Alphonse Daniel keeps Hart House connections open

The Youth Access co-lead works with high school students through arts, recreation and leadership sessions, often staying connected beyond their programs. Published in Alumni Digest as verified reporting from the University of Toronto.

The Youth Access co-lead works with high school students through arts, recreation and leadership sessions, often staying connected beyond their programs.

Alumni Digest editorial deskSeptember 18, 20263 min read

In the September issue

Campus

University of TorontoSt. George, Mississauga & Scarborough

Focus

Community impact & civic lifeCommunity

Outcome

Verified reportingSeptember 2026 issue

The context

Where the work begins

At Hart House, Alphonse Daniel co-leads Youth Access programming for high school students. His work includes leadership sessions, arts and recreation, alongside community events and work-readiness programs. A 2020 UTSC graduate, he is also studying for a Master of Social Work at U of T.

The takeaway

What follows

Daniel describes relationships that continue after a placement or workshop ends. Former participants have returned as university students and Hart House employees. One former co-op student, Sean Chen, sought Daniel's support after a friend's death and later volunteered with youth mental health services. The Hart House Innovation Fund supports the access initiatives, including participant subsidies and program costs.

Alphonse Daniel keeps Hart House connections open

Where the work begins

What follows

Get the next story in your inbox.

You might also like

Arda Minocherhomjee returns support to doctoral students

Fieldwork helped Hargun Rekhi find her place

U of T ties among national honourees