Beyond the Neighbourhood: GGYC Leaders Explore the Labs at York University
January 21, 2026
In a special collaboration with Connected Minds , youth from our Leaders-in-Training program visited York University to see what research looks like in practice, who it involves, and how it connects to real lives and real communities.
Detailed York U Connected Minds News Story:
Opening the Lab Doors: Why Community Belongs in Research
The day started at 9:00 am when the school bus arrived at Valley Park Middle School.
Andrew Castillo, EDI and Community Outreach Specialist at Connected Minds, guided us to the welcome room.
The event began with students receiving custom name tags and stickers, followed by a light morning snack.
Throughout the day, students heard directly from five faculty members and a support team of PhD candidates and research assistants.
Detailed York U Connected Minds News Story:
Opening the Lab Doors: Why Community Belongs in Research
The day concluded at 4 pm, followed by a school bus ride back to Valley Park Middle School.
On Saturday, March 14, Leaders-in-Training (LITs) accepted for our 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of mentorship, activity-based learning and camp training. Typically between the ages of 14 and 16, LITs shadow GGYC Coaches to gain hands-on experience. This program offers an excellent opportunity to earn volunteer hours, meet new people, and gain exposure to a work setting while developing essential leadership skills.
On Saturday, March 7, the Go Green Youth Centre (GGYC) team gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of growth, connection, and preparation. This personal development and training day was designed for our current and returning coaches as they gear up for the 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp. The day went beyond typical staff training, diving deep into career exploration, leadership, and the real-world challenges our coaches face—from navigating the job market to building self-confidence.
We are thrilled to announce that Go For It Youth Organization has received a Community Board Grant from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for $20,000 to support a free, youth-led computer coding program for youth in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, and surrounding communities.
