YAAACE

The Youth Association for Academics Athletics and Character Education (Y.A.A.A.C.E) is a community organization that seeks to engage our youth.

Founded in 2007, the Youth Association for Academics Athletics and Character Education (Y.A.A.A.C.E) is a community organization that seeks to engage children and youth from all communities – particularly those from poor racialized communities – in year round comprehensive programming and activities such as the following: academics, athletics, recreation, technology and the arts.

07/07/2026

We back at it!

Yesterday, we officially kicked off the 19th Annual YAAACE Summer Institute, and the excitement was real from the moment the doors opened.

Over the next six weeks, our youth will experience so much more than a traditional summer camp. Alongside sports, music, academics, STEM, and unforgettable excursions, they’ll be introduced to the incredible opportunities emerging in Canada’s nuclear energy and critical minerals sectors. These industries are helping shape our country’s future, and we want our young people to see themselves in it.

At YAAACE, we believe exposure creates opportunity. Every lesson, every activity, and every conversation is another chance to help a young person discover what’s possible.

Summer 2026… we’re just getting started.

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07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day from YAAACE! Canada’s greatest strength is its people. Today, we celebrate every culture, every community, and every young person working to make our country stronger. Happy Canada Day! 💜🇨🇦

06/30/2026

Big congratulations to our City Serve graduates.

This cohort showed up, stayed committed, and completed certifications in cybersecurity, 3D printing, coding and robotics, and financial literacy. More than certificates, this program was about growth, discipline, exposure, and proving what’s possible when young people are given real opportunities to build real skills.

We’re proud of each graduate for pushing through, participating fully, and finishing strong. This is what investment in Black youth looks like. This is the future being built in real time.

06/21/2026

A father's presence can shape a child's future.

From the rides to practice, the help with homework, the hard conversations, and the everyday moments in between, fathers and father figures play an important role in helping young people build confidence, resilience, and character.

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, coaches, mentors, and community leaders who continue to show up, lead by example, and make a difference in the lives of young people every day.

Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities help young people thrive.

Happy Father's Day from YAAACE.

06/15/2026

On June 6, YAAACE had the privilege of bringing nearly 200 youth from JCM, Brookview, and St. Augustine to Yorkdale Cineplex for the premiere screening of Nekai Walks, a powerful documentary exploring youth gun violence, survival, healing, and the impact of community support.

This was more than a movie outing. It was an opportunity for young people to see a story rooted in their city, their communities, and realities many of them understand far too well. It also created space for honest conversation about violence, trauma, prevention, and the role we all play in building safer futures.

A special thank you to the Honourable Hon. Judy A. Sgro and filmmaker Rico King for helping bring this important story to life, and to Nekai for the courage and vulnerability shown in sharing his journey. Your story continues to educate, inspire, and challenge young people to think deeply about the choices, systems, and circumstances that shape their lives.

We are grateful to the youth, staff, educators, community partners, and supporters who joined us for such an important screening and conversation. Moments like this remind us why representation, prevention, and community-centered storytelling matter.

06/11/2026

From Jane and Finch to Parliament Hill.

Last week, YAAACE had the privilege of bringing Nekai Walks to the House of Commons for a special screening and conversation on youth gun violence, community safety, and prevention.

This was more than a film screening. It was an opportunity to ensure that the experiences of communities most impacted by violence are heard in the spaces where decisions are made.

A special thank you to filmmaker Rico King for bringing this powerful story to life, and to Nekai Walker for the courage, vulnerability, and strength he has shown in sharing his journey with the world. Your story continues to educate, inspire, and challenge us all to think differently about the impact of violence.

We are incredibly grateful to the Honourable Judy Sgro for helping make this event possible, and to the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Michael Coteau, Members of Parliament, Senators, community leaders, educators, researchers, and advocates who attended and contributed to such an important discussion.

The story of one young man sparked conversations about trauma, resilience, prevention, and the responsibility we all share in creating safer communities for young people.

The screening may be over, but the work continues.

05/13/2026

One day after Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce , announced plans to expand Bruce Power — making it the largest nuclear facility in the world — with 4 additional reactors and 18,000 new careers, YAAACE brought 100 students from across the GTA to Bruce Power for a firsthand look at the future of the industry.

Through our collaborative Labour Market Strategy with the Province of Ontario, YAAACE is committed to funneling 25,000 students into the nuclear energy sector between 2026 and 2036.

Worksite visits like this are a critical part of our “Hire Learning” framework, helping students move beyond the classroom and into real-world exposure, career pathways, and emerging industries shaping the future of Canada.

Address

45 Norfinch Drive
North York, ON
M3N1W8

Telephone

4165677994

Website

http://yaaace.com/

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