Healthy Communities • YMCA Newcomer Programs • YMCA Volunteers • YMCA Youth Programs
YMCA’s Lance and Dexter win Ted Rogers Fund Scholarship
06 September 2018 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Dexter and Lance are the latest winners of the Ted Rogers Scholarship Fund, presented to bright young leaders making contributions in their local community. They learned about the award through their advisors at the Newcomer Youth Leadership Development Program, where they both volunteer. I had a chance to talk to both winners, and they shared their stories about how the opportunity to lead has changed their lives.
Both Dexter and Lance heard about the YMCA as a volunteer opportunity through their friends, as a way to complete the 40 community involvement hours required to graduate from high school in Ontario. Dexter said that what attracted him to the Y was the activities and the people; the program leaders made him feel welcome, and he didn’t feel judged when talking to Y staff. He also enjoys the connection and the sharing of stories and experiences at NYLD activities, and working with fellow leaders to help newcomers to Canada adjust to the environment and culture, and everything that comes with a new country.
Lance volunteers with a lot of programs at the YMCA. He has been an NYLD member and mentor, part of Teen Night council, and also completed a placement as a Child Minding assistant in our Health & Fitness program. Through it all, he gained leadership skills and experience, and as an NYLD mentor, he was part of planning out his group’s activities and projects.
Both winners are now planning to use their scholarship to pursue educational opportunities that build on the experiences they’ve had at the Y. Lance is considering the Fitness & Health Promotion program at Humber College, which he learned about through YMCA staff he met as a volunteer and placement student. Dexter is interested in helping new immigrants to feel welcome, and is looking into postsecondary social services and personal counsellor programs He’s been able to develop an appreciation and compassion for those who need help, and is excited about being able to be a part of the solution moving forward.
If you are interested in volunteering at they YMCA or with NYLD, read about our volunteer opportunities.
Both Dexter and Lance heard about the YMCA as a volunteer opportunity through their friends, as a way to complete the 40 community involvement hours required to graduate from high school in Ontario. Dexter said that what attracted him to the Y was the activities and the people; the program leaders made him feel welcome, and he didn’t feel judged when talking to Y staff. He also enjoys the connection and the sharing of stories and experiences at NYLD activities, and working with fellow leaders to help newcomers to Canada adjust to the environment and culture, and everything that comes with a new country.
Lance volunteers with a lot of programs at the YMCA. He has been an NYLD member and mentor, part of Teen Night council, and also completed a placement as a Child Minding assistant in our Health & Fitness program. Through it all, he gained leadership skills and experience, and as an NYLD mentor, he was part of planning out his group’s activities and projects.
Both winners are now planning to use their scholarship to pursue educational opportunities that build on the experiences they’ve had at the Y. Lance is considering the Fitness & Health Promotion program at Humber College, which he learned about through YMCA staff he met as a volunteer and placement student. Dexter is interested in helping new immigrants to feel welcome, and is looking into postsecondary social services and personal counsellor programs He’s been able to develop an appreciation and compassion for those who need help, and is excited about being able to be a part of the solution moving forward.
If you are interested in volunteering at they YMCA or with NYLD, read about our volunteer opportunities.
