Sparking change through literacy.
LitSpark Youth is a youth-led nonprofit based in Ottawa, Canada, dedicated to making literacy more accessible for children, immigrants, and underserved communities.
UPDATE
Leadership team applications CLOSED for 2026-2027 term
Interested in joining LitSpark and making an impact in youth literacy while developing your leadership and interpersonal skills? Follow us on Instagram @LitSpark to be the first to hear about our next wave of leadership team applications (2027-2028 term)!
Mission Statement
At LitSpark Youth, we believe literacy is a catalyst for opportunity, empowerment, and lifelong learning. As a student-led organization, we promote a love of reading and support early literacy development through community book drives, reading mentorship, and innovative tools like our upcoming language-learning app. Our mission is to ignite curiosity, break down barriers to access, and ensure every child has the chance to discover the power of words.
With 200+ members and 10,000+ books collected, LitSpark Youth is the largest high school student-led literacy organization in Canada.
Recognition
LitSpark Youth is honoured to be recognized by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mark Carney for its efforts to advance youth literacy.
We are honoured to have received this letter of recognition from Prime Minister Mark Carney, acknowledging LitSpark Youth’s efforts to address literacy gaps, expand access to books, and serve children and families across the community.
We’re always looking for Volunteers
Our Impact
Book Drives
LitSpark Youth organizes numerous community book drives to collect gently-used books for underserved youth. We encourage individuals and groups to donate and help raise awareness about literacy challenges in Canada. To date, we have gathered around 10,000 books, which will be donated to underserved communities and local immigration centres.
Meet the LitSpark App
The LitSpark App is a free, youth-developed language-learning platform designed to help ESL learners strengthen their reading, speaking, and communication skills. Featuring interactive reading activities, real-life conversation practice, and AI-powered feedback, our app makes English learning more accessible, engaging, and confidence-building.Explore the LitSpark App
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition, feel free to reach out to us at litsparkyouth@gmail.com for any inquiries.
Where do book donations go?
All proceeds go to youth or immigrant organizations in need of literacy tools.
Where can I donate gently-used books?
We are currently working on expanding our donation sites in Ottawa. To donate books, please get in touch with us at litsparkyouth@gmail.com, and we will arrange pick-up/drop-off.
Can I volunteer with LitSpark Youth?
Yes! Volunteer sign-ups are currently open. Visit our “Get Involved” page to learn more.
How else can I get involved?
We are always open to suggestions or new ideas! Please fill out the Contact Form if you would like to be involved in any way at all.
Get in Touch
Feel free to reach out anytime!