Youth Active Media (YAM) is Youth Ottawa’s long-running media training and mentorship program, supporting young people in Ottawa to develop real-world skills in storytelling, digital media, and content creation.
Operating since 2011, YAM provides hands-on opportunities for youth to learn video production, journalism, and creative storytelling—while contributing meaningful content that reflects their communities, experiences, and perspectives.
Today, YAM has evolved into a creative pathway, connecting youth to a growing community of filmmakers, content creators, designers, and citizen journalists, with access to mentorship, studio space, and paid opportunities.
Who is YAM for?
Age: Youth and young adults (typically 16-30)
Location: Ottawa
Commitment level: Flexible (for workshops, short-term projects, ongoing creative involvement)
YAM is especially welcoming to youth from equity-deserving and priority communities, as well as young people interested in media, storytelling, design, journalism, podcasting, or creative careers.
Who supports YAM?
Youth Active Media is delivered by Youth Ottawa, in collaboration with community partners, funders, and local organizations.
Over the years, YAM has been supported through:
- Community partnerships
- Public and philanthropic funding
- Social enterprise activity developed through the program
YAM also served as the foundation for Hot Shoe Productions, a Youth Ottawa social enterprise created to provide paid media opportunities and professional experience to young creators.
What You Gain From YAM
Training in video production, storytelling, editing, sound, and visual design, including access to free studio time for skill-building
Membership in a creative community of filmmakers, content creators, designers, and citizen journalists with networking and mentorship opportunities
Portfolio development, professional references, and paid contract opportunities on select projects
Confidence in using media to share ideas, stories, and perspectives that matter to you
What You Gain From YAM
Training in video production, storytelling, editing, sound, and visual design, including access to free studio time for skill-building
Membership in a creative community of filmmakers, content creators, designers, and citizen journalists with networking and mentorship opportunities
Portfolio development, professional references, and paid contract opportunities on select projects
Confidence in using media to share ideas, stories, and perspectives that matter to you
Get Involved
Youth can get involved with YAM by:
- Applying to participate in upcoming workshops or cohorts
- Joining as a creative contributor or collaborator
- Applying for paid project opportunities as they arise
Opportunities vary throughout the year based on projects, partnerships, and funding.
Charting YAM's Impact
Hundreds of youth trained in media production and storytelling
Dozens of short films, videos, and digital projects created
Youth hired into paid leadership, mentorship, and production roles
