This report summarizes the evaluation findings of CreateAction: Inclusive Social Innovation. CreateAction was led by the Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) in partnership with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) and Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC). The project was funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy and implemented between April 2021 and March 2024.
The purpose of CreateAction was to help youth overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge to improve their labour market participation. The project involved five cohorts and included four main project components:
- Work placements with organizations working in community economic development and social economy typically six months in length
- A peer learning program facilitated by CreateAction partners for and between youth that included community meetups, youth circles, and a Slack workspace
- An employer support program based on research, resources, and training. Activities included peer learning drop-ins, capacity building workshops, individual check-ins, and ongoing tailored support
- Youth support activities including individual check-ins and access to counselling through Inkblot Therapy
The evaluation supported project learning by assessing the design, implementation, and results achieved by CreateAction. Data collection methods included:
- Literature review
- Project administrative data
- Youth surveys: pre and post placement
- Employer surveys
- Youth focus groups
- Employer interviews
- Project partner interviews
Table of Contents
- What is CreateAction?
- Who participated in CreateAction?
- How did youth benefit from CreateAction?
- How did employers benefit from CreateAction?
- What were the lessons learned from CreateAction?
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