AKFC is excited to announce our Youth Leadership Academy, August 5-10 at York University — empowering young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to foster global citizenship.
Explore, learn, and lead with AKFC!
Our Youth Leadership Academy is a fully funded 4-day in-person convening that aims to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to actively engage with global issues, promote sustainable development, and foster global citizenship.
Our academy will provide a collaborative learning environment where participants explore global challenges, build leadership skills, and learn strategies for effective engagement.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed! Please stay tuned for the next application cycle.
About the program
To be considered for AKFC’s Youth Leadership Academy, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 16 and 18 years old at the time of the program (as of August 5, 2025).
- Be a resident of Canada and able to travel to Toronto for the full duration of the Academy (August 5-10).
- Demonstrate a strong interest in global citizenship, sustainable development, and addressing global issues at the community or international level.
- Have prior leadership experience (formal or informal) OR show strong potential and motivation to grow as a leader in their community or field.
- Be willing to actively participate in all four days of programming and contribute to group learning and collaboration.
- Be comfortable communicating in English, as all programming will be conducted primarily in English.
- Be returning to high school in September 2025.
- Be willing to implement an action project during the 2025-2026 school year.
Is there a cost to attend?
- No, the program is fully funded. AKFC covers the cost of travel, accommodation, and meals for participants attending the in-person convening in Toronto.
Can I attend only part of the program?
- Full participation in all sessions is mandatory to ensure cohort cohesion and maximize learning.
Is the program bilingual or only in English?
- The program will be conducted in English. Participants should be comfortable reading, writing, and speaking in English.
What is the commitment after the program?
- Participants are expected to implement an action project related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the 2025-2026 school year.
What kind of support will I receive after the Academy?
- Participants will receive a microgrant to support the implementation of their action project, along with ongoing remote guidance on project planning and management. In addition, they will get in-school mentorship from their nominating teacher as well as support from members of AKFC’s Youth Advisory Committee.
What are the supervision and safety arrangements?
- Nominated students will be accompanied to York University by their nominating teachers. During the duration of the Academy, AKFC will provide comprehensive supervision with a team of trained staff and volunteers. All adults involved are vetted to ensure participants’ safety.
