Event Details
Welcome to PowerUp! Youth Symposium October 2026!
PowerUp! Youth Symposium is the first Canadian event specifically designed for Black youth involved with Ontario's child welfare system - a space to connect, be celebrated, feel empowered, and have fun in community.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 10 am - 6 pm
Location: Harmony Event Centre, 1011 Bloor St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 0C7
Theme - Cultivating Connection: Growing Together, Creating Community
Registering ahead of the event helps us ensure a safe, supportive, and meaningful experience for everyone attending.
Before You Register
👉🏽 PowerUp! is for Black-identifying children and youth who are in care or are actively involved with an Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency or a Children's Aid Society in Ontario.
👉🏽 Programming is designed for youth aged 13 - 24.
👉🏽 Registration is required for all agency staff supporting youth attendees.
👉🏽 We offer a letter for excused absence from school and for volunteer hours.
👉🏽 PowerUp! Youth Symposium is a welcoming and inclusive space, grounded in belonging and joy. Discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, ethnicity, racial background, or any other identity factor is not aligned with the values of PowerUp! and is unwelcome in the PowerUp! space.
PowerUp! Youth Symposium is the first Canadian event specifically designed for Black youth involved with Ontario's child welfare system - a space to connect, be celebrated, feel empowered, and have fun in community.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 10 am - 6 pm
Location: Harmony Event Centre, 1011 Bloor St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 0C7
Theme - Cultivating Connection: Growing Together, Creating Community
Registering ahead of the event helps us ensure a safe, supportive, and meaningful experience for everyone attending.
Before You Register
👉🏽 PowerUp! is for Black-identifying children and youth who are in care or are actively involved with an Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency or a Children's Aid Society in Ontario.
👉🏽 Programming is designed for youth aged 13 - 24.
👉🏽 Registration is required for all agency staff supporting youth attendees.
👉🏽 We offer a letter for excused absence from school and for volunteer hours.
👉🏽 PowerUp! Youth Symposium is a welcoming and inclusive space, grounded in belonging and joy. Discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, ethnicity, racial background, or any other identity factor is not aligned with the values of PowerUp! and is unwelcome in the PowerUp! space.
At the Event
👉🏽 Snacks and lunch will be provided for both youth and staff attending PowerUp!
👉🏽 Chaperones are expected to be familiar with the youth they are supporting, and to remain available to guide and supervise youth as needed throughout the day.
👉🏽 Snacks and lunch will be provided for both youth and staff attending PowerUp!
👉🏽 Chaperones are expected to be familiar with the youth they are supporting, and to remain available to guide and supervise youth as needed throughout the day.
Please note that outside food is not permitted at the venue.
Additional Information
👉🏽 Registration will close on October 13, 2026.
👉🏽 Workshop registration will happen in-person at the event.
👉🏽 Hotel(s) offering a special group rate:
Courtyard by Marriott Oshawa for 171.00 CAD per night.
👉🏽 Registration will close on October 13, 2026.
👉🏽 Workshop registration will happen in-person at the event.
👉🏽 Hotel(s) offering a special group rate:
Courtyard by Marriott Oshawa for 171.00 CAD per night.
A limited number of rooms have been reserved at the event hotel for attendees who require overnight accommodations. To take advantage of the hotel block, we encourage you to book your room by September 25, 2026. Rooms are subject to availability.
If you are looking to book accommodations after September 25, please contact the hotel directly to inquire about availability and booking options:
Zabina Meghji
905-576-5101 ext. 790
zabina.meghji@tpscyoshawa.ca
905-576-5101 ext. 790
zabina.meghji@tpscyoshawa.ca
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at ovovadmin@oacas.org.
See you there!