YLP - Youth Leadership & Public Speaking
Leadership development through debate, articulation, and community skills.
Students craft speeches, lead discussions, and practice presentation skills that serve them in school and beyond.
Every other weekend · Saturdays & Sundays · 2:00 – 4:00 PM with facilitators (no classes on Ontario long weekends)
Aaniin Community Centre (5665 14th Ave) & Computek College (7 Eastvale Dr #202), Markham
What participants get
- Speech writing and delivery workshops
- Debate, moderation, and active listening
- Community projects led by the youth themselves
YLP Levels
Each level is broken down by semesters. Each semester is an ongoing eight week two-hour session program through the year. The core content is led by experienced facilitators, thought activities and experiences that help youth develop their social, ethical, emotional, physical and cognitive competencies.
Level 1 — Effective Communication level
Semester 1
- Week 1Introduction to Public Speaking
- Week 2My First Ice Breaker Speech
- Week 3Unprepared Speech
- Week 4How can I manage my fear?
- Week 5How can I create/craft a good speech?
- Week 6How can I effectively communicate?
- Week 7How can I deliver a good speech?
- Week 8My First Presentation
Semester 2
- Week 1Body language in your speech
- Week 2Eye contact in your speech
- Week 3Gestures in your speech
- Week 4How to speak with confidence?
- Week 5How to use the stage effectively?
- Week 6How to get the audience to listen to you?
- Week 7How to provide a Speech Evaluation?
- Week 8My First Public Presentation
Level 2 — Building Collaboration level
Semester 1
- Week 1Voice and Vocabulary
- Week 2Developing my listening Skills
- Week 3How to structure my speech
- Week 4Impromptu Speaking
- Week 5Delivering my 3 minute speech
- Week 6Developing a Team
- Week 7Time Management #1
- Week 8Media Literacy I
Semester 2
- Week 1Goal Setting #1
- Week 2Research on a Topic
- Week 3Media Literacy – II
- Week 4Getting Ready for the Presentation
- Week 5Exercise on Teamwork
- Week 6Listening Skills
- Week 7Voice (V-I-T-A-L)
- Week 8Show your Skills
Level 3 — Showing a Business Character level
Semester 1
- Week 1Introduction to Leadership
- Week 2Goal Setting #2
- Week 3Time Management #2
- Week 4Personal Development Plan
- Week 5What is a Business? and Business Plan?
- Week 6Understanding what my Business is and Goals
- Week 7The Team and Roles, 3 R's, and 5 C's
- Week 8What is Strategy and Operation
Semester 2
- Week 1Finance and Investment
- Week 2SWOT Analysis
- Week 3What is branding and pricing?
- Week 4Marketing Plan
- Week 5Guidelines for written entry
- Week 6Product Introduction I
- Week 7Product Introduction II
- Week 8Major group Presentation
Level 4
Level 4 and 5 are where children are given their individual assignments. They need to present 15 leadership topics, 5 persuasive topics and take part in a Speech Contest. More information will be shared with the children and parents near the end of Level 3.
Level 5
Level 4 and 5 are where children are given their individual assignments. They need to present 15 leadership topics, 5 persuasive topics and take part in a Speech Contest. More information will be shared with the children and parents near the end of Level 3.
Other programs
Reading to Success
Guided literacy journeys that build comprehension and a love of reading.
Spelling Bee
Competitive spelling coaching that strengthens vocabulary and confidence.
Math Contests
Advanced problem-solving training for math competitions and analytical thinking.
English Training
Comprehensive language support for academic writing and communication.
Artificial Intelligence
Foundational AI literacy that teaches young people to understand, question, and use intelligent technology responsibly.