• Youth Access

    Dive into experiential, dynamic and self-directed exploration through our programs and activities. Who you are becoming is why we are here.

    • 2k+youth visits
    • 27community partners
    • 1award

About

Hart House works with youth, schools, and local community organizations to provide initiatives that focus on exploration, skill development and building connections.

By attending our programs, youth will experience Hart House and campus life first-hand and have the opportunity to engage in areas of leadership, art, dialogue, social justice, and recreation and wellness. We encourage the participation of Indigenous, racialized and LGBTQ youth in our initiatives.

Hart House Youth Access is bigger than any one program or event – we aim to centre youth voices, connect youth to existing programs, opportunities and resources, and to support our local community.

Focus

  • Build Community

    Connecting youth to help create new friendships and a sense of belonging either online of in-person.

  • Ongoing Dialogue

    Youth-centred planning focused on personal interests, academic and personal goals.

  • Collaboration

    Collaboration with U of T campus partners including academic service learning opportunities for our students

  • Exploration

    Academic and career exploration for both the youth participants and university students involved through their academic placements

  • Target Audience: Ages 13-24
  • Program Cycle: Ongoing
  • Program Contact:
    • Danielle Dinunzio

      Manager, Community Access & Outreach

      .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 416-978-0691
      picture of Danielle Dinunzio

Testimonials

The placement helped me recognize and reflect on my own privilege as a U of T student, and how I can use the opportunities available to me to make more equitable spaces for under-served communities.

U of T placement student

Upcoming Events

  • Thu, May 2, 2024

    Artist in the 6ix Gala

    Artists in the 6ix is an annual showcase as part of Toronto Youth Week featuring the hidden talent of youth artists from across the city.

  • May 14 – Jul 12, 2024

    Sports Day Donation Drive with The 519

    Join us at Hart House for The 519's annual Sports Day for 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomers and Refugees!

Current Offerings

Media

TRANSITION: High School, University, Art Industry

The series is aimed to help high school students by providing some insight into the transition to university, studying in the arts, and exploring the art industry. This series features six students who study not only art but also law, economy, etc., and are interested in the art industry.

This project is based on the platform of the Hart House Student Art Committee at the University of Toronto. There's a new episode every day at 7 PM EST during the first week of March 2021. View all the videos.

Videos

Virtual Artist Chat - Agustine Correa Scarpa

One of our most treasured alumna volunteers, Agustine discusses her experience at Hart House Theatre

Virtual Artist Chat - Lily Ling

Lily Ling got her first gig as a Music Director with us while a student at the University if Toronto. Since then, she's made a HUGE career of it.

Chizoba Imoka Hancock Lecture

Black and Educated? Unveiling the Contradictions and Redesigning the Future.

Hip Hop & Wellness From Home Series / Haviah Mighty

Haviah Mighty talks all things wellness in this IGTV video.

Hip Hop & Wellness From Home Series / Marcus Singleton

Markus Singleton talks about rediscovering his love of being at home and finding creative ways to connect with others.

Hip Hop Café with Drezus

The following is a recording from the Hart House Hip Hop Café hosted by Drezus, an internationally acclaimed MC and activist based out of Blackfoot Territory.

The Questions of Where and When We Belong

Mica and Ari invite their friends Kashi and Selva to discuss their experiences of loneliness, belonging and feeling at home while growing up in the diaspora.

Thinking Forward—A Hip Hop History Lesson with Dr. Francesca

Zoe and Jessica host a Hip Hop Education conversation with Dr. Francesca D’Amico-Cuthbert to explore the living history within the Canadian hip hop scene.

Past Events

  • Thu, Mar 14, 2024

    Youth Zine-Making Workshop: Stolen Futures

    Join the Hart House Youth Advisory Council and let's create something that screams "We're here, and we're facing it all together!"

  • Fri, May 5, 2023

    Artists in the 6ix Virtual Gallery 2023

    A virtual gallery to showcase Toronto Youth Week!

  • Thu, May 4, 2023

    Artists in the 6ix Gala

    Artists in the 6ix is an annual showcase as part of Toronto Youth Week featuring the hidden talent of youth artists from across the city

  • Apr 5 – Sep 30, 2023

    Talking Walls Exhibition: I AM...

    This Talking Walls exhibition at Hart House serves as a visual reminder that the next generation of change-makers is already in our midst.

  • Thu, Mar 16, 2023

    Paint Your Piece: Youth Mental Health

    Join the Hart House Youth Advisory Council for a free painting day during March Break.

  • Fri, Dec 9, 2022

    BEE 'Black Boys' Film Screening

    On December 9th 2022, there will be screening of the Black Boys documentary which illuminates the full humanity of Black men and boys in America.

  • Thu, May 5, 2022

    Artists in the 6ix Gala

    Artists in the 6ix is an annual showcase as part of Toronto Youth Week featuring the hidden talent of youth artists from across the city

  • Sun, May 1, 2022

    Group Fitness Mentorship Program

    The Group Fitness Mentorship Program provides youth with the opportunity to become certified fitness instructors while earning a stipend for their commitment.

  • Fri, Apr 29, 2022

    Artists in the 6ix Virtual Exhibition

    Artists in the 6ix is an annual showcase as part of Toronto Youth Week featuring the hidden talent of youth artists from across the city.

  • Sat, Apr 23, 2022

    Outdoor Expedition

    Youth ages 16-18 can spend time in the great outdoors at the Hart House Farm.

  • Tue, Mar 1, 2022

    The CITY Project

    The CITY Project: Climate Impacts on Toronto Youth.

  • Thu, May 6, 2021

    Artists in the 6Ix Reception

    Artists in the 6ix is an annual showcase as part of Toronto Youth Week featuring the hidden talent of youth artists from across the city.

Partnered Programs

Our Team

  • picture of Danielle Dinunzio

    Danielle Dinunzio

    Manager, Community Access & Outreach

  • picture of Alphonse Daniel

    Alphonse Daniel

    Program Associate, Community Access & Outreach

Awards

Hart House Teams Up to Win IDERD Strategic Innovation Initiatives Award (Group)

Enhancing Access through Youth Community Partnerships.

Partners

City of Toronto Wellesley
Native Child and Family Services
The 519 Community Centre
St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club
The Kickback
New College Community Engaged Learning Program
Student Life
Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education