FAQ

Who can apply?
Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 29 years of age. We receive our funding from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, special consideration is given to youth who are residents of St. James Town and youth who have recently arrived in Canada, (you have lived in Canada for less than five years). 

If I am under the age of 16, can I still apply?
Yes. We accept a small number of youth under the age of 16 based on the success of their interview and their application. At this time, we do not accept individuals over the age of 29 at the time of applying.  

Do I require a portfolio? previous or extensive experience?
No. Applicants of various levels of skill, education and experience are welcome to apply. 

Is there a fee for participating, materials or equipment rentals?
No. There is absolutely no fee for participating or materials used or equipment rental while engaged in the program. Honourariums are awarded at the end of the cycle upon successful completion. 

What does the schedule look like?
Workshops are offered five days a week and you are required to attend a minimum of two workshops per week. Each workshop lasts two hours and occur between 5 to 7pm. The program schedule differs each cycle. Please refer to the Course Calendar for the most current program schedule. 

What is a “Cycle”? What is a “Phase”?

At UforChange we use our own operational lingo and it can get confusing. Each “Cycle” operates as one school year; each school year is made up of two semesters, or in our case, two “Phases.”

Phase 1: Arts & Community Building Phase (6 months) 

- Youth attend 2 workshops per week (each workshop is 2-3 hrs long) and are mentored by professionals in a variety of arts industries (visual, musical, theatre, film, literary, etc.). Community Building and Lifeskills workshops take place concurrently.

- Participants will work with other youth towards a project that will be professionally presented to friends, family, the SJT community as well as other surrounding communities and the general public. 

Phase 2: Educational & Employment Supports (post-graduation) 

We are able to offer two types of post-graduation supports: Educational & Employment. Sarah ElRaheb, is our Education Director and she is able to help when applying for : 

College / University / Scholarships / Continuing Education & Upgrading / Immigrant Bridging & Qualification Programs / Language Programs / Adult Learning & GED Programs / Co-op Programs 

We are partnered with two fantastic employment agencies that can help you fulfill your employment goals: Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Services) located at 555 Richmond Street and JVS Toronto, located at 111 Wellesley Street. 

Where can I get more information about UforChange?
Peruse the website. It covers a lot of information if you know where to look. You can also drop by our office at 517 Parliament Street, 2nd FL to pick up some of our outreach or promotional material, (depending on the number of copies available). 

How many cycles are there?
UforChange is a federally-funded pilot project. We are funded through to Spring 2012, which translates to two more cycles. We are working to secure more funding to ensure that the project continues after that expiration date. 

What can I do?
If you fit the criteria to be able to participate in the program, you’re encouraged to apply. If you’re looking to do some volunteer work, fill out a Volunteer Application form that you can find here. Currently, there are no employment positions available.