Volunteering opportunities, for youth in particular, can build valuable leadership skills, help grow personal and professional networks, and provide valuable life experience. That is why the Government of Canada invests in volunteer opportunities for youth through the Canada Service Corps.
During National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 16 to 22, Canadians will take time to celebrate volunteers of all ages and recognize the significant contributions they make in communities across the country.
To help celebrate National Volunteer Week, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, is pleased to announce up to $4.6 million in Canada Service Corps (CSC) funding to four organizations, creating close to 500 youth-led volunteer opportunities. Chantiers jeunesse, TakingITGlobal, the Association of Volunteer Centres and Volunteer Engaging Organizations of Alberta, and Ocean Wise will receive funding under the CSC's Accelerator Micro-grants stream. All four organizations will continue to ensure the success of youth across Canada by empowering civic engagement.
CSC's Accelerator Micro-grants provide up to $5,000 to youth who have previously completed a CSC service opportunity. With this funding, youth will expand their longer-term youth-led service and civic engagement projects. For example, through Ocean Wise's Eco-Action Accelerator project, youth will be able to pursue their service projects related to protecting the earth's oceans while accessing resources such as workshops, mentorship, and expert guidance.
Young people between the ages of 15 and 30 can apply for a wide range of volunteer service opportunities that are currently available through the CSC program at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps. Opportunities will continue to be added to the CSC website as they become available throughout the year.
Today's announcement builds on the Government of Canada's ongoing actions to ensure that young people have access to meaningful opportunities to learn new skills by taking part in service projects on matters that are important to them.
