Brantford YOUth
Brantford is officially designated as a youth friendly city.
Memberships for YOUth
Learn more about memberships for YOUth that cost only $5 a year! Youth ages 11 to 17 will get access to drop-in's, lounges, gaming and more!
Programs for YOUth
Free EmPOWERing Youth for Change program
The City has partnered with Wilfrid Laurier University, to offer the Changemaker Program again. This is a free five-day intensive program offered March 13 to 17 (March Break) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Brantford Wilfrid Laurier University campus. Youth will be given hands-on opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed to design and lead community events for youth. They will work in teams to create an event for the upcoming Youth Week taking place between May 6 and 14, 2023, and will learn the practical skills needed to plan, manage and promote fun and exciting events. The program will also feature games and fun activities. Those who attend the full week, will receive a Community Changemakers Certificate upon completion. Lunch will be provided daily.
Registration is required and space is limited. Register at www.bit.ly/YouthforChange23.
Email questions to partnerships@brantford.ca with ‘Empowering Youth for Change’ in the subject line or give us a call at 519-759-4150 ext.6407.
Free Youth Employment Series
The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Brant Skills Centre, is offering a free Youth Employment Series for youth ages 12 to 18. This series takes place on February 6, 13 and 27, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Woodman Park Community Centre, 491 Grey Street.
This three-part series will help youth to identify transferable skills, develop a resume and practice interviewing skills. This series will also help interested youth to successfully search and apply for jobs. Registrants are asked to participate in all three sessions to get the most out of the program. Participants who attend the full series will receive a Certificate of Recognition. Refreshments will be provided. Limited space is available. Please email questions to partnerships@brantford.ca.
Empowering Youth Strategy
The Empowering Youth Strategy aims to ensure youth have opportunities to thrive in the City of Brantford.
The strategy was developed through extensive community engagement with local youth groups, youth advocates, and youth serving agencies. Through digital surveys, virtual discussion groups, and pop-up brainstorming sessions, three priority areas and twenty-two distinct actions were identified to guide the City of Brantford’s work to empower local youth and continue supporting a youth-friendly community. Over 1,300 local youth, parents/guardians, and youth serving agencies utilized these opportunities to share their voice and vision to inform the priorities and actions of the Empowering Youth Strategy.
To measure ongoing progress and success, the Empowering Youth Strategy commits to tracking and measuring the following metrics:
- Increase the number of youth accessing community centres, recreational facilities, and outdoor amenities.
- Increase the number of youth participating in community programs.
- Increase the number of programs run in partnership with community agencies and grass-roots youth groups.
- Increase the number of youth participating in leadership and mentorship opportunities.
Brantford Youth Council
Brantford Youth Council meets Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. 2021 have gone virtual please e-mail us for meeting link.
We encourage you to come together and represent your peers to make Brantford a better place for youth to live. Gain leadership experience while having fun and meeting new people. This is a chance to be a part of the voice for Brantford's youth while enjoying the opportunity to actively organize and plan special events across the City.
Email us for more information. If you would like to join the Council, please fill out the Brantford Youth Council Application Form.