Canada Service Corps service placements

The YRES Youth Volunteer Success (YYVS) program aims to empower youth between the ages of 12 to 30, from Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+ , and those from rural or low-income backgrounds, to cocreate service placements and address pressing social issues across Toronto, York Region, and Ottawa. This project targets 1,070 flexible service placements in three cohorts and each opportunity will be 120 hours. Through these opportunities, youth will gain access to the knowledge, skills, tools, and support systems needed to successfully complete their placements. The program not only fosters personal and professional growth but also contributes to the well-being and resilience of communities by addressing community-based issues.

Flexible,

The U+ Youth Volunteer Connect, aims to empower 335 youth between the ages of 12 to 30 and address pressing social issues across Toronto and York Region, Ontario. Each flexible service placement opportunity will be 120 hours for a total of 40,200 hours responding to the following service themes: Building an inclusive Canada and Strengthening youth resilience. Our target audience is 335 youth participants with 50% participation from Indigenous and underserved communities (including Black and racialized youth, Youth with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, Newcomer youth, Youth from Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC), and Youth from low-income households) completing meaningful service placement opportunities.

Flexible,

The Career Foundation's Thrive program engages with youth aged 16 to 30, particularly from underrepresented and Indigenous groups, across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. The primary objective is to empower youth with valuable skills and experiences, foster civic engagement and social inclusion. The initiative will involve the recruitment, preparation, and allocation of youth participants into youth councils, each comprising 2 to 6 members. These councils will be strategically placed in volunteer service projects with not-for-profit organizations. Throughout their service placements, youth council members will collaborate closely with their respective placement organizations to co-create service activities and/or projects aligned with participants' interests and strategically addressing community needs. Participants will be mentored and supervised during the volunteer placements. The project's activities will center around key themes, including reconciliation, building an inclusive Canada, preserving the environment, promoting civic and democratic engagement, strengthening youth engagement, and other pertinent youth-identified themes.

Flexible,

Youth CivicCorps participants are provided topical training on key social issues, practical leadership skills to apply during their placement, and well-being resources and coaching to build confidence, sense of purpose, and resilience. Participants are organized into project teams of 4-5 volunteers and matched to a pre-selected host organization. Teams are provided a project outline to personalize and craft, then execute with guidance and resources from their host organization. Measuring social impact, leadership development and personal well-being is embedded throughout the experience, and wraps up with celebration, sharing, and a recognition of service.

Flexible,

The National Youth Service Network (NYSN) is a national community service placement program where youth gain real-world experience, build transferable skills, and contribute to their communities—anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace. Funded through the Canada Service Corps (CSC), NYSN is built on an “All-You-Can-Volunteer” model designed to reduce real-life barriers that prevent many youth from getting involved—whether related to where they live, how much time they have, family responsibilities, mobility needs, language, or access to transportation. This approach enables more youth—including newcomers, youth with disabilities, those in rural and remote communities, and Canadians living abroad—to participate in ways that fit their lives. At the same time, NYSN offers flexible, customizable tasks that align with participants’ personal interests, academic goals, career development, and civic passions—ensuring that participation is both relevant and meaningful. Through NYSN, youth take part in a wide range of service activities that connect civic knowledge with real-world action. Participants can contribute through short tasks, ongoing projects, or youth-led initiatives, both online and in their communities, depending on their interests and availability. Activities may include: • Community research and storytelling • Public education and civic information projects • Digital content creation and outreach • Data collection, analysis, and visualization • Community engagement and local initiatives A key feature of NYSN is its youth-led approach. Youth are not only participants, but contributors and creators. They are encouraged to explore issues they care about and develop their own ideas. Through structured support and opportunities such as microgrants, participants can turn those ideas into tangible projects that benefit their communities. Through this process, youth gain: • Transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy • Real-world experience that supports their education and future employment pathways • Civic knowledge and confidence to better understand and engage with Canadian society • A strong sense of belonging and contribution through meaningful participation For parents, educators, and community partners, NYSN provides a practical and structured pathway for youth to apply learning beyond the classroom. Participants are not only gaining experience—they are producing work that demonstrates initiative, capability, and impact. The program also strengthens civic participation across Canada by connecting youth with real opportunities to contribute, regardless of location. By combining digital tools with local engagement, NYSN mobilizes youth across all 10 provinces and 3 territories—and supports Canadians, including those living abroad, to remain connected to civic life. NYSN offers flexible pathways for youth to participate based on their time, interests, and goals. Participants may: • Build skills through workshops (2–20+ hours) (e.g., data, communications, outreach, resume and interview skills) • Complete micro-tasks (30 minutes – 2 hours each task) Short, flexible contributions • Engage in GLOCAL projects (10–60 hours) Addressing issues such as public health, housing, environment, and community development • Develop their own initiatives (2–100+ hours) With structured support and microgrants • Participate in civic showcases (2–20 hours) At virtual, local, regional, or national levels Participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace—building skills, gaining experience, and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Overall, the National Youth Service Network helps youth move from interest to action. By making participation accessible, flexible, and relevant, the program empowers young people to build skills, contribute to their communities, and play an active role in civic life across Canada.

Flexible,