About
We’re dedicated to helping young people overcome barriers to employment.
Canada’s only national,
employer-led coalition.
We connect young people who face barriers to employment with top-ranked employers in Canada — helping people secure meaningful jobs and opportunities to develop professional skills.
Supported by major employers, governments and community organizations, we create paths to opportunity for people aged 15 to 30 — opening doors to career-launching jobs that help them reimagine their futures while contributing to Canada’s overall economic growth and prosperity.
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History
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2017
Canadian federal government expert panel report on youth unemployment leads to action plan to support vulnerable youth; MaRS is chosen to lead because of youth employment and multi-sector convening expertise
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2018
Employment Social Development Canada (Youth Employment and Skills Strategy) and Starbucks Canada Foundation fund the launch of Opportunity for All Youth
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2018-2020
Opportunity for All Youth builds top-tier employer coalition, partners with community service providers to access youth, helps over 10,000 youth prepare and find jobs through in-person hiring fairs across Canada
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2020-2021
Pandemic requires pivot to all-digital; New digital delivery plus employer hiring systems change helps Opportunity for All Youth support 13,000 additional youth prepare and find job
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2022-2023
Brand re-launch as youth-friendly MyStartr; Expanded digital youth support content and preparation tools
Our Values
MyStartr supports youth aged 15 to 30 by getting you job ready for a guaranteed interview.
MyStartr connects youth and employers through a variety of programs
Communities flourish when everyone contributes their knowledge, skills, experience and creative thinking. Through our programs and resources you can connect with mentors and coaches, build your professional development skills, and provide your insights to industry leaders to grow and make a difference around you.
Guaranteed Interviews
Find upcoming hiring events with local businesses in your area and work with our professional development coaches for interview practice and career advice.
Collaborative Mentorship
Industry leaders and talented young individuals can connect to learn from one another through two-way mentorship programs, gaining new perspectives, sharing experiences, and changing the future of employment.
Youth Council and Advisory Groups
Become part of the MyStartr team and share your unique experiences and perspectives with top employers in Canada to promote change for young job seekers like you.
MyStartr's Key Partners
The Government of Canada has provided more than $5 million in funding to MyStartr through its programs to advance youth employment. We’re deeply grateful to Canadian taxpayers for their support, and we work each day to reward their confidence in us. We’re also indebted to our coalition employers, who invest significant time, energy and resources in extending the impact of our proven model.
Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and Indigenous Services Canada
MyStartr’s hiring program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada through its Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. We also receive significant funding from Indigenous Services Canada.
Generous support from The Co-operators
In addition, we receive generous support from The Co-operators as part of the company’s Pathways to Employability (P2E) Initiative aimed at connecting youth to meaningful employment and opportunities.
Delivered by MyStartr, Regina Work Prep Centre and the YMCA of Greater Vancouver
Our services are delivered directly by the MyStartr team and through partnerships with community organizations across Canada, especially Société de Développement Social, Regina Work Prep Centre and the YMCA of Greater Vancouver.
Powered by MaRS Discovery District
MyStartr is part of a talent strategy spearheaded by the MaRS Discovery District, which brings together innovators to grow the economy and solve real problems for real people.
Making A Positive Impact
MyStartr is changing the lives of young Canadians and removing barriers to employment each and every day.
1 Million
Talented young people, aged 15 to 30, not in employment, education, or training.
440k
Job seekers facing a range of social and systemic barriers in their quest for careers with a future.
30+
Employers in the MyStartr coalition creating a better future for young people while achieving success for their organization.
20k+
Job placements into quality positions with opportunities to learn and grow with top-tier employers.
Getting Involved
You can join MyStartr today and become part of a community of support and change for young Canadians.
Join as an employer partner
Connect with our network of talented young Canadians through our dedicated hiring events and insights programs.
Connect With UsFind a job that is right for you
Get access to hiring events, workshops, tailored resources, and coaching to help you find the right job.
Become A MemberSupport your community
Your donation helps young job seekers overcome barriers that arise from finding their first job.
Donate Today
Before joining the MyStartr program, my job search experience was overwhelming, chaotic, inefficient, and discouraging. The MyStartr crash course helped me to frame my perspective and streamline my interview preparation, which was particularly helpful as I tend to overthink things.
During the Virtual Hiring Event, I was impressed with the constructive feedback I received. Even if the interview did not lead to a job, I knew that it was an opportunity to learn and grow. The MyStartr team was incredibly kind, fun, and gracious throughout the entire event.
Alexandre
Toronto, 2021
