Childhood and Youth Studies Students’ Association
Advocacy. Community. Academics.
Who We Are
CYSSA is a student-led association dedicated to supporting, engaging, and empowering students in the Childhood and Youth Studies (CHST) program at Carleton University. We serve as a voice for CHST students by creating inclusive academic, social, and advocacy spaces that center children and youth in both theory and practice. Whether you’re looking to build community, get academic support, explore careers in social justice, or make a difference in the lives of children and youth, CYSSA is your home base.
Our mission is to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment that promotes critical conversations, student leadership, and collaborative action on issues that matter to young people and those who support them.
What We Do
At CYSSA, we bridge academics and advocacy with real-world action and student community. We host a variety of events and initiatives designed to help you thrive in your studies while building meaningful networks beyond the classroom. Our programming is rooted in three core pillars:
- Academics: Course-based study sessions, paper-writing workshops, and collaborative resource sharing. We support you through midterms, finals, and course planning.
- Community Engagement: Volunteer projects, fundraising drives, and partnerships with organizations that support children, youth, and families.
- Advocacy: Events and campaigns raising awareness on youth mental health, Indigenous children’s rights, education access, and more.
We are also a place where you can develop leadership skills, gain experience in event planning and facilitation, and connect with professors, alumni, and professionals in child and youth-centered fields.
Events
- CHST Study Sessions & Final Exam Reviews
- Youth Week Bingo & Giveaways
- LinkedIn Boost Workshop
- Vision Board & Reflection Collage Workshop
- Mental Health & Wellness Week
- Guest Speaker Series: Professors, Researchers & Alumni in the Field
- Hot Chocolate Fundraiser for Indigenous Youth Initiatives
And many many more!!
Get Involved
No matter your year or background, CYSSA has a place for you! Here’s how you can join our growing community:
- Attend events and workshops
- Volunteer for our campaigns and collaborations
- Run for executive or committee positions
- Join our planning and outreach teams
Whether you want to develop your leadership skills, support youth causes, or just make new friends in CHST, we’d love to have you on board.
Fill out our interest form or email us to get started!
Add CYSSA to Your Co-Curricular Record (CCR)
Want your resume to stand out? Add your CYSSA involvement to your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) — an official Carleton University document that highlights your leadership, volunteer work, and extracurricular contributions outside of class. It complements your academic transcript and makes your job, grad school, and scholarship applications stronger.
Why it matters:
- It’s Official – Your involvement is recognized on a university-issued document.
- Boost Your Applications – Perfect for job, co-op, grad school, and scholarship applications.
- Showcase Real Skills – Highlight teamwork, leadership, organization, advocacy, and communication.
- Grow Personally and Professionally – Document your growth and reflect on your goals.
- Make Connections – CCR activities build your network and open doors.
- Know Your Strengths – Reflecting on your involvement helps clarify your path.
Don’t miss the chance to get recognition for your impact. Ask us how to get CYSSA on your CCR — we’re happy to help!
Follow & Contact Us
Stay connected and updated on events, giveaways, opportunities, and more:
- Instagram: @CarletonCYSSA
- LinkedIn: Childhood and Youth Studies Student Association (CYSSA)
- Email: carletoncyssa8@gmail.com