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What is the Youth Impact Project?

The Youth Impact Project (YIP) is a youth-led initiative in Waterloo Region that empowers young people to pitch and lead solutions to local challenges identified in the 2023 Youth Impact Survey. Through funding and support, YIP helps turn their ideas into impactful, community-driven projects.

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The Solution

Children and youth see through a different lens which leads to different creative solutions. This framework empowers youth to be leaders and change-makers. 

Youth have the answers. Through multiple community wide surveys, they have identified 63 actions for what they want and need within the community. 

Youth aCTION rEQUESTS

The Approach

 Online training modules for youth to learn about Youth Impact Survey, innovation, and tips to apply

 CYPT & SWR accept pitch applications online until November 9, 2025, at 11:45 PM

 Youth Decision-Making Team assesses applications and awards micro-grants on a rolling basis

 CYPT & SWR help youth tell the story of their project and how it’s impacting our community

Youth Testimonials

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Student - GIMI Impact
“We see problems in our community every day, but teens aren’t usually given an outlet to fix them. But this gives us an opportunity to do that, and that’s really important.”
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Xander - WCDSB Enrichment group
"I felt very valued and heard when talking to Grayson and other people at Communitech! It felt motivating to know that if I'm very devoted to an idea it could become a reality. I was also inspired by the design of Communitech to re-design my room."
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Vihaan - Student at Groh Public School.
“The project helps people, it’s not just about a test. It brings something to the community.” 

Project Photos

Program Partners

A leader in community collaboration, United Way WRC works within a network of national United Way partners and brings local workplaces and individuals together in support of local non-profit organizations.

CYPT is a community-wide partnership of 68 Waterloo Region organizations that serve children, youth, and families. They work to improve child and youth well-being and move the needle on their well-being.  

SWRIL’s goal is to make Waterloo Region the best community in Canada for children and youth. They support and fund youth-led projects, experiments, and ideas.