Program Overview
Every summer since 2008, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has partnered with not-for-profit groups through the Focus on Youth program to support them in delivering free or low cost summer programs and activities that keep young people safe and active.
Programs and activities are focused on:
- literacy and numeracy
- sports and recreation
- culture and the arts
- leadership development and mentorship
- programs targeted at meeting the needs of specific populations (e.g. newcomer children, street-involved and homeless youth)
Program Objectives
Our goal is to enhance high quality summer program opportunities for children and youth throughout Hamilton by:
- offering free use of school space for organized, community-based programs
- improving the quality of life for children and youth in high and moderate needs communities who otherwise would have limited access to organized summer programming
- providing employment opportunities for youth in Hamilton with a focus on hiring and supporting the employment experiences of “at-risk” youth
- providing leadership training and learning opportunities for youth employed within the program
- strengthening collaborative efforts with community partners to build capacity to support children, youth and families in our high and moderate needs school neighbourhoods
- providing as many free program opportunities as possible for children and youth in Hamilton
Program Administration
Leadership: Superintendent of Leadership & Learning - Sharon Stephanian | Manager, Partnership & Community Engagement - April Morganti
Coordination Community Engagement Coordinator - Mike Des Jardins
Program Staff: 1 Student Leadership Development Lead | 4 Project Monitors | 2 Support Staff (university students)
Board Collaboration: Support and resources contributed by Accommodation & Planning, Community & Continuing Education, Corporate Communications, E-Best Research, Early Learning & Child Care, Equity, Executive Council, Facilities Management, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Programs & Assessment, Special Education
For more information, please contact focusonyouth@hwdsb.on.ca.
