What is YES?

YES (Youth Engagement Scarborough) is an exciting new grant program funded by Canada Service Corps designed to empower youth to lead dynamic, community-driven arts projects in Scarborough! Through this program, you'll receive funding to cover project costs, one-on-one mentorship from a working artist, and hands-on project management training. If you're a passionate young leader eager to inspire and connect with your community through art, this is your chance!

Whether you've been writing for years or are just starting your journey, we want to support you. If you have an idea or a creative project you've been dreaming about, this program will give you the funding and mentorship to bring it to life—all while collaborating with and engaging other youth.

The program will culminate in an exciting YES Showcase, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your project with an audience in a way that is meaningful to you and your community.

Applications for our current writing cohort have closed, but check back here for our next cohort application period!

ABOUT YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SCARBOROUGH

What You Get 

  • A grant between $1,000 – $5,000 to fund your project

  • Mentorship from a professional artist

  • Hands-on project management and creative training sessions

  • A chance to engage your community & connect with other young artist leaders

  • A showcase to share your artistic project

Who Can Apply?

  • Youth (ages 15-30) with a connection to Scarborough

  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and youth with a granted refugee status

  • Arts-based projects that engage multiple youth in the community

  • No prior professional writing or project management experience needed—just passion and creativity!

  • Priority will be given to:

    • Indigenous youth

    • Visible minority/racialized youth

    • Youth with disabilities

    • 2SLGBTQ+ youth

    • Newcomer youth

    • Youth from official language minority communities (OLMC)

    • Youth living in rural or remote areas

    • Youth from low-income households

Not sure if you qualify? Reach out! ✉️ outreach@guildfestivaltheatre.ca

What Kind of Projects Does YES Support?

YES supports youth-led arts projects that incorporate themes of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.

Each project creates volunteer opportunities for other youth to gain hands-on experience in various artistic and community engagement roles.

Questions? Email program manager Ganesh Thava at outreach@guildfestivaltheatre.ca

 
 

YES is funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 12–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps