Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region announces recent funding by Canada Service Corps

Wednesday, August 16 2023

THE BEP’S YOUTH CREATIVITY FUND RECEIVES FUNDING FROM CANADA SERVICE CORPS TO REACH MORE YOUTH.

Kitchener, Ontario - The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region (BEP) is announcing an investment of $181,052 by Canada Service Corps toward the growth of its Youth Creativity Fund program. Through this fund, the BEP fosters the next generation of creativity in Waterloo Region by providing funding to students who want to bring a creative idea to life.  Youth in grades 5-12 can apply for a micro-grant up to $1000 to solve a problem in their community, big or small, and learn something new along the way.

The Youth Creativity Fund program was established in the spring of 2022, thanks to gifts by HIP Developments and the Rideau Hall Foundation.  From there the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, and numerous individual donors, have joined to support the program over the past year with over 100 youth receiving micro-grants and coaching to bring their ideas to life.

The Canada Service Corps believes in empowering young Canadians to make an impact, and through doing so, better supports the leaders of today and tomorrow.  Their support will allow more than 80 young people in Waterloo Region to participate.

“Canada Service Corps empowers young people to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This project provides youth the opportunity to tap into their potential, overcome challenges, and gain the confidence they need as they move forward on their career journey. “
- The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“We are so excited to continue the momentum of this program and help build up the creative confidence of more youth in Waterloo Region”
- April Albano, Program Manager of the Youth Creativity Fund

“While we can’t expect young people to solve the myriad of challenges they’re inheriting from generations before them, we can and should go beyond lip service when empowering them. That’s why I’m so glad the federal government is now also supporting this innovative program. Young people need more than words. They need the money, networks, and tangible support to bring their big ideas to life - all of which they get through the Youth Creativity Fund.”
-Mike Morrice, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre.

We all benefit when our youth thrive. They are the talent we need to grow as a community. Investing in our youth is an investment in making Waterloo Region a great place to live, work and play.

To learn more, visit www.youthcreativityfund.ca

Media Contact:
Lauren Harvey
Program and Communications Coordinator
[email protected]
226-642-0880 x 3