Dare To Be Youth Celebrates Successful Completion of Year One of the Leader Within Peer Mentorship Program, Funded
by Halton Region Community Investment Fund
Youth across Burlington, Milton, Oakville, and Halton Hills gain confidence, connection, and leadership skills through innovative peer mentorship model
Dare To Be Youth (DTBY), a social impact organization serving youth ages 14 to 24 across Halton and Hamilton, is proud to announce the successful completion of Year One of the Leader Within Peer Mentorship Program in Halton. This milestone program was made possible through Category Two funding from the Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF), aligned with Halton’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan priorities.
The Leader Within Peer Mentorship Program was designed to build leadership capacity among young people while fostering meaningful connections between youth mentors and mentees in communities across Halton and Hamilton. Over the course of the April 2025 to March 2026 program year, youth participants engaged in structured mentorship experiences that strengthened their confidence, communication skills, and sense of belonging.
Building Leaders, Strengthening Community
At the heart of the Leader Within model is the belief that youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but active contributors to their communities today. The program paired trained youth mentors with younger participants, creating a peer to peer learning environment that was relatable, accessible, and empowering.
“This program has shown us what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity, the support, and the trust to lead. The growth we’ve seen in our mentors and mentees this year has been remarkable, and it speaks to the power of youth investing in each other.” — Shannon, Founder and CEO, Dare To Be Youth (DTBY)
Voices of Youth: What Participants Are Saying
The most powerful measure of the Leader Within program’s success comes from the young people themselves. Across the program year, participants consistently shared that the experience had a meaningful impact on how they see themselves, how they connect with others, and how they show up in their communities.
“Before this program, I didn’t really think of myself as someone who could lead. Now I know that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up, listening, and caring enough to make a difference.”
— Youth Mentor, Leader Within Program
“My mentor helped me believe in myself when I didn’t know how to. Having someone close to my age who actually understood what I was going through made all the difference. I felt seen for the first time.”
— Youth Mentee, Leader Within Program
“I used to be afraid to speak up. Through this program, I learned that my voice matters and that I have something real to offer. I’m not the same person I was at the start of this year.”
— Youth Participant, Leader Within Program
Meaningful Impact Across Halton Region
Year One of the Leader Within program delivered measurable outcomes for participants, including increased self-confidence, stronger interpersonal skills, and a deeper sense of connection to their community. DTBY’s Year 1 Final Evaluation Report, submitted to Halton Region, documents these outcomes and highlights the voices and experiences of the youth who participated.
Key impacts reported by youth participants include:
Youth reported significant growth in their self-confidence and belief in their own abilities. Participants described stronger connections with peers and a renewed sense of belonging within their communities. Mentors developed practical leadership, communication, and facilitation skills that they are already applying in school, work, and volunteer settings. Many participants expressed that the program helped them navigate personal challenges, reduce feelings of isolation, and build healthier relationships. Youth consistently shared that they felt heard, valued, and supported throughout the program, with several noting it was the first time they had experienced that kind of encouragement from a peer.
The program’s success reflects DTBY’s commitment to youth-centered programming that meets young people where they are and equips them with the tools they need to thrive.
A Ripple Effect Beyond the Program
The impact of the Leader Within program extends well beyond the sessions themselves. Youth mentors have gone on to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities, bringing the skills and confidence they developed through the program into new spaces. Mentees have reported improved relationships at home and at school, greater engagement in their education, and a desire to one day become mentors themselves.
For many participants, the program was more than a learning experience. It was a turning point. The connections formed between mentors and mentees have created a lasting network of support that continues to strengthen the fabric of youth community across Halton and Hamilton.
Community Partnership and Support
DTBY extends its sincere gratitude to Halton Region and the Community Investment Fund for their investment in youth leadership across the region. This funding has been instrumental in bringing the Leader Within Peer Mentorship Program to life and creating lasting impact for young people and the communities they call home.
DTBY also acknowledges the valued support of its community partners, including the Burlington Lions Club, Rotary Clubs of Burlington, the Oakville Civitan Club, and the Arbour Foundation, whose contributions continue to strengthen the organization’s mission.
Looking Ahead
With Year One complete, DTBY is focused on continuing to grow and strengthen its programming. The organization remains committed to serving youth across all four Halton municipalities and building on the momentum generated through the Leader Within Peer Mentorship Program.
“Every young person who participated in our Leader Within Peer Mentorship Program this year left with something they didn’t have before, whether that was confidence, connection, or simply the knowledge that someone believes in them. That’s what drives us forward, and that’s what this funding has made possible.”
— Jodie Schnurr, Director of Programs, Leader Within, Dare To Be Youth (DTBY)
To learn more about the Leader Within Peer Mentorship Program or to register for upcoming programming, visit: dtby.ca/leader-within
About Dare To Be Youth
Dare to Be You(th) (DTBY) is a social impact organization driven by the belief that investing in the potential of youth today shapes a brighter, more inclusive, and resilient future. As a registered charity serving Halton and Hamilton regions, its focus is dedicated to empowering youth ages 14 to 24 by providing no-fee, accessible programming that helps participants build essential life skills, develop healthy relationships and connect within their communities. Since its first program launch in 2021, well over 3,000 young people have engaged in initiatives designed to equip them for life beyond high school, empowering them to make an authentic impact.
Media Contact
Shannon, Founder and CEO
Dare To Be Youth
289-245-1313
