What is YES?
Youth Engagement Scarborough (YES) is an exciting new grant program designed to empower youth to lead dynamic, community-driven arts projects in Scarborough! Through this program, you'll receive funding to cover project costs, one-on-one mentorship from a working artist, and hands-on project management training. If you're a passionate young leader eager to inspire and connect with your community through art, this is your chance!
Whether you've been creating for years or are just starting your journey, we want to support you. If you have a digital media piece or a creative idea you've been dreaming about, this program will give you the funding and mentorship to bring it to life—all while collaborating with and engaging other youth.
The program will culminate in an exciting YES Showcase, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your project with an audience in a way that is meaningful to you and your community.
Ready to turn your ideas into reality? Join us and make your mark!
Submissions to our Writing and Performance cohort have now closed.
Check back for when applications open for future cohorts!
Current YES Projects Seeking Collaborators/Submissions!
Long Run Zine Club
Do you run and have a connection to Scarborough? We want to hear your story! We're creating a collaborative zine featuring perspectives on running, community, and place through writing and art. Share your favourite routes, memorable moments, or what running means to you—all creative formats and skill levels welcome. Selected contributors receive a $75 honorarium, and submissions close March 16, 2026.
Contact Information: Full call for submissions in form: https://forms.gle/maRo19HtTZvVGVke7. Reach out to longrunzineclub@gmail.com with any questions!
The Unspoken Black Girl
Seeking health professionals with experience supporting Black girls and women navigating eating disorders, as well as writers interested in collaborating on a powerful, character-driven story. Contributors will help ensure the portrayal of mental health, body image, and cultural pressures is authentic and responsible. additionally any Black girls that have experience with having an eating disorder. Writers should be passionate about telling nuanced stories about Black girlhood, identity, and healing. This project aims to center truth, vulnerability, and resilience.
Contact Information: Shadé Ogbogu. Email: shadereogbogu@gmail.com
Soft Armour
Seeking 1–2 coordinators to help host the Soft Armour Writing Party/Workshop. Coordinators will be responsible for preparing and delivering personalized introductions for featured artists (such as Toronto-based authors, wellness professionals, and poets), providing instructions and reminders for activities throughout the evening, and helping maintain the overall flow of the event. This role is ideal for someone with a lively personality who is comfortable speaking to groups, attentive to event dynamics, and open to receiving feedback. Availability for communication via texts, calls, and closer to the event date is essential.
Contact Information:
Ese M. Email: esemakolomi@gmail.com; Instagram: @esemwrites
HER Health Canvas
HER Collective is hosting HER Health Canvas, a two-day women’s health workshop series for youth aged 18–29 in Scarborough. The workshops will take place on March 14 and March 15, 2026 from 12–3 PM at the Clark Centre for the Arts (191 Guildwood Pkwy, Scarborough). The first workshop, Hormone Harmony, will explore hormone health through a creative Perler bead craft and writing activity, while the second workshop, Dear Future Me, will focus on reflective postcard making and journaling to encourage self-connection and well-being. We are inviting youth interested in learning about women’s health, creativity, and community connection to register. The workshops are free to attend and lunch will be provided.
Contact Information / Registration:
Meera Parthipan
HER Collective
Email: HERcollective.team@gmail.com
Instagram: @hercollectiveofficial
Register through the link below:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=h1o6cprzIkqSRz_CQMATlnFbjp2i8J9EkTt177jMHMRUNlowNkhWSUNNWVcyV1NVQjkxSjhYVlpHTy4u
YES is funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 12–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps