1UP Youth City Builders
2026-2027 Program
Your Ideas. Real Communities. Real Impact.
The 1UP Youth City Builders program gives high school students across Ontario the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, connect with industry professionals, and discover how they can help shape the built environment in their communities while solving climate justice issues.
Our Purpose
Empower youth to become community problem solvers and future leaders in city building and climate action.
Our Structure
Explore city-building through semester-long competitions, or engaging workshops.
Who Can Join
High school students throughout the GTA, Hamilton and Kitchener- Waterloo.
What to Expect
Meet with working professionals and create solutions to real-life problems.
Fall 2026 Pitch Competitions
This fall, take on climate challenges from two different perspectives—develop solutions to complex problems or use creativity and storytelling to inspire change.
Pitch Competition
Turn a climate case study into a solution worth pitching. Work through a real-world challenge, learn from industry professionals, and present your idea to an expert jury.
Creatives For Change
Use research, storytelling, and creativity to explore climate justice. Choose an issue that matters to you, uncover the stories behind it, and imagine new possibilities for change.
Fall Networking Days
Build Your Network. Discover Your Future.
Meet professionals, university representatives, community organizations, and other students who share your interests.
Whether you’re just starting to explore careers or already know where you’re headed, Networking Days are an opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and discover pathways into city-building professions.
Open to all high school students!
Greater Toronto Area
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location TBD
Registration closes Monday, October 12, 2026.
Kitchener-Waterloo
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
University of Waterloo
Registration closes Monday, October 19, 2026.
Hamilton
Saturday, November 7, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
McMaster University
Registration closes Monday, November 2, 2026.
1UP Fall Conference
Learn. Connect. Get Inspired.
The 1UP Fall Conference is the biggest event of the season, bringing together hundreds of students, educators, industry professionals, and community leaders from across Ontario.
It’s the perfect place for high school students to explore careers, hear from inspiring speakers, participate in workshops, and meet other students who care about shaping the future. If you’re participating in the Fall Competition, you’ll also have the opportunity to present your work and celebrate your achievements.
Whether you’re competing or simply curious about city-building, everyone is welcome.
Registration closes Friday, November 27, 2026
Student Presentations
Keynote Speakers
Leadership Workshops
Industry Panel Discussions
Stay Connected
Your Journey Doesn’t End Here.
There’s always something happening at 1UP.
Throughout the year, you’ll hear about upcoming events, scholarships, competitions, learning resources, volunteer opportunities, youth councils, and other ways to get involved in your community across Ontario.
Sign up to stay connected and be the first to hear about new opportunities.