Focus on Youth Toronto

Summer 2008

On Friday, April 4, 2008 the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education announced that the government would continue to fund the successful learning and recreation program "Focus on Youth" and would further expand the program to include Ottawa and Hamilton.

"Focus on Youth" is a partnership between the Ontario Government, school boards and local community agencies. It provides summer programming for students in identified high needs urban neighbourhoods.


Highlights of the Focus on Youth Program:

• assist not-for-profit groups deliver summer activities to help keep young people safe and active
• school space will be offered free of charge to community groups who successfully complete the application process
• 120 high school students will be hired to participate in a leadership program with the goal of attaining a job one of the participating community agencies. The work period would last 3 to 6 weeks ,
• 30 students will be hired to perform custodial work in the schools during the summer for a period of up to six weeks.

Community Organization Application Process:

Applications may be completed on line on this website. Please note the drop down list of schools listed on the application form that may be available this summer. Applications may be completed now and the deadline is June 1, 2008. The proposed programs will be provided from July 2nd to August,15th.

Students do not apply to the school board but rather enquire at their school through their Guidance Counsellors or Principals. Detailed information will be sent to the schools in the identified neighbourhoods. Principals and counsellors will be requested to recommend students who would benefit from these programs. Previous participants will be considered for a second year.

TCDSB Contact:

Bill Jesty
416-222-8282, ext. 2129 (phone)
416-229-3745 (fax)