Youth Futures 2025 Launch Night Inspires a New Generation of Leaders

Ottawa, ON – February 14, 2025 – The Youth Futures program officially welcomed its 2025 cohort with an inspiring Launch Night on Friday, February 14. Held at Ben Franklin Place, the event brought together participants, alumni, program partners, and community leaders to celebrate the beginning of another impactful year of youth leadership, mentorship, and career development.

Youth Futures is a transformative program designed to empower young people in Ottawa by equipping them with leadership training, post-secondary preparation, and summer employment opportunities. The program is the result of collaboration between the City of Ottawa, BGC Ottawa and the OCH Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, the program has helped over 1400 youth build brighter futures, unlocking their potential and paving the way for success in education and careers.

Launch Night was filled with energy and enthusiasm as this year’s cohort of 155+ youth was introduced to the program’s mission and the exciting journey ahead. Special guests, including OCH Foundation board members and community partners, shared words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of resilience, education, and community support in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

The Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliff, addressed the students via a video message, offering his support and encouragement for their journey ahead. Additionally, Ronny Musikitele inspired students with an emotional speech about his own journey from growing up in Ottawa Community Housing to a successful career in sports management, highlighting the power of perseverance and community support.

“Youth Futures provides students with vital outcomes that extend beyond employment opportunities and training for future leadership roles,” said Traci Spour-Lafrance, Acting Executive Director of the OCH Foundation. “This program provides youth with confidence-building tools that enable them to take control of their future. We believe in our youth, and we are here to help break down barriers, open doors, and remind them that their dreams matter. Tonight, we celebrate the start of something truly transformative.”

Attendees also had the chance to hear from past Youth Futures Alumni, who shared their personal experiences and the impact the program had on their academic and professional journeys. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of how access to mentorship, training, and employment can create lasting change.

As the 2025 cohort embarks on this journey, the OCH Foundation remains committed to expanding opportunities for youth living in Ottawa Community Housing communities. With the support of generous donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners, Youth Futures continues to be a driving force in breaking down barriers.

The OCH Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to our funders, including the RBC Foundation, Rideau Hall Foundation, Peter Gilgan Foundation, and Rogers, whose generous support makes the Youth Futures program possible. We also want to acknowledge the invaluable partnership of Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions, such as Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Algonquin College, St. Paul University, and Collège La Cité, for their ongoing commitment to education and student success. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of Ottawa’s youth.

About the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation

The OCH Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the health and social well-being of over 33,000 tenants living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH). Through education, employment, and community engagement projects, the Foundation helps tenants achieve personal success and responds to emerging needs.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact

Traci Spour-Lafrance (she/her/elle), Acting Executive Director, OCH Foundation

Cell: 343-997-6400

Email: traci.spour-lafrance@ochfoundation.ca.