Free Learn Canada believes all projects should have a clear objective, the need of the project should be rationale, and an outcome should be defined and measurable. To ensure clarity and simplicity in our communications, we explain our projects using the 5 W’s and 1 H methodology (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How), providing a straightforward explanation of our initiatives. All projects are adaptable to allow further demographics to participate and broaden our goals.

Our Track Record 

Free Learn Canada (FLC) has delivered free education and employment training resources to marginalized Canadians in collaboration with stakeholders and NGOs. Collectively, we have identified employment gaps and offer culturally sensitive education, mentorship & job training to fulfill these labour needs. To date (December 21, 2023), we have assisted other entities within our coalition to provide online training to more than 13,000 Canadians representing marginalized communities; through our shared online marketing, we have engaged more than 5 Million Canadians and have had over 220,000 interactions over nine months.

About Project Empower

Demographic Served (Who)

Project Empower is designed to cater to a specific demographic, focusing on youth aged 15-29, including those transitioning into adulthood. Our project specifically targets individuals from diverse backgrounds,, including but not limited to:

  • Newcomers to Canada
  • Members of visible minority groups
  • Young individuals seeking guidance and opportunities
  • Women pursuing personal and professional growth
  • Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community
  • People living with disabilities
  • Individuals from low-income households
  • Residents of remote or rural areas
  • Those experiencing homelessness
  • Members of official language minority communities
  • Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and Urban/Non-Affiliated individuals
  • Youth that do not fall within the above categories, yet need guidance and support
 

The project is inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, identities, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It pays special attention to Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis communities, offering unique support tailored to their specific needs. Geographical diversity is also a key consideration, as well as reaching out to those in rural and remote Indigenous Lands and individuals with different physical or mental abilities. 

We are committed to inclusivity and aim to provide tailored support to meet the unique needs of each group within our project’s scope. If there are additional groups not listed here that you believe we should include, please advise us, and we will strive to accommodate them.

Project Description (What)

This project catalyzes change, uniting individuals to collaboratively devise solutions that better equip young people for the evolving landscape of the workforce. We will bridge the digital divide and foster economic inclusion by providing training, mentorship, and resources to more than 3,000 marginalized youth in Canada, equipping them with essential digital skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and emphasizing small business ventures. 

The project’s methodology is rooted in evidence-based design, assessing the scale of impact, cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and potential risks. This comprehensive approach ensures equitable access to skill-building opportunities, fostering sustainable partnerships and utilizing digital platforms for mentorship and guidance.

Project Location (Where)

Our project, accessible online, is designed to offer opportunities to youth across Canada. Drawing from the valuable insights gathered from our highly successful Gen-Z project, we have identified critical regions within Alberta and across Canada that would greatly benefit from our initiative.

Meet-ups will be organized nationwide at designated centers strategically located in the areas identified as “in need” based on our comprehensive research. Alberta will have a designated centre allowing youth to drop in and work with our staff as needed.

Please click here to read the report on the demographics our previous project engaged.

Time Frame (When)

We can create the infrastructure, hire appropriate staff within the first 40 days, and deploy the activities within 60 days after funding is approved.

Purpose (Why)

As educators, we have been privileged to work with a diverse range of Canadian youth (15 to 30 years of age). We have witnessed a recurring negative cycle where youth aspire to improve their lives through employment but are hindered by their lack of education or training. This, in turn, prevents them from affording the necessary education, leading to joblessness due to lack of experience. Our proposed project, however, holds the potential to break this cycle, offering a beacon of hope for these struggling youth.

Our project takes a unique approach, drawing upon the resounding success of a highly acclaimed national initiative, Project Gen-Z. This initiative has not only empowered over 1 Million Canadian Youth but has also provided them with valuable insights on how to attend and afford post-secondary education and other crucial supports. This success story should instill confidence in our audience about the potential effectiveness of our proposed project.

Supports and Services Provided (How)

Project Empower will provide free online training to marginalized youth in Canada.

  • We will train youth with essential foundation skills that will empower and enable them to become small business entrepreneurs while learning key business skills and concepts.
  • Utilize resources from our previous local, provincial, and national projects from our partners.
  • By offering comprehensive training to individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, we empower them to obtain an opportunity to generate income through the delivery and creation of online or bricks and mortar businesses and enhance their resumes for employment. 
  • Focus: Project Empower aligns with the selected focus area of entrepreneurship and digital skills by targeting marginalized youth by providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools to become entrepreneurs, specifically in the context of small businesses.
  • Delivery Method: Foundational skills, training, mentorship matching and engagements will be provided through self-paced training, guided lectures, and interactive seminars with industry representatives and educators that have experience in teaching and working with the populations described above.  Drawing from our vast network with NGOs and stakeholders, we plan to nurture young entrepreneurs. Leveraging our expertise in free education, we will offer workshops in vital skills like digital marketing through our culturally sensitive and non-confrontational approach.

