The Toronto Youth Cabinet, The Neighbourhood Group, The Neighbourhood Organization, UofT’s School of Cities, First Work and Toronto Community Housing are collectively advocating for the implementation of a City of Toronto Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) to address systemic barriers and offer accessible, meaningful and gainful employment and career pathways for youth.

The project goals include getting the City of Toronto to invest an initial $50 million towards the development of a SYEP that provides an additional 10,000 summer jobs by summer 2025. This program would require a cross-sectoral approach that includes the private sector, nonprofit and the City as an institution that must increase youth hiring, along with their agencies, boards and corporations.

If implemented, this program will provide Black, newcomer, Indigenous youth and youth living in TCH housing and priority neighbourhoods aged 15-24 with capacity building opportunities including mentorship, networking and wraparound support. Newsource