Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development

Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD) is a Black-led youth-focused Registered Charitable Organization dedicated to transforming the lives of BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color) youth between the ages of 10-24. Our program is tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of Middle School High School and Post-Secondary students. In so doing our core programs are centred around Positive Youth Development which fosters personal growth resilience and empowerment among our participants. These activities are carried out through our Academic Enrichment and Support Program as a transformative initiative designed to empower and uplift BIPOC youth nurturing personal growth resilience and leadership skills. We offer STEM engagement academic tutoring life skills development physical health promotion career guidance mental health support financial literacy and cultural enrichment activities. By fostering diversity equity and inclusion we provide a comprehensive platform to empower youth academically emotionally and culturally equipping them with the tools to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

The CACD Youth Empowerment Through Creativity Resilience and Sustainability (YERCS) Program empowers BIPOC youth primarily Black youth aged 10–24 by breaking down systemic barriers and building skills in leadership and sustainability. Running from September 2024 to August 2025 YERCS supports academic success and equips youth to become community leaders through an integrated approach in the Peel Region especially Mississauga. Program Highlights: STEM & Digital Literacy: Focus on AI green technology and the circular economy with coding data analytics and entrepreneurship projects. Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship: Workshops on budgeting investing and sustainable business in renewable energy and waste management. Creativity & Academic Enrichment: Emphasising STEM/STEAM fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. Environmental Stewardship: Activities like Repair Cafés and upcycling workshops to promote sustainability and leadership. Leadership & Civic Engagement: Workshops and projects fostering social justice advocacy. Mental Health Support: Trauma-informed support addressing resilience and systemic stressors. Expected Outcomes: Enhanced STEM skills for leadership roles. Improved financial and entrepreneurship skills. Youth-led sustainability projects. Leaders in social justice and environmental stewardship. CACD Integration: YERCS complements initiatives like Black History Month (BHM) and the TARAH Project championing inclusivity and leadership within the BIPOC community. Evaluation: Using an M&E framework the program tracks leadership growth creativity academic progress and environmental impact through KPIs and surveys. In summary YERCS equips BIPOC youth to overcome systemic barriers aiming to cultivate future changemakers focused on inclusion and sustainability.