Our Transformative Initiatives for Black Youth Leadership

Our Transformative Initiatives for Black Youth Leadership

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About 1834 Foundation

Research confirms that Black Canadians continue to be significantly underrepresented in civic leadership roles, including senior public service, elected office, regulatory bodies and the gateway professions to civic leadership roles, such as law, public policy and business. Research also confirms that this chronic under-representation of Black people in civic leadership roles has taken a serious toll on the engagement of Black Canadian youth in Canada's civic life.

The 1834 Foundation was created to help reverse this trend and to help create a new generation of Black civic and international leaders.

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1834 Fellowship

Named in honor of the year that slavery was abolished in the British Empire, the 1834 Fellowship will seek out 20 high-potential Black youth every year who wish to enter or increase their capacity for civic leadership roles and support them in their skills and career development.

Applications will be open every year between December 1 to January 31 of the following year.

Research confirms that Black Canadians continue to be significantly underrepresented in civic leadership roles, including senior public service, elected office, regulatory bodies and the gateway professions to civic leadership roles, such as law, public policy and business. Research also confirms that this chronic under-representation of Black people in civic leadership roles has taken a serious toll on the engagement of Black Canadian youth in Canada's civic life. The 1834 Fellowship Program is designed to help reverse this trend, and to help create a new generation of Black civic leaders.

The 1834 Fellowship Program will achieve its objectives through the delivery of the following activities:

  • 1834 CIVICS MIXERS

Intensive weekend mixers of various public policy areas intended to expose Fellows to a variety of civic leadership roles and public policy areas

  • 1834 CIVIC MENTORSHIP

Pairing each Fellow with a mentor from the public institution/political sphere to help create a safe space for the Fellows to work towards personal learning goals during and after the Fellowship.

  • 1834 CIVICS Summit (Toronto/Ottawa)

A Two-day summit, to be held at the beginning and/or conclusion of the Fellowship, that includes current Fellows, Fellowship Alumni and invited civically engaged Black Canadian youth. The summit is an opportunity for direct exposure to Canada’s key public policy institutions and direct interaction with senior public policymakers.

  • Permanent resident or Canadian citizenship
  • Black/African Descent
  • Age 18-25
  • Available for policy mixers and networking events
  • Available for weekend conference
  • Available for weekend intensive policy program in Toronto or Ottawa (depending on the year).

Candidates are assessed on the basis of the following criteria. Candidates’ experiences should demonstrate these competencies. Referees are asked to address these criteria in their letters of reference.

  • Maturity (self-awareness/respect for others)
  • Leadership (initiative/ability to work with others)
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Research and writing abilities
  • Motivation
  • Language skills

Candidates are selected by a committee comprised of 1834 Fellowship coordinators, 1834 Foundation Board and advisory members.

Eligible candidates must apply using the secure online 1834 Fellowship application system. Each candidate will be asked to submit the following documents to support their application:

  • A cover letter and resume includes the following information: Contact information, education, employment experience, extracurricular and volunteer activities.
  • Contact information for letters of reference: Candidates must provide at least TWO letters of reference in support of their application. One referee should be academic, and one must be from an employer or community member. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that letters are submitted prior to the application deadline. If referees would like to submit letters of reference directly, they may send the letters to programs@1834foundation.ca.

All applications are strictly private and confidential.

Candidates are selected by a committee comprised of 1834 Foundation Board and advisory members.

The Selection Committee will review all applications completed by the January 31 submission deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their application is complete.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in February or early March. All candidates will be notified about their application status by the end of March.

The application process for the upcoming Fellowship opens every year on December 1 and ends on January 31 of the following year. The next cohort is open to candidates across Canada.

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1834 Global

1834 Global is a transformative 9-week fellowship that supports the skill-building and career development of high-potential Black Canadians aged 20–30 who aspire to lead in global civic and international affairs.

