DiscoverU is a 3-day skill development program for youth at-risk delivered in partnership with the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). DiscoverU focuses on topics such as: Leadership, Social Inclusion, Self-Care, Communication, Goal Setting and so much more!
In addition to acquiring unique and in-demand skills transferable to many environments, participants will also receive a $175 completion bonus, a letter and certificate of completion and free passes to visit the ROM along with friends and family.
All 3 days of the program will occur in person at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Participants will receive an in-depth behind the scenes look at what it takes to showcase world class exhibits at the ROM while appealing to diverse audiences. Youth will learn about "Leadership from Every Seat", as they explore how project management works at the ROM, and how everyone contributes to the museums overall success...and how this can apply in your own lives! Additionally, participants will learn about work-life balance, self care, and failure...and how these are integral components to positive growth. Lastly, all participants will have the opportunity to showcase their own "museum exhibits" amongst their peers, as they learn about inclusion and communication!
Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the museum on their own.. Program facilitators will also provide additional one-to-one support to assist all youth in working towards achieving their immediate, short and long term life goals.
All successful participants will receive a $175 completion bonus at the end of the 3-day program. Participants will also receive a letter and certificate of completion, of which can be used towards employment, school or life goals. Museum passes will also be provided for participants (and their friends and family) to tour the museum on their own time, following completion of the program. Lunch and transit tokens may also be provided for any in-person activities.
While DiscoverU focuses on providing learning experiences for all young people, our organization's primary mandate is to support marginalized youth populations (newcomers; youth with disabilities; youth experiencing homelessness; youth involved with the justice system; indigenous populations, black youth; racialized youth; youth identifying with the LGBTQ2S+ population; and, youth from low socio-economic environments). The DiscoverU program accepts 10 youth (18-24 yrs) per cohort. Youth must apply (at the bottom of this page), spots are not guaranteed and an interview process will occur for each applicant.
Please note that this course is very much knowledge based and while participants will have multiple opportunities to interact with others, the majority of the course will be instructed by the facilitators, incorporating discussions, brainstorming, activities, and more, all facilitator led.
It is imperative that participants strive to fully participate every week.
The DiscoverU program occurs 4 times a year. Each cohort runs for three full days. Participants must attend all 3 days in order to successfully complete the program.
Please note: in order to maintain an appropriate learning environment for participants and facilitators, cameras must be enabled throughout all sessions in order to be eligible for the program.
This program will operate in-person at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Museums like the ROM tell stories of art, culture, and nature, from around the world and across time. What's your story? How would you like to be remembered?
What does leadership mean when you're not 'the boss'? There are many ways to be a leader, especially when you're working on something you're passionate about!
1M+ visitors mean 1M+ unique ways to experience a museum. How do museum staff develop and deliver communication strategies to engage with them all?
Taking care of yourself includes taking care of the people and spaces around you. How can we care for our planet, and how can caring for our planet be a form of self-care?
Youth and facilitators explore the concept and examples of Self Care, complete exercises that support the mind, physical body and emotional well being of one self. Participants also brainstorm new and innovative ways to nurture positive self care tailored to their unique selves.
In our Leadership week, youth learn that everyone can be a leader in small but mighty ways, and how that can create lasting impacts on others and themselves. Youth explore qualities of a leader, practical steps towards achieving them, and steps they can implement in their everyday lives towards their own leadership journey.
Understanding and effectively using various forms of communication is a vital skill for success. Youth learn about different styles of communication, they discover that communication is their own unique way of expression and how effective it can be. Through videos, engaging discussions and sharing personal experiences, facilitators share some keys to be an effective communicator, as well as steps on improving communication skills.
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