Programs Supported

The Roundhouse Youth Theatre Action Group (RHYTAG) empowers diverse inner-city youth to create and perform original theatre addressing critical social issues. Through this 10-month program, participants work alongside professional artists to develop valuable life skills while producing powerful performances that spark community dialogue. Free to join, the program provides mentorship, support services, and honoraria for participants.

Camp Jubilee offers inner-city Grade 7 students a transformative three-day outdoor experience, combining adventure activities like kayaking and wilderness skills with valuable leadership development. This fully-supported program breaks down financial barriers, allowing students to build confidence and independence while experiencing nature in a safe, structured environment—often for the first time.

AIRS brings professional artists into under-served Vancouver elementary schools for year-long residencies, creating dedicated studio spaces where students explore diverse art forms and express themselves creatively. Through hands-on, culturally inclusive programming, AIRS helps over 4,000 students build confidence, process emotions, and develop artistic skills that might otherwise be inaccessible to them.

The Media Arts Program empowers youth aged 13-18 through free, weekly after-school sessions focused on photography, video production, and digital storytelling. In a safe, supportive environment, participants develop creative skills while building confidence, reducing isolation, and improving mental wellness through hands-on projects and collaborative learning opportunities.

Elevate is a comprehensive year-round mentorship program that supports boys in grades 7-9 through their critical transition to high school. Led by trusted community mentors, the program combines leadership development, life skills training, and community engagement to help youth build confidence, capability, and resilience while creating pathways to success.

Roots & Rhythms connects Downtown Eastside youth with Indigenous artists, elders, and cultural carriers through interactive workshops, performances, and storytelling sessions. This free program creates accessible spaces for elementary students to experience traditional drumming, dancing, and cultural teachings while building meaningful connections with Indigenous community leaders and traditions.

PantoLand + PantoTown offers transformative 5-day theatre workshops where kids and tweens (ages 5-13) learn from professional artists while creating their own Panto-inspired performances. Led by experienced educators and featuring guest instructors in music, dance, and drag, these affordable camps provide a unique blend of theatrical training and creative expression in an inclusive environment.

The Writers' Exchange Summer Literacy Programs transform learning for under-resourced youth ages 6-18 through creative, interest-driven literacy activities that make reading and writing fun. Participants develop confidence and skills while connecting with mentors, enjoying nutritious meals, and becoming published authors—all in a safe, supportive environment that celebrates their unique voices and stories.

"The Chase" is an innovative film and performance program that empowers children from Stamps Place Public Housing Complex through creative collaboration with professional artists. Through hands-on workshops in filmmaking, performance, and art-making, participants create their own silent film while developing valuable skills and confidence in a supportive community environment.

Strathcona's Annual Pride Parade unites local schools in a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion, culminating in a festive gathering at Maclean Park with music, activities, and treats. This meaningful community event creates a supportive space for underprivileged students while fostering understanding and acceptance among all participants.

Britannia's Grad 2025 Dinner and Dance provides an inclusive celebration for graduating students, ensuring all can participate regardless of financial circumstances. Through community support, this signature event reduces ticket costs and offers full sponsorships, making this milestone celebration accessible to every graduating student.

Through hands-on drum and rattle making, this cultural program immerses 6th and 7th grade students in authentic Indigenous traditions. Guided by Indigenous staff, students create their own traditional instruments while learning about Indigenous culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Kids Kitchen empowers youth to develop culinary skills while building community, as participants work together to prepare meals for over 100 peers during weekend programs. This hands-on experience combines practical cooking education with leadership development in a safe, supportive environment that fosters belonging and positive relationship-building.

The Strathcona Backpack Program provides weekly nutritious food hampers to 160 local families with school-aged children, helping eliminate hunger as a barrier to education and community participation. Beyond food security, this culturally-responsive program creates valuable community connections through shared celebrations and youth engagement activities in a welcoming environment.

The Outreach Alternative Program provides Indigenous and non-Indigenous students with a culturally-responsive learning environment that breaks down educational barriers through innovative programming. This unique district-wide initiative combines traditional academic instruction with transformative experiences like wilderness education, fostering both personal growth and academic success.

