In-Community Delivery | Hands-On | First Nations–Focused
Roots to Success is a youth employment readiness and community volunteering program designed to help young people build real-world job skills, gain confidence, and give back to their community.
This program blends employment skills training with hands-on community volunteering, allowing youth to learn by doing — not just listening. Participants gain practical experience, transferable skills, and a stronger understanding of responsibility, teamwork, and community contribution.
Who This Program Is For
- First Nations youth
- Youth preparing for summer employment or first jobs
- Youth involved in employment, education, or prevention programs
- Participants with little or no previous work experience
No prior job experience is required. This program is designed to meet youth where they are and build skills step-by-step.
Program Overview
Roots to Success focuses on preparing youth for the workforce while reinforcing the importance of community, accountability, and giving back.
Participants develop essential employment skills while also gaining hands-on experience through in-community volunteering, helping youth see themselves as capable, valued contributors.
This program supports both individual growth and community capacity.
What Participants Learn
During the program, youth build skills in:
Employment Readiness:
- Resume writing and cover letter development
- Interview preparation and practice
- Effective job search strategies
- Understanding workplace expectations
Transferable Life & Work Skills:
- Communication and teamwork
- Responsibility and accountability
- Time management and reliability
- Problem-solving and confidence building
Skills learned in Roots to Success transfer directly to:
- Summer jobs
- Part-time work
- School placements
- Future career opportunities
Community Volunteering Component:
A key part of Roots to Success is community volunteering, where participants:
- Take part in 1–2 days of in-community volunteering
- Choose roles that interest them
- Gain hands-on experience in real settings
- Contribute meaningfully to their community
This component helps youth:
- Build confidence through action
- Understand the value of service
- Develop pride in contributing to their community
- Gain experience they can include on their resume
Program Structure & Delivery:
Roots to Success is commonly delivered as a 2-week, in-community program, but can be customized to meet community needs.
Communities can adjust:
- Program length
- Daily schedule
- Number of volunteering days
- Group size
- Focus areas (employment skills, confidence, teamwork, community service)
Certificates, Recognition & Motivation
Participants have the opportunity to:
- Earn a Certificate of Achievement
- Create a custom resume and cover letter
- Take part in interview practice
- Earn prizes and incentives
These elements help reinforce:
- Attendance and participation
- Motivation and engagement
- Pride in completion and achievement
First Nations–Focused & Youth-Centered:
This program is designed with an understanding of the unique realities and strengths of First Nations youth, including:
- Limited access to employment opportunities
- First-time job anxiety
- The importance of culturally respectful, community-based learning
- The value of mentorship, encouragement, and positive role models
The approach is:
- Strength-based and encouraging
- Interactive and hands-on
- Respectful and youth-centered
- Focused on building confidence, not pressure
Why Communities Bring Roots to Success In:
Communities choose Roots to Success because it:
- Prepares youth for employment in a practical way
- Builds confidence, responsibility, and accountability
- Encourages community pride and involvement
- Supports youth who may lack work experience
- Strengthens youth engagement during summer programming
- Creates positive outcomes for both youth and community
Why Funders Support This Program:
Funders value Roots to Success because it:
- Builds employment and life skills
- Supports youth workforce readiness
- Encourages community engagement and volunteering
- Reduces barriers to employment
- Promotes accountability, responsibility, and confidence
- Aligns with youth employment, education, and prevention funding goals
This program delivers clear, measurable outcomes that funders look for.
Outcomes Youth Can Expect
After completing Roots to Success, participants often leave with:
- Increased confidence and self-belief
- A resume they understand and can use
- Interview skills they have practiced
- Hands-on experience to reference in job applications
- A stronger sense of responsibility and community connection
Bring Roots to Success to Your Community
If your community is looking for a positive, engaging, First Nations–focused youth employment program, Roots to Success provides youth with the skills, experience, and confidence they need to move forward.
We work closely with communities to ensure the program:
- aligns with local priorities
- meets funding requirements
- supports youth in a meaningful, respectful way
