Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) Program
Newcomer Youth Leadership Development
Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) is designed to help newcomer youth aged 13–30 have a positive settlement experience and become engaged members of the community. NYLD offers a safe, supportive, and fun environment where you can meet new people, build new skills, and get involved in your new home.
First, check out the locations listed below to decide which works best for you. Then you can:
- Contact an NYLD advisor by calling a number listed below, OR
- Go to the location you'd like to join and complete the registration forms.
Our Locations
- Brampton YMCA: 905-276-9322 ext. 31208
- Mississauga YMCA Employment and Community Services: 905-276-9322 ext. 31208
- Etobicoke YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services: 416-741-6994 ext. 30237
- Central YMCA: 416-975-9168 ext. 32408
- North York YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services: 416-630-0330 ext. 31090
- Scarborough Centre YMCA: 416-609-0218 ext. 30048
- Kingston Road YMCA: (NYLD Program temporarily located at Victoria Park and Maine until this centre opens)
- NEW: East York Community Centre: 647-802-9400
- Located at: 1081 Pape Avenue 1/ 2, Pre-school room. Open to all refugee youth ages 12-19
NYLD is a free leadership-based settlement program for newcomer youth, aged 13–30, focusing on settlement and integration, skill development, volunteerism, and community involvement.
We run year-round, offering after-school weekly programs that include:
- Leadership training
- Social, creative, and recreational activities
- Visits to popular city attractions
- Volunteering at the YMCA and in the community
- Workshops from staff and guest speakers on a variety of topics
- Celebrations for special occasions, holidays and festivals
- Youth-led special events
At NYLD, you’ll find an inclusive space to grow, connect, and become a part of a vibrant community. You can look forward to:
- Making new friends and building lasting friendships
- Practising and improving your language skills in a fun and supportive environment.
- Learning about Canadian culture and society while exploring the city
- Becoming a leader and expressing your authentic voice
- Gaining volunteer experience and completing your high school 40-hour requirement while making a meaningful impact
- Building valuable skills, such as teamwork and social skills, that will help you succeed in school
- Exploring mentorship and pre-employment training to prepare for future job opportunities
- Getting involved in your community by participating in local events, initiatives, and projects that make a difference
Contact Us
What people are saying.
NYLD mentors awarded Ted Rogers Scholarship for outstanding community leadership
Rising to the challenge: How a young newcomer unlocked his leadership potential
Gain practical work experience and give back to your community through the NYI Program!
"It helped me grow so much as a person, and all of the memories I have from the program are so positive and made my experience unforgettable," says former youth intern, Samet.
Benefits
- Strengthen your leadership skills by supporting a youth advisor during NYLD activities
- Make a difference by developing and facilitating your own community project
- Build your teamwork skills by working on a group project with other interns
- Become employment-ready by attending valuable professional development workshops and training sessions
- Earn a competitive hourly pay rate
Customize Your Internship
Youth interns have the choice to focus on one of the four following streamlines:
- Outreach and Promotion
- Program Development and Facilitation
- Program Evaluation and Reporting
- Not-for-Profit Administration
If you have questions about the NYI Program, please get in touch with your NYLD youth advisor.
Attention Teachers, Settlement Workers, Youth Workers and Students!
Would you like our staff to deliver a workshop in your class, library or community organization? Our Learn and Lead workshop series for newcomer youth offer a great variety of topics to choose from, including leadership, communication, volunteering, post-secondary education, Canadian culture and more. Check out our flyer (PDF) for more details!
Questions?
Generous Support From:
