Youth Support and Development

We help young people take their next steps with clarity and courage. Our programs create welcoming spaces where they can build skills, form connections and grow with confidence.

About Our Youth Development Programs

Helping you ignite your potential

Youth deserve spaces where they feel supported, seen and empowered to grow. YMCA BC’s Youth Support and Development programs create those spaces by offering free, accessible services that strengthen mental wellness, build life skills, support school and employment goals, and foster leadership.

Whether you need help navigating school transitions, finding a job, building coping skills for stress, connecting with peers, or taking part in meaningful community projects, the Y offers a pathway forward.

Believe. Become. Belong.

Programs designed to uplift youth

Every program is grounded in principles of equity, dignity, trauma informed care and youth voice so that youth from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, valued and encouraged throughout the exchange.

Building Skills and Confidence

Helping youth discover their strengths, set goals, develop life skills and build confidence in school, work and daily life.

Supporting Mental Wellness

Evidence-based programs that help young people manage stress, build healthy coping strategies and strengthen emotional resilience.

Leadership & Community Engagement

Opportunities for youth to lead, collaborate, volunteer and make a positive impact in their schools and communities.

Exploring Real-world Experience

Broadening perspectives through travel, cultural exchange, work experiences and hands-on learning.

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Student Support

Programs supporting students throughout their learning journey

YMCA BC’s Student Support programs provide individualized and group-based support to help youth feel capable, confident, and connected. These programs offer safe spaces to build academic resilience, strengthen emotional wellbeing, access essential resources, and develop practical life skills.

Youth Transitions Program

The Youth Transitions Program reflects the YMCA’s commitment to equity, belonging and accessible support for young people navigating significant changes. Whether transitioning into high school, graduating, managing personal challenges or facing uncertainty, youth are welcomed into a supportive space where their strengths are recognized and their voice is valued.

Beyond the Bell

Beyond the Bell is a free after school academic achievement program that removes barriers to learning and ensures vulnerable students receive the support they need to succeed. Beyond the Bell is unique to the YMCA. There is no other program like it in BC; it removes barriers and offers measurable outcomes.

Back on Track

Back on Track is built on the belief that all youth deserve compassion, respect and equitable access to support, regardless of what they are facing at school. The program transforms suspension into a supportive, restorative learning opportunity that strengthens resilience, belonging and a positive connection to education.

Summer Work Student Exchange

SWSE promotes language learning, independence and cultural understanding by connecting youth from across Canada. Participants work full time, explore their host community and take part in weekly activities that deepen connection and learning.

Youth Mental and Physical Wellness

Wellness tools that help youth thrive

At the Y, we understand that wellbeing is essential to learning, growth and connection. Our Youth Mental and Physical Wellness programs include mental wellness groups, culturally grounded supports, and integrated health services that help young people understand their emotions, build coping skills and access care without stigma.

Each program is free, trauma informed, inclusive and designed to honour the diverse lived experiences of youth across British Columbia.

Y Mind Teen

Y Mind Teen is part of the YMCA’s commitment to mental wellness, equity and belonging. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and self compassion, Y Mind supports teens in building confidence and connection in a safe, supportive space.

Y Mind Youth

Y Mind Youth is an early intervention support for youth experiencing mild to moderate stress, worries or anxiety. Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and self compassion, participants learn coping tools and build meaningful connections in a supportive group environment.

Mind Medicine

Designed as a support for Indigenous teens and youth, Mind Medicine is an early intervention program that supports mental wellness through teachings grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and Indigenous cultural practices. Facilitators integrate cultural knowledge, storytelling and community strengths throughout the sessions to create a space where young people feel seen, respected and supported.

Youth Around Prince

We are committed to providing youth the support they need to thrive, which is why we run Youth Around Prince (YAP) – a downtown resource centre for youth in Prince George. YAP reflects the YMCA’s commitment to equity, wellbeing and accessible support for all young people.

Growing Mindfully

At the Y, we believe everyone deserves spaces that nurture their well-being, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging. Growing Mindfully brings this commitment to life by combining movement, mindfulness and connection in a supportive group setting.

Youth Housing Support & Outreach

In partnership with YAP and Foundry Prince George, the Housing Support and Outreach Program provides friendly practical and emotional support, coaching and advocacy. Everyone’s situation is unique. We work with youth to find housing and to stay housed.

G.L.O.W. (Wellness Learning)

At YMCA BC, we believe young ones deserve spaces where they can explore who they are and who they are becoming. G.L.O.W. (Girls’ Life of Wellness) is designed for young women and non-binary youth ages 8 to 12 to empower them through leadership development, self-esteem building and community engagement.

B.R.A.V.E. (Wellness for Boys)

B.R.A.V.E. is a free eight week mental and physical wellness program for boys ages 8 to 12. Through active play and guided learning, boys explore healthy expression of emotions, resilience, friendships and value based decision making. Each session blends movement with mental and emotional skill building, offering a supportive space to grow with confidence and compassion.

Foundry

Foundry is a welcoming space for young people ages 12–24 to access health and wellness support all in one place. From mental health counselling and physical healthcare to peer support and career guidance, we bring services together so you don’t have to navigate the system alone. All services are free, confidential and require no referral.

Mindful Kids Yoga

Mindful Kids Yoga is a nurturing space where children ages 5-7 can discover the joy of movement, breath and self-awareness. Through playful poses, calming breathwork, and gentle guided relaxation, kids will build confidence, focus and emotional resilience—one breath at a time.

Leadership Development

Empowering youth to lead and dream bigger

Our youth support and leadership programs create spaces where young people can grow, lead, and discover their strengths. Through mentorship, skill-building, and community connection, youth gain the tools and support they need to navigate challenges and shape their future.

Youth Employment Bootcamp

Finding your first job or starting a new chapter in Canada can feel overwhelming without guidance and support. YEB helps young people gain clarity, confidence, and practical job skills that open the door to meaningful work. Through hands-on learning, coaching and personalized employment planning, we help youth ages 15 to 30 discover their strengths and take real steps toward career success.

Startup to Success

Startup to Success reflects the YMCA’s commitment to equitable access, opportunity and youth empowerment. Delivered in partnership with JA British Columbia, the program removes financial barriers, creates inclusive learning spaces and supports Prince George youth from all backgrounds to discover their strengths while earning as they learn.

Youth Education Support Program

The Youth Education Support Program provides free academic support to students transitioning from high school to higher learning. Participants can utilize the resource room to access tools and technology, attend a variety of skill-building and emotional wellness workshops, and receive one-on-one support with homework completion, goal setting, scholarship applications, accessing financial supports and planning for the future.

Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC)

YEC strengthens national connections by helping youth learn about Canadian cultures, traditions and communities. Adult group leaders guide youth as they co plan travel, budgets, community projects and hosting responsibilities. The program prioritizes accessibility, belonging, and immersive learning experiences.

Youth Peace Network (YPN)

The Youth Peace Network brings together young leaders from around the world for eight months of virtual learning, collaboration and peace building. Participants develop skills in leadership, intercultural communication and conflict resolution while building global connections and promoting understanding across cultures.

Foundry Work and Education

The Foundry Work & Education Program (FWEP) offers personalized one-on-one support to explore, discover and pursue your work and education goals. You can learn about things like resumes, interviewing and managing stress – whatever your goals are, they’ll guide you every step of the way. For ages 15 to 24.

When you join the YMCA you join more than a gym. You join a community.