Canada Youth Club Summit
2025 CYCS
Your Story｜Your Stage｜Your Legacy
CYCS 2025 Recap:
Youth Leadership in the Age of AI
Founded by passionate educators and students in 2022, the Canada Youth Club Summit (CYCS) has become one of Canada's most influential youth leadership events. It brings together Canada's brightest young leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs for our premier youth leadership event. Sponsored by InGenius Prep Canada, we connect change-makers to amplify social impact.
CYCS 2025 spotlights "Youth Leadership in the Age of AI" with four dynamic themes. Catch 3 student presentations per theme – choose the sessions that spark your interest!
🌟 Showcase Your Brilliance – This year’s four dynamic categories:
🚀 STEAM & Interdisciplinary
🌍 Social Entrepreneurship & Global Issues
💻 Future Tech Leaders
⚖️ Ethics & Rights
This year's CYCS, centered on the theme 'Youth Leadership in the Age of AI,' brought together an impressive array of high school students aged 14-18 who have already made significant impacts in fields ranging from medical science and business finance to environmental protection and legal advocacy.
In an era where artificial intelligence dominates headlines, a group of teenagers aged 14 to 18 proved that human potential knows no bounds. These young visionaries showcased achievements that left attendees, judges, and media personnel utterly amazed and inspired.
The summit featured 12 finalist student organizations, selected from over 50 applicants, each presenting groundbreaking projects that left the audience, judges, and media in awe. Among the standout presentations:
$1,500
Changemaker Award
Narratives of New Canadian Youth
Clinching the $1500 Changemaker Award, NNCY is a Toronto-based photojournalism project that shares the real-life stories of immigrant youth across Canada, focusing on themes like mental health, education, and gender equality.
By amplifying underrepresented voices, it aims to build empathy and challenge stereotypes. In just seven months, NNCY has reached over 40,000 monthly views across 20+ countries, partnered with organizations like Rainbow Refugees, and secured funding from the Federal Youth Mental Health Fund. Its stories are now part of the Quebec High School Curriculum.
NNCY continues to grow, with plans for an in-person conference and opportunities for students to get involved.
$1,500
Changemaker Award
PeroxyBio
Winner of the prestigious $1,500 Changemaker Award, PeroxyBio is a student-led computational bioengineering project aimed at extending the shelf life of donated blood to combat global shortages.
Using the Rosetta3 protein design suite, it develops novel enzymes that reduce oxidative stress in stored red blood cells, potentially increasing shelf life from 21–42 days to 63 days. The project demonstrated a 50% reduction in oxidative stress through simulations and could save $137 million annually and benefit up to 1.8 million lives, all at a cost-effective $1.20 per unit.
Recognized with awards including a Silver Medal at the Toronto Science Fair, PeroxyBio also serves as an educational model for students interested in computational biology and healthcare innovation.
$1,000
Trailblazer Award
Youth Canadian Aerospace Team
Winning the $1000 Trailblazer Award, The Youth Canada Aerospace Team partners with Cubes in Space to send youth-designed experiments on NASA missions, with a rocket launch scheduled for June 2025.
In collaboration with the University of Waterloo’s Velocity lab, the team develops projects like fault detection software, 3D-printed prosthetics, and chemical testing modules, aiming to make STEM accessible to all youth.
Over three years, they’ve supported 30+ young innovators across Canada—including remote areas—by providing mentorship, funding, and hands-on aerospace experience. New members passionate about space and STEM are welcome to join and contribute to future missions.
$1,000
Trailblazer Award
Bridging Generations
Securing the $1,000 Trailblazer Award, Bridging Generations is a multimedia initiative exploring first- and second-generation immigrant identity through documentaries, art exhibitions, publications, and interactive projects like The Crane Project.
It fosters cultural dialogue via storytelling, events, and collaborative art. The project’s documentaries have gained over 70,000 views, with one winning the Community Award at the 2024 Youthflics Festival. Events like The Bridge have engaged 100+ attendees and showcased youth artists, while their zine publication sold over 100 copies.
