Black Youth Financial Empowerment Program
From arrival to independence: Financial Literacy for Newcomer Youth
Build confidence. Learn about money. Take control of the future. A free community-based program helping black, refuge and newcomer youth build practical financial skills for life in Canada.
Practical financial learning for youth building their future in Canada
The Black Youth Financial Empowerment Program is a free, community-based financial literacy initiative delivered by the Somali Centre for Family Services and supported by TD Bank Group.
The program supports Black, refugee, and newcomer youth aged 12–29 in Ottawa and nearby areas. It helps youth build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills they need to manage money, understand financial systems, and make informed decisions in Canada.
For many newcomer and refugee youth, learning how money works in a new country can feel confusing. Banking, credit, taxes, income, debt, and financial rights may be unfamiliar. These challenges can become harder because of language barriers, limited support at home, or experiences of exclusion.
This program provides simple, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed learning in a trusted community setting. It connects financial literacy with confidence, settlement, education, employment, and long-term independence.
Program at a glance
- EFree financial literacy program
- EDesigned for Black, refugee, and newcomer youth
- EServing youth aged 12–29 in Ottawa and nearby areas
- EDelivered by Somali Centre for Family Services
- ESupported by TD Bank Group
Practical financial learning for youth building their future in Canada
The program is designed to create practical and lasting impact for youth, families, and the wider community.
Financial confidence
Youth build comfort in making everyday money decisions, asking questions, and planning for the future.
Budgeting skills
Youth learn how to track income, manage spending, use a budget, and make practical financial choices.
Credit and debt awareness
Youth learn how credit works, how to avoid harmful debt, and how to better understand financial tools in Canada.
Income and tax readiness
Youth learn how to read a pay stub, understand deductions, calculate net income, and prepare for basic tax responsibilities.
Fraud prevention
Youth learn how to spot scams, protect personal information, and understand financial rights and responsibilities.
Future pathways
Youth gain money skills that can support school, work, family responsibilities, and long-term planning
Community knowledge
Youth can share practical financial knowledge with peers, families, and community networks
Youth leadership
Youth have opportunities to share feedback, build leadership skills, and help shape the program.
Real-life financial skills youth can use right away
The program offers practical learning through workshops, activities, tools, and guided support.
Financial literacy workshops
Interactive workshops help youth understand money through simple language, real-life examples, and practical activities.
Budgeting and money management
Youth learn how to use a monthly budget, track income and spending, and make choices that support their goals.
Credit and debt awareness
Youth learn what credit is, how credit reports work, how debt can grow, and how to avoid common financial mistakes.
Saving and financial planning
Youth learn how to set savings goals, plan ahead, and build habits that support future stability.
Employment income, pay stubs, and taxes
Youth learn how to read a pay stub, understand deductions, calculate net income, and understand basic tax responsibilities in Canada.
Financial rights and fraud awareness
Youth learn how to identify scams, protect personal information, and understand their rights when using financial services.
Experiential learning
Participants take part in hands-on activities, group discussions, and everyday situations that help them apply what they learn.
Goal setting and follow-up
Youth are supported to set personal financial goals, track progress, and apply new skills in daily life.
Join the program
The Black Youth Financial Empowerment Program is free and open to eligible youth in Ottawa and nearby areas.
Who can register
- EFree financial literacy program
- EDesigned for Black, refugee, and newcomer youth
- EServing youth aged 12–29 in Ottawa and nearby areas
- EDelivered by Somali Centre for Family Services
- ESupported by TD Bank Group
After registration, a program team member will follow up with next steps, workshop details, and any information participants need before attending.
Black Youth Steering Committee
The Black Youth Steering Committee will bring together 7 Black youth to help guide the direction of the Black Youth Financial Empowerment Program.
Committee members will play an important role in making sure the program reflects youth voices, real community needs, and lived experiences.
- Share feedback on workshop topics and activities
- Support outreach to youth and community networks
- Advise on barriers youth may face when learning about money
- Strengthen the program’s relevance and impact
Promote youth leadership and community engagementThis is a meaningful opportunity for youth to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and help shape a program created for their community.
Contact the program team
For questions, registration support, referrals, school workshops, or community collaboration, please contact the program team.
For partnership, school workshops, referrals, or community collaboration, please contact the program team.
Organization: Somali Centre for Family Services
Location: Ottawa, ON
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (613) 526-2075 ext: 263
Delivered by SCFS and supported by TD Bank Group
The Black Youth Financial Empowerment Program is delivered by the Somali Centre for Family Services, a trusted community organization supporting newcomer, refugee, and immigrant families in Ottawa. The program is supported by TD Bank Group. This support helps make the program free and accessible for youth while strengthening financial inclusion in the community.
