Programs
Thrive primarily serves children and youth aged 9 to 18 in under resourced and underserved communities. We deliver in-person programming in Ontario, British Columbia, and virtual programs for other groups upon request.
The overarching goal of all of our programs is to empower our participants to feel like they can make a difference in their own lives and the lives of people around them. Each of our programs is led by a Thrive Youth facilitator along with a professional artist in our artist educator network. This is because our programs are grounded in experiential learning that challenges our participants to explore art forms and try something new. Our artist educators represent a wide array of art forms, including but not limited to photography, weaving, upcycling, beat-boxing, and more.
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Read more about our programs below.
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Need more information? Download our programs guide.
Learn Create Explore (LCE)
LCE is offered as both in-school and out-of-school summer programming for children aged 9 to 13.
The Learn Create Explore (LCE) In-School program is designed to build students’ leadership skills and enhance peer connections through a social and individual wellness lens, delivered directly in school classrooms for students in grades 4 to 7.
LCE in-school guides students through a series of key activities designed to foster
creative expression, critical thinking, and a commitment to personal growth. The program's core is rooted in hands-on arts-based workshops led by professional artist-educators.
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Learn Create Explore (LCE) summer programming is an early intervention program delivered free of cost to children and youth facing barriers. The program provides a supportive, creative environment for young people who may be struggling in traditional classroom settings, offering a fresh start with a new peer group and opportunities to rediscover their strengths.
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Through arts-based experiential learning and field trips to inspiring, culture-building spaces across their city, participants build essential life skills, confidence, and leadership. Each camp is designed to nurture the holistic development of every child, helping them explore their potential, express themselves creatively, and grow into resilient young leaders.
Build to Change (BTC)
Build to Change (BTC) is a free after-school program for youth aged 12 to 15 running for ten 90-minute sessions. The program is intended to support young people who want to make a difference in their community using the arts, but aren’t quite sure where to start.
Youth will participate in a variety of arts and skill-building workshops that create space for learners to feel confident, capable, and connected while exploring a unique balance between project management skill-building workshops and a variety of art forms.
Youth Lead Impact (YLI)
This ten session program combines elements of a skills lab with an innovation incubator, providing a platform for youth aged 14-18 to develop their project planning, conflict resolution, communication, digital literacy, organizational, and collaboration skills. This is achieved through project-based learning, with guidance from dedicated staff, experienced artists, and community change-makers.
Thrive Days
Thrive Days are full-day, in-school events that bring interactive, arts-based leadership development to students in grades 4 - 7. Led by professional artists, experienced facilitators, and volunteers, the program transforms up to five classrooms into creative workshop spaces where students explore, collaborate, and celebrate their work together.
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Offered at no cost to schools in under-resourced communities, Thrive Days provide a powerful, community-building experience that strengthens confidence, creativity, and school spirit.