Through a dynamic blend of expert mentorship, intensive virtual mixers, and real-world policy research with leading international organizations, Fellows gain the tools, training, and networks needed to understand and shape the global systems that impact Black communities in Canada and around the world.

This program offers more than education, it is a launchpad for emerging leaders to imagine bold governance solutions, collaborate with high-profile clients, and step confidently into careers as diplomats, policy analysts, and global change-makers. 1834 Global nurtures a new generation of Black visionaries ready to shape the future of global affairs from the inside out.

The 1834 Global program is offered in collaboration with the Centre for Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the University of Toronto.

1834 Global will achieve its objectives through the delivery of the following program activities:

 

1834 Global Mixers: Weekly facilitated sessions expose Fellows to a broad range of global issues and leadership challenges. Each session is designed to strengthen both personal and professional competencies, creating space for critical dialogue, reflection, and growth in areas such as diplomacy, governance, advocacy, and policy design.

 

1834 Global Research Projects: Fellows are grouped into policy teams that collaborate throughout the program on research projects tied to real-world global issues. Each team is paired with an experienced Coach—an expert in global affairs—who provides ongoing mentorship and guidance. These Champions help Fellows sharpen their strategic thinking, refine their communication, and apply their learning to practical outcomes.

 

1834 Global Summit: The program culminates in a high-impact capstone experience that brings together public policymakers, analysts, nonprofit leaders, and civically engaged Black youth. The Summit offers Fellows a platform for Fellows to present their research, gain professional exposure, and connect directly with institutions shaping global policy—while centering Black voices and leadership in the global conversation.

1834 Global is seeking aspiring Black leaders who are ready to make a global impact. Ideal candidates are:

  • Aged 20 to 30 years old
  • Identify as Black or of African descent
  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Interested in a career in international development, diplomacy, or Canadian foreign policy
  • Committed to participating in a 9-week virtual program (approx. 3.5 hours per week)
  • Willing and able to travel for the final in-person Summit

Candidates are evaluated based on the following core competencies, which should be clearly demonstrated through their application materials and letters of reference. Referees are encouraged to address these areas in their letters:

  • Research & Writing Skills – Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively in written form
  • Leadership – Initiative, collaboration, and the ability to inspire or work effectively with others
  • Critical Thinking – Analytical reasoning and thoughtful engagement with complex issues
  • Maturity – Self-awareness, professionalism, and respect for others
  • Motivation – A demonstrated commitment to global affairs and personal growth
  • Language Proficiency – Communication skills in English, French, and/or other languages relevant to global work

Candidates are selected by a committee composed of 1834 Fellowship Coordinators, members of the 1834 Foundation Board.

Eligible candidates must apply through the secure 1834 Foundation online application system. Each application must include the following supporting documents:

  • Personal Statement – A written statement (maximum 400 words) outlining how you hope to contribute to and benefit from the 1834 Global Fellowship.
  • Two Letters of Reference – Applicants must submit two letters of reference: one from an academic source and one from an employer or community leader. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that letters are submitted on time. Referees may also send their letters directly to: Programs@1834foundation.ca.
  • Resume – A current resume that includes your contact information, education, work experience, extracurricular involvement, and volunteer activities.

All application materials will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Candidates are selected by a committee comprised of 1834 Foundation coordinators, Board and advisory members.

The Selection Committee will review all applications completed by the October 13 submission deadline.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in October or early November. All candidates will be notified about their application status by the first week in December.

The application process for the next cohort opens every year on August 1 and closes on October 13 to candidates across Canada

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1834 Debates

The 1834 Youth Debates were created as part of Operation Black Vote Canada's 1834 series of programs designed to empower Black youth to become local and global leaders. In 2025, the debates were moved to the 1834 Foundation to join the other series of 1834 programs.

This initiative is a partnership with University of Toronto Schools (UTS). UTS is an independent school for students in grade 7-12 affiliated with the University of Toronto.