POV

We train, cultivate and connect marginalized youth to pursue their creative passion in our film and media industry. Founded in 2007 by members of the film, entertainment, media, TV and commercial production industry, POV 3rd Street provides education, training and mentorship for marginalized youth interested in breaking into the film and media industry. POV is dedicated to ensuring that at-risk youth (aged 18 to 28) gain the necessary skills and experience to secure jobs and build long-term careers in the media industry. Each year, the media training program teaches participants a mix of soft job skills, leadership and mindfulness, and hard production skills such as working a camera, writing scripts, directing and sound design. The youth also collaborate to produce their own short films and after completion are given paid internships (three months full time or six months part-time) to get a taste of what it’s like to work in the field. The program is aimed at youth who are interested in film production, but are discouraged from pursuing a career by family, racial, economic or other barriers. Each year, organizers ask participants to identify specific barriers so that the program can evolve and gain a clear understanding of barriers that need addressing. The media training program has a graduation rate of 87%, with more than 71% of graduates still actively engaged with the organization. 62% alumni are working in the film and media industry as a direct result of their participation, and another 13% are working in related fields. After graduation, the organization also continues working with alumni by joining the roster of POV Productions, a social-enterprise production company. Through this program, students will have the chance to produce in-house videos for RBC Wealth Management. POV 3rd Street is a registered charitable organization and a United Way designated charity (our CRA registered charity number: 85166 4995 RR0001).