ACAO helps Black youth in Ottawa-Gatineau gain experience, build confidence, and contribute to meaningful community change.
The ACAO Youth Placement Program, also known as Unity Through Service, empowers Black youth in the National Capital Region to take action, develop skills, and contribute to their communities.
The program creates space for youth to grow personally and professionally while serving local community needs.
The program welcomes youth who want to learn, serve, and grow through meaningful community involvement.
It is about building confidence, social capital, leadership, practical skills, and stronger connection to community. Participants gain information, experience, and support they can use confidently and independently.
The ACAO Youth Placement Program is an opportunity for young people to take part in community work, learn practical skills, and build meaningful relationships.
Give back to your community while developing stronger civic and social awareness.
Gain practical skills that support personal and professional growth.
Build confidence and learn how to lead in community settings.
Improve your ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
Learn how to identify issues and contribute to practical community solutions.
Build trust, connections, and community relationships through service.
Connect with peers who are also committed to growth and service.
Your contribution matters and can support future education or employment pathways.
Unity Through Service is funded by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth to gain experience, build important skills, and give back to their community.
Everything you need to know about the Unity Through Service (UTS) Program.
Unity Through Service (UTS) is a youth placement program delivered by the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO) and supported by the Government of Canada’s Canada Service Corps. It empowers young people to develop practical skills, gain leadership experience, and give back to their local communities through structured workshops and volunteer placements.
The program is open to youth aged 12 to 30 living in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. No prior experience is required—just a commitment to learning and community service!
No, the UTS program is 100% free for all participants.
Participants aim to complete a 120-hour service commitment throughout the program duration. This total includes interactive workshops, virtual info sessions, and hands-on volunteer placements.
UTS uses a hybrid format to provide flexibility. Leadership development sessions and skill-building workshops are delivered online and in person, while volunteer placements and community projects take place at designated partner sites across Ottawa.
Participants engage in a variety of community-focused activities, including:
Training sessions are structured to accommodate students and working individuals. Online modules and webinars are typically held on weekday evenings (e.g., 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM), while in-person interactive workshops, team-building activities, and hands-on projects usually take place on Saturdays.
In-person sessions are hosted at accessible central community venues in Ottawa (such as the ACAO main office, local community health centers, or university campus rooms). Detailed venue locations and transit options are shared with participants well before each scheduled workshop.
For virtual sessions, you will need a stable internet connection and a device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) capable of running Zoom or Google Meet. If you lack access to a personal device or reliable internet, please inform our team during onboarding so we can assist with accommodations.
The 120-hour service requirement is split between direct learning and hands-on community action:
On average, participants dedicate 3 to 6 hours per week toward the program, making it easy to balance alongside high school, post-secondary studies, or part-time work.
Attendance is key to getting the most out of the program, but we understand conflicts happen. Virtual sessions are recorded for catch-up viewing, and make-up assignments or alternate workshop slots are offered for missed in-person modules.
Yes! Complimentary meals, snacks, and refreshments are provided for all full-day or multi-hour in-person workshops and special events.
We cater to diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and nut-free options. You will be asked to list any food allergies or preferences on your onboarding form so we can accommodate you at every in-person event.
Graduates of the UTS program receive official recognition, including an official Certificate of Completion and a commemorative Plaque acknowledging their service hours and community contributions.
Yes! Volunteer hours accumulated during UTS can be applied toward the mandatory 40-hour community involvement requirement for high school students in Ontario.
UTS provides tangible benefits for your resume and portfolio, including:
You can register online directly through the ACAO website (acaottawa.com) or complete the official UTS application form posted on our social channels.
Once submitted, our program coordinators will review your application and send you an invitation to an upcoming Virtual Information & Orientation Session.
Absolutely! ACAO regularly collaborates with local non-profits, charities, and community groups. If your organization is interested in hosting UTS volunteers or collaborating on service projects, please contact us at [email protected].
Register to participate in Unity Through Service and contribute to community change.
