Ontario Empowering Black Youth and Young Professionals in Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is recognizing outstanding community organizations with a proven track record of helping empower Black youth and young professionals in Mississauga.

Enabled by our recent investment of $16.5 million into the Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP) Economic Empowerment Stream, funding has been delivered to partner organizations across the province. This funding is already producing positive outcomes that are helping Black youth and young professionals develop the skills needed to launch careers in high-growth sectors.

“We see the meaningful impact community organizations have in helping Black youth and young professionals maximize potential, find meaningful employment, and unlock a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga—Lakeshore. “Thank you to all the community partners for your dedication to building an inclusive economy where all can succeed.”

The HM Youth Foundation is one of over 30 community and black-led organizations across Ontario that has directly benefitted from BYAP’s Economic Empowerment funding, which has delivered impactful services and supports empowering the next generation of Black leaders.  

The HM Youth Foundation is helping to drive positive change in Mississauga by employing a full-time advocate to deliver community-based and culturally-relevant advocacy supports to Black students and their families, to help navigate the education system and access resources that will help them achieve their educational, career, and life goals.

“Our government is proud to support the next generation of Black leaders through continued investment in these outstanding community organizations,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “The Black Youth Action Plan represents our government’s ongoing commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive Ontario by helping Black youth and young professionals develop critical skills and unlock a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

Ontario remains committed to collaborating with community organizations and Black-led businesses, in our effort to address and eliminate systemic race-based disparities. BYAP helps increase social and economic opportunities and services for Black children, youth and families throughout various cradle to career life stages spanning ages 0-34.

Quick Facts

  • This funding is part of the government’s $121.5 million investment over four years in BYAP programs. Since its inception, BYAP has expanded to six programs: Student Family Advocate (SFA), Innovative Supports for Black Parents (ISBP), Industry Led Career Initiatives, Career Launch, Career Advance and Sector Innovation Networks.
  • Since 2018, over 70 community-based and culturally focused BYAP partners have supported better outcomes for over 60,000 Black children, youth and families in Ontario.
  • The economic empowerment initiatives under BYAP are targeted, economic-focused and aim to provide opportunities for Black Ontarians to overcome barriers and enable pathways into various high demand sectors including STEM, construction, aerospace film, television and digital media; as well as developing and supporting entrepreneurship within the Black community.

Additional Resources