Our Programs

Youth Initiated Program:

Young people have a lot of great ideas which seldom become reality. We provide funding to each of Delta’s 7 high schools for student initiated projects that benefit their school and community.

High Schools DYSL funds throughout the year:

• South Delta Secondary School in Tsawwassen
• Delta Secondary School in Ladner
• Seaquam Secondary School in North Delta
• North Delta Secondary School
• Burnsview Secondary School in North Delta
• Delview Secondary School in North Delta
• Sands Secondary School in North Delta

Examples of projects:

• purchasing more recycle bins for inside the school and for the school grounds
• designed and built a garden to grow herbs for the school’s cafeteria and for people to sit and enjoy

• showcased events displaying various ethnic diversities within their community (held cooking and dance events)

• hired a professional group to educate students on cyber-bullying

• a week long event bringing in a variety of educators talking about depression, mental illness, stress, and anxiety

................plus much more..............

STEP/LEAP Programs:

Our Short Term Enhancement Program (STEP) provides funding up to $500 per year for individualized financial assistance and support to youth at a crossroads for personal and development training

Our Long Term Enhancement Program (LEAP) follows this individual through for another year’s financial assistance if required.

Bursaries:

Spirit Award Bursaries – $500 is granted to one student at each of Delta’s 7 high schools. The recipient will have shown personal accomplishment throughout their high school years despite adversity and challenging circumstances. Funds must go towards post-secondary education within one year.

Don Ker “In Memory” Bursary – $500 will be granted to one student in Delta to further his/her computer sciences education. This new 2012 bursary is to honour a volunteer who we sadly lost in 2011.

Youth Week:

Thanks to the $5000 received from Vancity, we will be funding all Delta’s 7 high schools again this May for students to celebrate Youth Week.

We received a $5,000 grant from the Delta Community Foundation in 2011 to fund youth driven activities at Delta’s 7 high schools during Youth Week. Youth Week is the first week in May.

Students had a lot of fun organizing and implementing events showcasing the strengths of youth during a week full of activities. They learned the importance of teamwork and developed leadership skills.

Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP):

Thanks to funding received from Vancity, we are offering a paid apprenticeship position at our DYSL WearHouse Thrift Store throughout 2012. This position is for a high school student, preferably Grade 11, to develop leadership skills and learn how a non-profit social enterprise operates. Candidates should apply directly to debbielindsey@dyslsociety.com as soon as possible.

We received a grant from Vancity to carry this program through 2012. Thank you Vancity!

DYSL ALSO FUNDS:

• www.youthinbc.com chat line with an annual donation
• Christmas gifts to needy youth in Delta