Youth Transformation & Empowerment Network
From Potential
to Independence.
YTEN creates practical pathways for young people ages 14–24 to build skills, gain experience, connect to opportunities and move toward greater stability and independence.
Learn. Work. Earn. Create. Connect. Lead.
The YTEN Journey
Every young person starts somewhere.
I have potential.
Engagement & Stabilization
“Your future is bigger than your circumstances.”
I am supported.
Readiness & Growth
“You don't have to walk this journey alone.”
I am empowered.
Independence & Impact
“You have the power to shape your own path.”
Our Framework
Pathways to Independence™
Build the bridge between services and opportunity.
- 01
Connect
Build relationships and connect youth to appropriate supports.
- 02
Prepare
Develop skills, readiness and confidence.
- 03
Experience
Create opportunities for mentorship, workplace exposure and real-world learning.
- 04
Earn
Connect youth to employment, income and economic opportunities.
- 05
Create
Support entrepreneurship, creativity and youth-led solutions.
- 06
Lead
Create opportunities for youth to become leaders, mentors and community contributors.
Who We Support
Built for young people navigating the transition to adulthood.
Youth ages 14–24 across Durham Region.
Barrier
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Housing instability
- Social isolation
- Interrupted education
Support
- Limited work experience
- Financial or digital barriers
- Newcomer-related barriers
- Other challenges affecting the transition to adulthood
YTEN intentionally supports youth experiencing these barriers — meeting them where they are with relationships, skills and opportunity.
Opportunity
A pathway forward.
Skills, experience, income and connection — moving toward stability and independence.
Flagship Pilot
Youth Pathways
Six-Month Youth Development & Violence-Prevention Pilot
- Where
- Oshawa, Durham Region
- Who
- Ages 14–24
- Cost
- Free
Youth-led • Strength-based • Community-connected
Youth Pathways is YTEN's current flagship pilot — a six-month journey that supports young people through leadership development, practical life skills, mentorship and community connection. No prior experience is required.
Youth Voice
With youth — not just for youth.
Young people are creators, leaders, decision-makers and partners at YTEN. This is a youth-led organization — and youth voice shapes everything we build.
Program Feedback
Youth help shape how programs are designed and delivered.
Youth Advisory Roles
Youth advise on direction, priorities and decisions.
Leadership Opportunities
Youth take on real leadership within YTEN.
Youth-Led Community Projects
Young people design and run projects that matter to them.
Peer Connection
Youth support and learn from one another.
Innovation
Youth bring new ideas that shape what YTEN builds next.
Looking Ahead
The pathway grows with the community.
Youth Pathways is the beginning of the broader Pathways to Independence™ model. As the ecosystem grows, new initiatives are being explored and developed.
Future initiatives / developing opportunities
Paid Work Experience
Entrepreneurship
Expanded Mentorship
Digital & Financial Capability
Housing Navigation & Readiness
Youth Innovation
Community Ecosystem
Stronger pathways. Stronger communities.
YTEN works alongside organizations rather than trying to duplicate services — acting as a bridge between services and opportunity.
Get Involved
There's a place for you here.
Whether you're a young person, mentor, employer, organization or funder — you can help build pathways for youth.
For Youth
Join a Program
Build skills, meet positive people, explore your future and take steps toward greater independence.
Join YTEN Programs →For Mentors
Support a Young Person
Mentors can support career exploration, life skills, leadership, goal-setting, workshops, community activities, encouragement and connection.
Become a Mentor →For Employers
Create Opportunities
- • Paid work experience
- • Job shadowing
- • Workplace tours
- • Career conversations
For Organizations
Partner With YTEN
- • Referrals
- • Warm connections
- • Workshops
- • Youth recruitment
For Funders & Innovation Partners
Invest in Youth Opportunity
- • Youth empowerment
- • Violence prevention
- • Youth leadership
- • Economic opportunity