YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO

Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) Program

Wecome to Canada!

NYLD offers a safe, supportive, and fun environment where you can meet new people, build new skills and get involved in your new home.

Read our blog Become a Leader

How can I join?

NYLD is a free program for newcomer youth ages 13-24 who are permanent residents or convention refugees.

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

How does it work?

NYLD is a group-based program that runs year round. Newcomer youth groups meet weekly with a staff advisor to participate in a variety of activities including:

Leadership training
Social, creative and recreational activities
Visits to popular city attractions
Volunteering in the YMCA and community
Workshops from staff and guest speakers on a variety of topics
Celebrations for special occasions, holidays and festivals
Youth-led special events

Why should I join?

Make new friends
Improve your English
Learn about Canadian culture and society
Share your culture with others
Build valuable leadership, teamwork and social skills
Share your views and become a leader in your community
Gain volunteer experience and meet high school 40 hour requirement
Get involved in your community
Mentorship opportunities and pre-employment skills training

How can I find out more about all the activities?

Check out our our newsletter or watch our video.

Newsletters

NYLD Newsletter (PDF)

Rising to the challenge: How a young newcomer unlocked his leadership potential

Moses, a newcomer from Sri Lanka, found his second home at the Y.

NYLD mentors awarded Ted Rogers Scholarship for outstanding community leadership

Thanks to the Ted Rogers Scholarship, Hera and Sharla can continue their […]

NYLD makes a world of difference.

“"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.”

- Samet (Former Youth Intern)

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!