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A message from Akela Peoples (Co-founder, President and CEO of Youth in Motion)

We understand the challenges of being a successful young person in today's world - the dedication, commitment and energy that it takes to balance activities like volunteering, part-time work, running a small business, sports, theatre and education to name a few. We also know that success is multi-dimensional....you have to be good at a number of things to attain your goals: communication skills, creative thinking, resourcefulness, ability to think and solve problems - just to name a few! 

At Youth in Motion, we want to encourage you to continue making a difference. That is why we created Top 20 Under 20™ - to celebrate and honour Canadians who have demonstrated a significant level innovation, leadership and achievement but have not yet reached the age of 20. There are incredible young people in this country doing incredible things!

Top 20 Under 20™is a national youth awards program presented by Youth in Motion and sponsored by Intact Foundation (formerly ING Foundation), Bell Canada, CTVglobemedia, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario and many other organizations and corporations who believe in youth as the future of this country. 

Top 20 Under 20™ is open to all young Canadians under the age of 20 - regardless of race, gender and/or religious affiliations.  Our only requirement is that your leadership and innovation has led to the betterment of your school, community, province and/or country. (Full Eligibility Requirements) 

We also recognize that success in today’s competitive world requires much more than academic skills. For this reason, the assessment criteria look beyond academics to specific skills that have a positive impact on the everyday life of our community.

Akela Peoples, M. Ed.

"Never believe you have reached your full potential until you have been through this great experience"
Christopher Beausoleil - Tilbury, Ontario
2004 Top 20 Under 20™ Award Recipient