2025 Changemakers Program.
Empowering Youth to Create Real Change.
Welcome to The Academy of South Georgian Bay’s Changemakers Program.
This afterschool opportunity is designed to inspire, engage, and empower local youth to create positive change in their communities.
Rooted in our Core Values.
The Changemakers Program is rooted in The Academy’s core values of creativity, curiosity, ownership, and community engagement. Through hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial skill-building, youth will gain the tools they need to become active changemakers, addressing local issues with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
About the Program.
What: The Academy of SGB Changemakers Program (Grades 5-12)
When: Starting Winter 2025
Where: The Academy Campus (Georgian College, SGB Campus, Innovation Lab)
Cost: Pay what you can + community-sponsored
What students will experience...
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Students will begin by engaging in the Change the Now design process, working on a guided project where they can playfully experiment and bring ideas into the real world. This introduction sets the foundation for a creative, problem-solving mindset.
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Students work on a real-world community problem to explore collectively. With Georgian College's #CTN framework, students from Grades 5-12, teachers, and community members work together to find youth-driven solutions. The framework is divided into three phases, each lasting 2-3 weeks:
FIND: Research and explore issues related to the chosen problem.
FRAME: Define the core design problem and set the stage for creative solutions.
SHIFT: Use storytelling and design tools to articulate the problem and create prototype solutions.
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Working alongside real community partners, students will prototype and iterate on their solutions, applying system design tools to develop actionable ideas. The program will culminate in presentations where students showcase their projects and the impact they’ve made.
Program Objectives.
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Empowering Youth Voices:
Students will learn to identify and address real issues in their community, discovering their capacity to lead social /environmental change.
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Skill-Building in System Design & Entrepreneurship:
Through hands-on, collaborative projects, students will develop entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
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Community Impact:
Youth will not only learn the theory behind system design and social innovation but will also have the opportunity to create tangible change in their community
Who Can Participate?
Grades 9-12 (High School): A select group of students will be accepted through an application process. These students will dive deep into the Changemakers Program, working directly with community partners to design and implement real-world solutions.
Grades 5-8 (Elementary): An in-class package and professional development support for teachers will be available to extend the program’s reach to younger students, providing them with foundational tools to start their changemaking journey.
About the Program.
The Changemakers Program is built on Georgian College’s Change the Now framework, a global movement dedicated to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a focus on grassroots action, Change the Now believes that small efforts can lead to big change. The program empowers students, educators, and community members to work together, driving innovation that makes our communities greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive.
As Canada’s first Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, Georgian College is a leader in social innovation and is committed to supporting students as they develop the skills and confidence to tackle global challenges and create lasting change.
The Academy Co-Founder, Jessica Flynn, sat down with Georgian College’s Community Impact Lab Coordinator, Adam Dagenais, to discuss Georgain’s #CTN work.
Get Involved.
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For Parents:
This is a pay-what-you-can program, making it accessible to all families. We believe every child who's interested should have the opportunity to be part of this transformative experience.
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For Students:
Ready to make a difference? Join the waitlist and be ready to apply for a spot in our Changemakers Program. Become part of a community of youth committed to shaping the future of South Georgian Bay.
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For Community Supporters:
Help us empower youth changemakers by supporting this program. Your involvement as a community partner, sponsor, or mentor can make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth.
Join Us in Creating Meaningful Change.
Together, let’s make a difference—starting with our youth. Will you join us?
