Ontario Investing $16.5 Million to Support Black Youth and Young Professionals
August 28, 2025
Province supporting next generation of Black leaders, including through skills training and career development
MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is investing $16.5 million in the Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP) for over 65 Black-focused programs delivered by community partners with a proven track record of supporting Black children and families.
“By investing in the Black Youth Action Plan, our government is helping youth and young professionals build the skills, confidence and connections needed in high-demand sectors,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Investments like these are part of our collective efforts to remove barriers and build thriving communities across Ontario where everyone can contribute, succeed and truly belong.”
Since 2020, more than 20,000 Black youth and young professionals have been helped through the Plan’s Economic Empowerment stream, supporting the next generation of Black leaders in sectors such as health, information technology, film, the arts, automotive and other skilled trades.
Since 2018, community-based and culturally focused BYAP partners have supported better outcomes for over 90,000 Black children, youth and families across Ontario. This year, over 55 organizations will be receiving funding, including:
- Youth Taking Flight (YTF) delivers engaging and impactful STEM educational experiences for young people. YTF inspires creativity, provides specialized skills training and delivers transformative programs that foster positive growth and development in youth.
- The Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (YAAACE) works to mitigate systemic inequities in the Jane and Finch community through new programs and services, including academics, athletics, character education, experiential learning, employment and violence prevention and intervention.
- The OYA Black Arts Coalition empowers Black artists and creators in the entertainment industry by enhancing technical skills, offering experiential industry training and providing access to professional development opportunities.
“The Black Youth Action Plan will empower us to continue to take our STEM programs, especially our Aerospace and Aviation training, to new heights,” said Michelle Minott, Program Development & Administration Director of Youth Taking Flight. “By combining hands-on learning, mentorship, and leadership development, we’re opening up exciting career pathways and showing young people, particularly Black youth, that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.”
Funding of these programs is part of Ontario’s ongoing plan to support Black youth and reaffirms the government’s plan to build a stronger, more resilient and competitive economy.
Quick Facts
- Since launching BYAP’s Economic Empowerment stream in 2020, the province has invested $152 million to support Black youth and young professionals, as well as culturally focused parenting and mentorship programs, wellness with preventative measures, community outreach and collaboration and more.
- BYAP’s Economic Empowerment stream supports programs such as Career Launch, Career Advance and Sector Innovation Network.
- This funding will also continue to support BYAP initiatives such as Students and Family Advocates, Innovative Supports for Black Parents, Industry Led Career Initiatives, DMZ Black Innovation Program and Black Employment Support Program.
Quotes
“We know that building a more just and inclusive province starts with investing in the next generation of Black Leaders and Professionals. Expanding the economic empowerment stream of the Black Youth Action Plan is crucial in providing Black youth, especially Black women, with the tools they need to build their careers, strengthen their communities, and achieve financial success. Black women are the heart of Black families, and when Black women succeed, Ontario succeeds. It’s inspiring to see how this program is empowering and uplifting Black women and youth, making a lasting impact on their future and the future of our province.”
– Hon. Charmaine Williams
Associate Minister, Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
“This initiative has transformed lives. Through the Student and Family Advocates program, MFRC has supported over 600 Black children, youth and their families with school advocacy, after-school programs, career development and food security. By tackling systemic barriers, this program supports academic success and helps disrupt the cycles of exclusion and instability too many families face. “
– Josh Berman
Executive Director, Malvern Family Resource Centre
“This investment is about unlocking potential and creating pathways to success. By supporting organizations rooted in community, we help ensure Black youth have access to the tools, skills and networks they need to build meaningful careers and strengthen their communities. “
– Patrice Barnes
Chair of the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity and the Advocate for Community Opportunities
“The Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (YAAACE) welcomes the government’s $16.5 million investment in the Black Youth Action Plan. This investment affirms this government’s commitment to advancing economic empowerment opportunities for Black youth across Ontario. As a Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving organization, the funding we received through the Plan has helped youth in Jane and Finch explore careers in emerging sectors, equip them with the tools they need to succeed and connect them to placements and internships. “
– Marina Nguyen
Director of Corporate Civic Engagement, Employment & Training, YAAACE
Additional Resources
Learn more about the Black Youth Action Plan