YOUTH RISING ABOVE

DiscoverU (Skill Development Program): Participants will receive an in-depth behind the scenes (virtual) look at what it takes to showcase world class exhibits at the ROM while appealing to diverse audiences. Youth will learn about 'Leadership from Every Seat' as they explore how project management works at the ROM and how everyone contributes to the museums overall success...and how this can apply in your own lives! Additionally participants will learn about work-life balance self care and failure...and how these are integral components to positive growth. Lastly all participants will have the opportunity to showcase their own 'museum exhibits' amongst their peers as they learn about inclusion and communication. Rising Together (Peer Mental Health Group Sessions): Our peer support groups aim to improve the overall mental well-being of youth by offering a supportive space to talk about the things that impact our mental health. Groups are formed by a community of peers who actively participate in providing one another with non-judgemental and active listening emotional support and empowerment in exploring individual paths to wellness. Each peer support session is led by 2 trained facilitators whose role it is to create an open welcoming space for group participants to interact with one another while they learn coping strategies gain insight into their own feelings and experiences and give and receive support and encouragement. GoTheDistance (6-month mentorship program): Youth Rising Above’s GoTheDistance Mentorship Program is a 6-month one-to-one mentoring program that offers opportunities to youth ages of 16 and 24 to receive thoughtful and authentic guidance in the areas of Career Development Education or Life Skills! In keeping with Youth Rising Above’s mission to provide young people with the opportunity to live wholesome successful and enriching lives this program will propel mentees to set personal goals; network with dedicated mentors; and discuss ways in which they can maximize their growth knowledge and positive development; while leading to increased overall success and well-being. BeYou Women's Program: BeYou is a 5 session personal development program for female-identifying youth. BeYou focuses on topics such as: Resilience Growth Mindsets Healthy Relationships and Self-Esteem. Each cohort will also participate in a 'Passion Project'.

In 2024 we focused on strengthening operational efficiencies to maximize resources and ensure the majority of our funding directly served youth despite the challenging landscape of charitable giving and rising fixed costs due to inflation. We enhanced our program curriculum by incorporating valuable feedback from youth ensuring that our services remained relevant and impactful. Despite financial constraints we continued to deliver existing programming in innovative ways to continue to meet the needs of youth. Additionally we prepared for the launch of new career development workshops shaped by youth input which are set to begin in Q1 2025. To ensure sustainability and long-term impact we collaborated extensively with youth partners board members and stakeholders to develop a five-year strategic plan scheduled for launch in Q1 2025. This plan focuses on creating a deeper impact through relationship-based programming for youth that is both sustainable and continues to have a transformative impact in the wider community. Recognizing the need for robust financial support we prioritized fund development efforts by establishing a new committee and launching an end-of-year fundraising campaign to address inflationary pressures and sustain our work. These efforts position us to continue supporting youth while planning for a sustainable future.