Section 1: The Reality
Not a talent gap.
It is a systems gap.
Black Canadians face unemployment at nearly twice the national average, with persistent underrepresentation in STEM, leadership, and high-growth sectors like technology, AI, and clean tech. Structural inequities continue to limit access to good jobs.
Unemployment Rate for Black Canadians
STEM Underrepresentation
Economic Impact: Billions to Canada's GDP
Objectives
- Provide Career Exposure and Exploration Opportunities in Priority Economic Industries such as Technology/AI, Cybersecurity, Clean Tech, Advanced Manufacturing, Skilled Trades and more.
- Equip Black, equity-denied, and justice-involved youth with essential skills, aptitude and knowledge to succeed in the workforce.
- Foster partnerships between academic institutions, students, and employers to create inclusive pathways to economic empowerment.
- Address systemic barriers and disparities in navigating educational and career opportunities.
- Driving measurable sustainable impact for Black and Equity-Denied Youth and Strengthening Canada's Economy.
Key
Activities
Actionable interventions designed to mitigate the opportunity gap for racialized and under-resourced communities.
Career Launch
Careers in
Nuclear Energy
Ontario's nuclear sector is one of the largest openings for Hire Learning. Explore the energy landscape, workforce projections, and the student pathway behind our 25,000-student target.
Workforce Development Initiative
City Serve
City of Toronto
YAAACE is the City of Toronto's CityServe delivery partner for North York, serving Jane and Finch. CityServe is a City-led, year-round program that pays youth aged 16–29 to serve their communities while building a pathway to work.
Northpine Foundation Partnership
Skilled Trades
College Pathway
In partnership with the Northpine Foundation and Skilled Trades College of Canada, YAAACE connects justice-impacted youth and adults to careers in the trades — with up to 100% tuition coverage across four pre-apprenticeship programs.
Government of Canada · ESDC
SBCCI
Supporting Black Canadian Communities
With funding from the Government of Canada's Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, YAAACE is delivering the LMIS from June 2026 to March 2027 for Black, equity-denied and justice-involved youth across the Greater Toronto Area.
The Cost of Inaction
Black Youth Unemployment Rate (vs 12% for non-racialized)
Annual GDP loss for every 1% increase in youth unemployment
Projected GDP loss by 2034 if trends persist
The Value of Inclusion
Jobs could be created by closing the gap
ROI in social & economic benefits for every $1 invested
Reduction in Justice system costs via improved participation
Stakeholders - Join the YAAACE Labour Market Coalition
Investing in Black Youth is not Charity - it is sound economic policy, strategic workforce planning, builds safer communities and future-proofs Canada's prosperity.
Framework for Collaboration
Turn insight into opportunity.
mnguyen@yaaace.comJoin us in building readiness, representation, and opportunity for Black youth in Canada’s future economy.