Upcoming projects include a photo storytelling series, a workshop with Markham Teen Arts Council, and a summer screening/art exhibition for their third documentary.
Student Organization Highlights
Music For Seniors
Music For Seniors is a youth-led initiative that brings monthly musical performances to long-term care homes, easing senior loneliness and fostering intergenerational connection. Since October 2023, it has reached 120+ seniors and involved 60+ young performers, offering 420+ minutes of live music. The group also collaborates with school clubs and welcomes young musicians and volunteers.
The PASSNPlay Project
The PassNPlay Project is a student-led nonprofit that provides sports access to underprivileged youth by collecting and donating equipment and raising funds. With nine chapters in the Greater Toronto Area, it has donated nearly 400 items and raised $1,000+ for youth programs, while supporting students in starting new chapters in other communities.
Canada FutureFocus
Canada FutureFocus (CFF) is a youth-led group empowering young Canadians to tackle social issues through podcasts, social media, and community action. With 120,000+ views and a network of 50+ partners, CFF amplifies youth voices on topics like health inequalities and food insecurity, fostering civic engagement nationwide.
Section 1
Section 1 is a charity founded by Peter L. Biro, dedicated to combating democratic backsliding and promoting civic engagement in Canada. It offers educational programs and seminars focused on constitutional literacy and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, collaborating with institutions like Queen’s University to engage students in democratic issues.
SDG Change Challenge
The SDG Change Challenge empowers students to address real-world issues using the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, providing mentorship to develop solutions and prototypes. Active in 14+ schools, it has raised $15,000+, engaged 500+ youth annually, and been featured at major educational events.
TidalTasks AI
TidalTasks is an AI-powered platform that helps students manage academics, extracurriculars, and personal life with smart scheduling, study suggestions, and Google Calendar integration. Currently in beta with 50 users, it won 2nd place at Youth Tech Labs Demo Day and evolves based on user feedback. Students can join the beta via Discord or contribute through a survey.
AURA AI
AURA AI is a computer vision–powered app that helps people with autoimmune diseases identify safe foods and get personalized dietary recommendations. Backed by $3,000 in seed funding from the SPRINT competition, it combines machine learning and language models to improve daily nutrition and quality of life.
AURA (Autism Understanding and Response Assistant)
AURA is an AI-powered assistant that supports children with autism through personalized, interactive activities using eye-gaze tracking and adaptive feedback. It boosts engagement by 300% over traditional methods and offers a cost-effective alternative to therapy, earning recognition from the Conrad Innovator Award and Diamond Challenge.
The Secret Sauce of Success
What makes these young achievers stand out? Based on our observations and the judges’ feedback, three key factors emerged:
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Exceptional Storytelling: Instead of simply listing their accomplishments, these students crafted engaging and memorable stories that truly connected with their audience.
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Celebration of Individuality: Each team brought something unique to the table—whether through surprising presentation elements or creative booth designs. For instance, Gen-connect’s Brianna ended their pitch with a powerful original song that left a lasting impression.
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Initiative in Finding Resources: These students didn’t wait for success to come to them—they went after it. They showed impressive drive in pursuing mentors, partnerships, and opportunities that even seasoned professionals would admire.
Platinum Sponsor
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Beyond the Spotlight
While 12 outstanding student organizations took center stage, CYCS 2025 featured over 20 additional student groups and renowned local/international non-profits. These organizations span a diverse range of causes, from music and arts to social entrepreneurship, animal rescue, mental health, educational equity, environmental protection, women's rights, and immigrant integration.
The Canadian Youth Club Summit isn't just an event; it's a breeding ground for tomorrow's leaders. As we witness these high school students tackle global challenges with innovation, passion, and determination, one thing becomes clear: the future is in capable hands.
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CYCS 2025 Event Summary Booklet
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