The Kiwassa Swim/Bike Club offers free, professional swimming lessons and bicycle training for children ages 5-12, removing financial barriers to essential life skills. This comprehensive program combines certified instruction, all necessary equipment, and dedicated supervision to ensure every child has the opportunity to master swimming and cycling in a safe, supportive environment.

Land Guardians is a transformative program connecting urban Indigenous and equity-denied youth with traditional ecological knowledge and hands-on environmental leadership skills. Through guidance from Indigenous Elders and BIPOC educators, participants engage in land-based learning, native plant cultivation, and cultural teachings while developing confidence and community connections in a supportive environment.

The Vancouver Youth Choir Bursary and Subsidy Program provides accessible, high-quality music education to young singers aged 5-24, regardless of financial circumstances. Through strategic rehearsal locations and comprehensive financial support, this transformative program ensures every child has the opportunity to develop musical excellence while building confidence and community connections.

This innovative performing arts program offers free dance and theatre workshops to students at Lord Strathcona Elementary, with a focus on serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. Through professionally-led sessions, participants develop artistic skills, build confidence, and engage in creative collaboration while learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Happy Healthy Children removes financial barriers for children of single mothers living in poverty to participate in vital extracurricular activities like sports, arts, and tutoring. By covering 100% of program costs and offering streamlined, low-barrier access, we help children develop essential life skills while supporting their mental and physical wellbeing.

Kiwassa's Nest Summer Break Camp provides free, full-day programming for inner-city children aged 5-12, offering a safe, enriching environment where kids can thrive through arts, sports, cooking, and educational activities. This comprehensive program serves working families by combining essential care with dynamic learning experiences, all delivered by certified professionals in an accessible community setting.

Red Fox Healthy Living Society offers free, culturally-enriched programs that empower Indigenous and newcomer youth through traditional drum groups and active play activities. Led by Indigenous staff and trained youth leaders, these accessible programs foster essential life skills, cultural pride, and community connections while creating safe, supportive spaces for participants to thrive.

The Britannia Graduation Ceremony celebrates student achievement while ensuring accessibility for all graduates from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside community. Through financial assistance and a convenient location, this meaningful event enables every student to share their academic, athletic, and community service accomplishments with family members, regardless of economic circumstances.

The Thunderbird Library Summer Reading Club empowers students to build their personal libraries by selecting up to five books to take home over summer break. This innovative program removes access barriers to reading materials while fostering literacy skills and a love of reading through peer book-sharing, setting students up for greater academic success.

The YMCA Lord Roberts Kids Club Food Program provides vulnerable children with hearty, nutritious after-school meals in a safe, supportive environment. This innovative program tackles food insecurity while enabling children to fully engage in homework help and physical activities, ensuring they have the energy and focus needed to thrive academically and socially.

The Vault Studio Program empowers at-risk youth through free, professional music production and audio engineering training in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Led by experienced mentors, participants develop creative, technical, and life skills while accessing state-of-the-art equipment in a safe, supportive environment. The program is expanding in 2025 to offer enhanced multimedia opportunities.

The Robotics Club offers students hands-on experience building and programming robots while developing crucial STEM skills through team-based projects and competitions. This free, accessible program removes financial barriers to robotics education, enabling participants to create everything from RC cars to electronic cranes while fostering problem-solving abilities and creativity.

Studio 101 brings professional artists directly to Vancouver Eastside youth through immersive, hands-on workshops in real artist studios and classrooms. This free program reaches 240+ students annually, providing unique opportunities for creative exploration while building artistic confidence and skills under expert guidance—often marking students' first interaction with professional artists.

Little Sprouts connects young children and their caregivers with nature through hands-on gardening experiences at Britannia Secondary's community garden. Through guided activities, guest speakers, and creative projects, families learn about growing food, environmental stewardship, and natural sciences while building community connections in an engaging outdoor setting.

Growing Chefs empowers students with hands-on experience in growing their own food and transforming it into delicious meals. Through expert-led sessions at schools, children learn the complete journey from seed to table, developing essential gardening and culinary skills while fostering a deeper connection to healthy, sustainable food choices.