Often referred to as a second home, the SBL Youth Space is dedicated to creating an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive. Open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, youth can access consistent academic and social supports throughout the day.

During the After School Program, youth benefit from one-on-one tutoring with post-secondary students, quiet study areas, and engaging arts-based and recreational programming. Grade 12 youth leaders play a vital role in mentoring their peers and leading activities, helping to foster a strong sense of community and belonging. The space also provides opportunities for employment and co-op placements, supporting skill development and future pathways.

The Reaching Back Program is designed to build meaningful relationships with Grade 8 students from Brookview and Oakdale; local middle schools that feed into Westview C.S.S. Throughout the year, staff and mentors lead monthly workshops with Grade 8 classes from January to June.

Workshop topics include time management, navigating social media responsibly, effective communication, goal setting, and the importance of volunteering. These sessions are designed to help students feel more confident and prepared as they transition into high school.

At the same time, the program creates early connections between youth and the SBL community. By building trust and familiarity before students enter high school, we help ensure they feel supported, connected, and ready to succeed from day one.

SBL’s Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Program provides targeted support for youth in Grades 11 and 12, as well as first-year college and university students. Through a combination of workshops and mentorship, the program helps students navigate the transition to post-secondary with confidence.

PSE mentees are paired with mentors who are in their third or fourth year of study and are SBL alumni. Having once been mentees themselves, these mentors bring lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges students may face. They connect with mentees on a bi-weekly basis, offering guidance on post-secondary applications and ongoing academic and personal support.

In addition, students participate in monthly workshops covering topics such as note-taking, time management, and financial aid, including OSAP. Together, these supports ensure that students are prepared, informed, and supported as they take the next step in their educational journey.

The EXPOSE stream of SBL’s programming is designed to broaden horizons, provide meaningful experiences, and help youth explore potential career pathways. Through the relationships we build across the community, young people gain access to opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.

These experiences include visits to corporate workplaces where youth connect with professionals, as well as participation in major events such as Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment experiences—including Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays games, where youth are exposed to new environments, industries, and networks.

Guided by youth interests and feedback, these opportunities are intentionally matched to help young people discover their passions, build confidence, and expand their sense of what is possible for their future.