Youth development programs designed to build skills, confidence, and community connections.
Our flagship mentorship program pairs youth aged 12 to 18 with screened and trained adult mentors for a structured six-month engagement. Mentors and participants meet weekly to work on personal goals, explore career interests, develop life skills, and build a trusting relationship. Program coordinators provide ongoing support to both mentors and participants, conducting regular check-ins and facilitating group activities that build peer connections among participants. The program culminates in a celebration event where participants present their growth journey.
Monthly workshops cover essential topics including communication skills, conflict resolution, time management, goal setting, and decision making. Each workshop is delivered in a small group format with interactive exercises, group discussions, and take-home resources. Workshops are offered both at our La Prairie facility and at partner locations including schools, community centers, and libraries across the Montreal South Shore region.
This program prepares youth for the transition from school to the workplace through resume and cover letter workshops, mock interview sessions, workplace etiquette training, and job shadowing opportunities with local employers. Participants build a portfolio of professional documents and gain practical experience that gives them a competitive advantage when applying for part-time jobs, internships, or post-secondary programs.
Youth participants plan and execute community improvement projects with support from HDB Youth staff. Projects range from environmental initiatives like tree planting and park clean-ups to social projects like food drives and senior visit programs. Participants develop project management skills, build teamwork experience, and earn community service hours recognized by school districts.
We partner with schools, youth centers, and community organizations to deliver custom programs tailored to their specific needs. Partnership programs can include on-site workshops, guest speaker series, after-school clubs, and summer intensive programs. Contact us to discuss how we can collaborate to serve your community.