The Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment believes that an empowered young woman can improve her life and have a positive impact on the world around her.
Look Up! Lift Up! Peer Mentorship Program
Now accepting applications for Cohort #1! Open to young women ages 18-30 and girls ages 7-17 in the GTA.
Great Canadian Giving Challenge
Support JAC’s Great Canadian Giving Challenge and help us win $20,000 this June!
Summer 2023 Programs
For girls ages 7-13 and young women ages 14-17. Registration open now!
Overview
The Jean Augustine Centre is committed to empowering young women and girls between the ages of 7-17 years from across Canada. We take a holistic approach to empowerment by providing programs that support the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of young women and girls.
Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E.
Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E. is the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons. She was elected in the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in 1993 & sat in Parliament until 2006.
Programs
The Jean Augustine Centre is dedicated to empowering young women and girls, ages 7-17 years. We offer a broad range of programming in arts, health, life skills, mentorship, peer relations, and more!
Donate
Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference. Support the Jean Augustine Centre in continuing to provide programs for young women and girls.
“It is a fun experience! I love working with the girls! They’re amazing!! I feel happy!”
Kiana, age 13.
Why Empower Girls?
- Society benefits when girls have equal access to opportunities
- Girls have the right to make choices on life decisions including education, career and physical/sexual health
- Empowering girls through education can break the cycle of poverty in families
- Gender parity is needed in various career fields including STEM, sports, politics and business
Why have a Dedicated Space for Girls?
- It is a safe space that reduces gender specific barriers to access
- It creates a welcoming space for girls to express themselves, share ideas, and hang out
- It creates a sense of belonging and community
- It helps to foster positive relationships between girls and adult female role models
Statistics On Canadian Girls
- Girls under 17 yrs. represent 9.4% of Canada’s total population and 18.7% of Canada’s female population.
- About 4 in 10 girls living with a lone parent are in a low‑income situation.
- More than 8 in 10 girls aged 12 to 17 report a strong sense of belonging to their local community.
- Girls more likely to report liking school a lot at age 11, but more likely to feel pressured by school work at ages 13 and 15.
- Positive peer relationships constitute an important source of support, contribute to sense of belonging, and are associated with higher feelings of self‑esteem.
(Statistics Canada)
Our Impact To Date
3,545
Hours of Programming
51+
Community Partners
108
Programs Offered
125
Volunteers
Support Our Work
Through her leadership as an educator, advocate and politician, the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine has made it her mission to help young women and girls empower themselves. Over her expansive career, Hon. Dr. Augustine has impacted the lives of thousands of future leaders.
This is her Legacy. It can be yours too.