Ontario invests $16.5 million in Black Youth Action Plan to develop skills for in-demand careers

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been seven years now since the Ontario Government launched the Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP) with an initial investment of $47 million. It started with the Liberal government of Kathleen Wyne who directed the funds to community-based and culturally focused BYAP partners. It was intended to reduce disparities for Black: children, youth, and families by supporting 10,800 of them in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) as well as in Ottawa and Windsor.

The Ontario Government notes that it will contribute to the goal of eliminating outcomes disparities for Black children and youth in schooling, postsecondary education, and employment for 10 years. In a news release on February 12^th, 2024, the Ontario government invested an additional $91 million in 2020, and in February 2024 a further $16.5 million as it supports over 20 community-based and culturally focused organizations.

The following were features of the BYAP:

• Investing in culturally focused parenting initiatives and mentoring
• Supporting Black children to stay in school by investing in early intervention programming
• Helping Black students access higher education through culturally focused outreach
• Ensuring programs and policies meet the specific needs of at-risk youth through Ontario-based research
• Helping Black youth find their career path by investing in target skills development programs
• Investing in community outreach and promoting anti-violence
• Using a collective impact approach, an innovative way of tackling deep-rooted and complex social problems by aligning efforts and existing resources to provide a local voice for Black organizations

The additional funding of $16.5 million will go towards helping 20 community-based and culturally focused organizations that have been known to utilize best practices in their work. This funding will be available through the Economic Empowerment Stream that will help Black youth and young professionals develop skills to help launch their careers in high-demand sectors such as: the skilled trades, information technology, automotive, health, film and the arts.

Some of the organizations that benefited are:

• Accelerate Auto-a Mississauga based not-for-profit
• Delta Family Resource Centre
• Durham Region Association of Black Professionals

Christopher Nabeta (Executive Chair and founding member of Accelerate Auto) states, “The mission of Accelerate Auto is to drive change and eliminate barriers so the next generations of Black talent in Ontario are better positioned to pursue successful careers in Canada’s auto industry.”

Michael Ford (Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism) states, “We have seen the difference community organizations make in helping Black Youth and young professionals find meaningful employment, develop critical skills, and unlock a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Today’s investment is part of our government’s ongoing work to empower communities, and build a stronger, more inclusive workforce, where everyone can succeed.”

Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax states, “This investment underscores the province’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Black’s leaders with the necessary skills and opportunities to flourish. By consistently backing innovative programs across different sectors, our government is striving towards a future where Black youth can reach their potential.”

Honourable Charmaine Williams (Associate Minister, Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity) states, “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 will help community partners ensure that more Black youth and young professionals can access the tools they need to: build their careers, strengthen their communities, and achieve financial success.”

This additional investment in the Black Youth Action Plan will go a long way to alleviating many of the challenges that marginalized and at-risk communities continue to face. They need as much support as possible on all levels: social, financial, mental, and emotional. The fact that culturally appropriate strategies will be used by many of these groups is a good step that will make a difference in the lives of youths, families, and communities.