Our Programs

In the Lead

Seeing beyond what’s wrong to nurture what’s strong.

In the Lead programs are innovative leadership and character-building programs for youth who may be struggling to see, use and believe in their natural leadership abilities.

Young people are served in schools and through the community. Many of the youth that we work with are navigating difficult challenges in their lives and facing many systemic barriers. This can get in the way of the youth seeing themselves as leaders who have strengths and value to offer to their communities.

We help young people to find what is strong in their lives through curriculum, program activities and positive adult mentorship that is proven to build resilience, reduce risk and nurture community connections.

FAQs

Q: Who is eligible for In the Lead?

A: Youth between the ages of 14-18 are eligible.

Programming is available if youth need early support before justice involvement, or if they are already involved in the justice system.

A: If you are involved in the justice system, you must be referred by a referral agent for these programs.

If you are in one of our partner high schools, you may be referred to the school-based extracurricular program. You may also participate in our open enrolment programs through community partners.

Please contact us to find the right program and how to get a referral or nominate yourself or a youth in your community.

A: Some Young Leaders in the school-based program are paired with a screened, trained and supported Coach/Mentor. The role of the Coach/Mentor is simple: get to know a great Young Leader, find out what strengths they have and encourage them to use those strengths in all aspects of their lives.

Young Leaders and Coaches/Mentors connect in different ways; ongoing text and phone conversations, one to one meetings in the community and during group volunteering events or scheduled class time. 

A: In the Lead is a weekly, program that focuses on topics such as discovering strengths, defining values, overcoming stressful situations and creating positive change.

A: Programs are located throughout Calgary and depend on which program you’re enrolled in.

How Can a Young Person Participate in In the Lead?

Each of our distinct programming streams within In the Lead has a specific nomination process. See the descriptions below.

Open Community Nomination

Are you a parent, guardian, or supporter young person? Nominate your child or yourself here.

Through a Partner School or Community Organization

Are you a partner school or community partner? Nominate a student or young person here.

Real Talk

"When Carly-Anna was in the program she became more positive, more confident and more at ease. She was happy, she had hope…her light was back, I could see it in her eyes. She is now on a journey to becoming the person she was meant to be."