• 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

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.

TRANSITION: Vinicio Gutiérrez

TRANSITION: Yixin Ma

TRANSITION: Emily Jin

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

  • 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 – May 26, 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

  • 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.

  • Tue, Nov 17, 2020

    The University of Tomorrow

    In this online panel, we bring together both Canadian and American perspectives to discuss the future of higher education.

  • Tue, Nov 10, 2020

    UofTea Talks: Using your Black Excellence & Education to Support Community

    Hart House Student Ambassadors are going to be available live to answer all of your questions!

  • Oct 29 – Oct 31, 2020

    A Spooky Socially Distanced Halloween!

    Compete in our costume contest, meet new friends at our virtual board game event, create Halloween decorations or go on fun, Halloween themed scavenger hunt.

  • Sat, Oct 10, 2020

    iBEAM Stem Outreach

    Join us for this virtual iBEAM outreach program designed to give middle school students the chance to connect and learn from U of T graduate students!

  • Wed, Oct 7, 2020

    Spark your Well-Being

    In this curated conversation we bring together Hip Hop artists who will engage in an open conversation around mental health and wellness journeys.

  • Sat, Sep 26, 2020

    iBEAM Stem Outreach—National Science Week!

    Join us for this virtual iBEAM outreach program designed to give middle school students the chance to connect and learn from U of T graduate students!

  • Wed, Aug 19, 2020

    Remixing Our Experiences

    Join us for a virtual conversation to meet black and indigenous hip hop community organizers, educators, and artists.

Partnered Programs

Our Team

  • picture of Danielle Dinunzio

    Danielle Dinunzio

    Manager, Community Access & Outreach

  • picture of Alphonse Daniel

    Alphonse Daniel

    Access Programs Assistant

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