Youth in Ontario
Learn about programs, services and support to help you develop skills to achieve your goals and build your future.
Youth Wellness Hubs
If you are 12 to 25 years old and looking for help, visit a Youth Wellness Hub in your community. Get free access to:
- counselling and therapy
- primary health care
- substance use support
- social services
- housing
- employment and training
Programs, services and supports
Contact your local Youth Outreach Worker Program to get connected to programs and support to help you feel safe and stay engaged in your community, including:
- mentorship
- help finding programs and services that are right for you
- gang prevention and intervention
- conflict and violence support
- human trafficking resources
- advocates for Black students and families
Get help finding a youth or student job
Students and young people who are looking for a job can get help regardless of your background or circumstances.
Health and wellness
Learn about OHIP+
If you’re 24 or under and you don’t have a private plan, you can get prescription drug coverage if you have a health card and an eligible prescription.
Find mental health services
Find mental health support, helplines and resources for people under the age of 18.
Education and learning
Go to college or university
Get the low-down about learning at Ontario’s public universities, colleges or registered private career colleges.
Indigenous students
Find out about Indigenous Institutes, colleges and universities, and available funding to study in Ontario.
Skilled trades
Learn about school programs that can help you explore more than 140 skilled trades as careers of choice.
Learn about OSAP
Find out how you can get help paying for college or university. See if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Student loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries
See where to find money that can help you pay for a college, university or apprenticeship program after high school.
Violence and human trafficking
Find service providers offering specialized supports for children and youth who have been sex trafficked or are at risk.
Youth who are in trouble with the law
Youth justice system
Find out what happens when young people between ages 12 and 17 at the time of their offence get in trouble with the law.
Cannabis related offenses
If you have come into contact with the law because of a cannabis related offense, police or the courts could refer you to the Youth Cannabis Diversion Program instead of charging you, going ahead with a prosecution or imposing a fine. This is an online program designed to help you make positive choices by teaching you about:
- the risks associated with cannabis use
- laws related to cannabis
- the impacts of cannabis use
Support for youth-serving organizations
Get financial support: Youth Opportunities Fund
If you’re part of a youth-led grassroots group or youth-focused community organization that helps at-risk youth, you can apply to get an annual grant and capacity building support. The Youth Opportunities Fund invests in initiatives that allow young people to build the skills they need to:
- stay engaged in school
- advance 21st century hard and soft skills
- build strong and healthy peer relationships
- navigate and expand resources in their communities
Research and evaluation exchange: YouthREX
Through YouthREX, youth workers can access:
- resources to support their work and amplify the voices and experiences of young people in Ontario
- professional development opportunities
YouthREX also:
- supports the development and evaluation of youth programs
- conducts research about youth and youth workers in Ontario
Reports, plans and strategies
Stepping Stones
Read the strategic framework to guide the delivery of high quality supports and services for youth aged 12 to 25 across Ontario. Stepping Stones is designed to help anyone who works with or cares for youth to identify and respond to their needs at each stage of their development.
Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity
Learn about members of the council and how they are helping young people achieve their economic goals.
Black Youth Action Plan
Find out how we’re working toward eliminating systemic, race-based disparities by increasing opportunities for Black children, youth and families in Ontario.