civic and democratic engagement, strengthening resilience and other themes that youth identify as important for themselves and their communities.

Today, the Government of Canada awarded funding to four organizations under the CSC’s Accelerator Micro-grants stream. This stream will help CSC program alumni continue to work on their service projects. The Government is contributing up to 75% of eligible project costs, and the organizations are contributing 25%. The following organizations, all previously funded by the CSC, are piloting a new level of engagement with youth who have previously participated in a CSC program:

Organization: Chantiers jeunesse
Project title: Fans d’entrepreneuriat social
Description: Through this project, Canada Service Corps alumni who have already completed a project will have the opportunity to accelerate the implementation of their ideas on social issues. The funding will enable these young people to once again develop their leadership and skills through one-on-one coaching, peer support and online training. Fostering long-term civic engagement will be central to the project.
Province: Quebec
Funding amount: Canada is contributing up to $1,171,487
Targeted number of participants: 120

Organization: TakingITGlobal
Project title: Sprout Ideas: Community Impact Fellowships
Description: Through this project, 250 Canada Service Corps alumni will have access to additional support such as learning resources, mentoring sessions, peer learning circles, and workshops with experts to build their skills and resilience. These new skills will enable them to develop community initiatives and larger projects.
Province: Ontario
Funding amount: Canada is contributing up to $2,044,730
Targeted number of participants: 250

Organization: The Association of Volunteer Centres and Volunteer Engaging Organizations of Alberta
Project title: Alberta Civil Society Emerging Leaders
Description: This program supports Canada Service Corps alumni looking to expand their ideas and continue their engagement with civil society in Alberta. The organization not only provides youth with hands-on experience in implementing community-based initiatives, but also prepares them to enter the workforce.
Province: Alberta
Funding amount: Canada is contributing up to $492,567
Targeted number of participants: 35

Organization: Ocean Wise
Project title: Eco-Action Accelerator
Description: Ocean Wise will support projects by past Canada Service Corps participants that address environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The selected youth will receive mentorship and resources to develop their projects, as well as funding to cover the costs associated with travel and implementation of their ideas.
Province: British Columbia
Funding amount: Canada is contributing up to $946,889
Targeted number of participants: 90