Students selected to participate in the program will be contacted by the Focus on Youth team.
Focus on Youth is returning for summer 2025! 
Focus on Youth is a summer work program for Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Students. Every summer since 2008, HWDSB has partnered with community partners through the Focus on Youth program to support them in delivering summer programs that keep young people safe and active. Following a successful interview, students who are offered positions within the program are placed with a community-partnered organization for summer employment.
NEW TO 2025: Each student hired with Focus on Youth will also earn summer co-op credits!
The application for Focus on Youth student employment will open on Tuesday, April 22 2025. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, May 23 at 4:00PM. Students must sign into their HWDSB email address to access the application form.
If selected to participate in the program, student employment will run from July 7 to August 22, 2025. Programs and activities are focused on:
- working with children and youth
- arts and culture
- sports and recreation
- education, literacy, and numeracy
- community gardens and horticulture
- food banks
- working with seniors
- leadership development
Focus on Youth Applicant Requirements:
- Must be 16 to 21 years of age as of July 7, 2025
- Must commit to work from July 7 to August 22, 2025
- Must have been registered in an HWDSB program in 2024/25
- Must have an up-to-date resume 3 Professional/Teacher References – can be volunteer-related
- Must have a valid social insurance number and a bank/chequing account
- Will be required to pass a criminal record check if over the age of 18 (costs provided by the program)
For application questions or support please contact:
Phone: 905-527-5092 ext. 2364
Email: [email protected]
Be sure to follow @focusonyouth_hwdsb on Instagram for updates.
See our recent blog post for Resume and Cover Letter Tips.
Program Contacts
Madeleine Krusto
Focus on Youth Program Lead
[email protected]
Amber Aquin
Engagement Officer
[email protected]
Updated on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.