Expected Results and Outcomes:

This project will allow participants to acquire and refine a diverse array of skills, including, yet not limited to the following 15 competencies:

  1. Analytical and critical thinking
  2. Develop problem-solving, conflict resolution and de-escalation capabilities
  3. Broader social awareness and emotional intelligence
  4. An understanding of essential financial management
  5. Acceptance of perspectives
  6. Hands-on technology skills (coding, web development, graphic design)
  7. A better understanding of communication methods
  8. Project planning (and life-planning)
  9. Effective teamwork and collaborative strategies
  10. Articulate and effective communication
  11. Creative thinking and innovative approach
  12. Flexibility and adaptability to change
  13. Resilience and determination
  14. Enhanced self-esteem through achievement
  15. Constructive handling of challenges and setbacks in a nurturing environment
 

These competencies will be nurtured within a supportive environment and profoundly attuned to cultural sensitivities, ensuring a holistic and inclusive learning experience.

The anticipated outcomes of the project include, yet are not limited to:

  • Annually, the project aims to engage at least 3,000 participants, culminating in 8,000 over the designated term.
  • It endeavours to aid 5,500 individuals in securing their initial employment, starting a small business or transitioning to new job opportunities.
  • The project aspires to reach 1.2 million youth and their networks through strategic online campaigns.
  • A target of over 1 million online views is set for all seminars and workshops.
  • The provision of at least 25 distinct training courses is planned.
  • Collaboration with Subject Matter Experts is anticipated to enrich the program content.
  • The project will train thousands of youth participants in resume writing, job seeking, and interviewing techniques.
  • Life-mapping workshops will be conducted for 1,500 participants to assist in personal and professional development.
  • The launch of workshops/seminars will address various skill sets and knowledge areas.
  • Hosting live training sessions is part of the initiative to provide real-time learning experiences.
  • The project will collaborate with at least two organizations representing language minority areas to ensure inclusivity.
  • At least four youth representatives will actively lead and shape the project’s efforts.
  • The project anticipates facilitating training for at least 600 youth within its establishment, subject to the approval of lease locations.
  • Promotion and participation in four employment, job training, or networking events are planned for each region across Western, Central, Eastern, and Atlantic Canada to foster regional engagement and opportunities.
 

These objectives are set to deliver measurable and impactful results that align with the project’s mission of empowering youth through education and skill development.

Budget (Use-of-funds):

The proposed budget allocation for this project is strategically designed to ensure the effective delivery of the project while maximizing the impact on the target populations. 

  • Program Development and Delivery (15%): This allocation is dedicated to the creation and execution of the project’s core activities. It ensures that the program is well-structured and meets the needs of the participants. This percentage supports the design of curricula, development of training materials, and coordination of program schedules.
  • Equipment and Resources (2.5%): Equipment and Resources (2.5%): A modest allocation of 2.5% of the budget is designated for acquiring vital equipment and resources imperative for the execution of the project. This funding will address the procurement of educational materials, software licenses, and other essential instrumental tools to enrich the participants’ learning journey. The rationale behind this relatively low percentage is attributed to the robust support we receive from the technology community, which generously donates resources, thereby reducing our need for extensive financial investment in this area.
  • Salaries (70%): A significant allocation towards salaries is justified as it allows for the employment of qualified staff who are crucial for the delivery of the project. Non-profit organizations often allocate a substantial part of their budget to staffing, with many allocating 50-75% of their total expenses to salaries. This project’s allocation is within this range, ensuring the staff can be compensated fairly for their expertise and dedication to the project’s success.
  • Administrative Costs (2.5%): Administrative expenses are essential for the smooth operation of any project. This budget allocation covers overhead costs such as office supplies, utilities, and administrative support services. Keeping administrative costs low at 2.5% demonstrates the project’s commitment to directing the majority of funds toward programmatic activities and staffing.
 

The budget allocation reflects a balanced approach to covering all necessary expenses while prioritizing the project’s human resources, which are crucial to achieving the desired outcomes. This allocation strategy aligns with industry standards and ensures that the project can be carried out effectively and sustainably.  Furthermore all financials will be audited and open for review by funding partners.

Benefits from Collaboration Through Partnerships:

Our selected partners will:

  • Help empower marginalized individuals in Canada with valuable digital skills.
  • Gain the ability to interact with the communities we serve and promote their services if they wish.
  • Contribute to community development and social impact to benefit marginalized youth served in this project.
  • Enable participants to embark on entrepreneurial journeys, particularly in the small business sector.
  • Help reduce barriers to entry for marginalized individuals in the digital and entrepreneurial landscape.
  • Help foster economic independence and self-sufficiency among the targeted populations.
  • Help enhance the overall economic and social well-being of the marginalized members of the Canadian community.
  • Help enhance the financial literacy and inclusion of underserved Canadian populations by enabling participation through education to increase the representation of marginalized Canadians and Indigenous communities within Canada’s economy. 
  • Lead the development and creation of new small businesses led by the populations representing marginalized Canadians and Indigenous People.
  • Enhance its reputation and corporate social responsibility efforts by investing in a project that promotes economic empowerment and financial literacy among underserved communities.
  • Through our collaboration with your industry, we will enable and foster an environment that will provide representatives of your business with an opportunity to speak with our participants, offering actual industry perspectives, applications and lived experiences, if you select to.

For a comprehensive overview of the budget, detailed activities, methodologies for tracking anticipated outcomes, and other pertinent elements of our initiative, we are prepared to furnish this information to prospective funding partners upon request.