Rural Change Makers
Meet the young leaders of change!
80+ emerging leaders making a difference in over 60 rural communities all across Ontario including 24 First Nations.
At a Glance
2023-2025
Skill Development
Increased CommunityConnectedness
Positive about the Future
Increased Rural Retention
Making a Difference
98% reported leaving the program with the tools and skills to lead effective community change, increase their employability & advance their carreer.
94% of Change Makers believe they made a meaningful contribution to their community by taking part in the program.
94% believe they can make a difference and have a sense of belonging within their community.
97% said the program has increased their employability, advanced their career or future goals.
90% of Change Makers said they are likely to stay in their local community to work, live and build their future.
CONNECT WITH US
BUILDING Young Leaders
DISCOVER THE IMPACT PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES OF 2025 CHANGE MAKERS
Rural Change Makers develop businesses, grow community economic development initiatives, advance their careers and create meaningful outcomes in thier lives, work and communities. During 2024 and 2025:
led cultural, literacy and environmental initiatives to benefit their communities in 2024.
32%
of young change makers accelerated and advanced their careers moving into new leadership roles.
18%
led arts and culture initiatives in 2025.
14%
entered the Ag Sector in 2024 (14% in 2025). 14% entered the health care sector in 2025.
23%
started New Businesses in 2025, 9% in 2024.
14%
of RCM 3's led non-profits supporting mental health, wellbeing and diversity in the ag sector.
9%
moved from under-employed to employed.
9%
Rural Change Makers 2023
Rural Ontario Instit
Created on April 26, 2021
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Transcript
Rural Change Makers
Meet the young leaders of change!
80+ emerging leaders making a difference in over 60 rural communities all across Ontario including 24 First Nations.
At a Glance
2023-2025
Skill Development
Increased CommunityConnectedness
Positive about the Future
Increased Rural Retention
Making a Difference
98% reported leaving the program with the tools and skills to lead effective community change, increase their employability & advance their carreer.
94% of Change Makers believe they made a meaningful contribution to their community by taking part in the program.
94% believe they can make a difference and have a sense of belonging within their community.
97% said the program has increased their employability, advanced their career or future goals.
90% of Change Makers said they are likely to stay in their local community to work, live and build their future.
CONNECT WITH US
BUILDING Young Leaders
DISCOVER THE IMPACT PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES OF 2025 CHANGE MAKERS
Rural Change Makers develop businesses, grow community economic development initiatives, advance their careers and create meaningful outcomes in thier lives, work and communities. During 2024 and 2025:
led cultural, literacy and environmental initiatives to benefit their communities in 2024.
32%
of young change makers accelerated and advanced their careers moving into new leadership roles.
18%
led arts and culture initiatives in 2025.
14%
entered the Ag Sector in 2024 (14% in 2025). 14% entered the health care sector in 2025.
23%
started New Businesses in 2025, 9% in 2024.
14%
of RCM 3's led non-profits supporting mental health, wellbeing and diversity in the ag sector.
9%
moved from under-employed to employed.
9%