Co-founded by engineers Jacques Villeneuve and Sachin Parmar, the Mastermind Youth Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the talents of local youth by helping them unlock their potential and develop essential skills. Through a range of programs, the non-profit aims to foster leadership, creativity, and community responsibility among young participants.
Central to the foundation’s approach is a focus on giving youth control over their learning experiences. "It all started with a kid who loved basketball," Villeneuve said. "He wanted to be in the NBA, so we told him, ‘Let’s make you a team.’ From there, he took charge of recruiting, planning, and leading. That’s how our 3x3 Basketball Program began. It’s all about empowering them to lead, manage, and make decisions.” This child-led philosophy is a key element of all the foundation’s programs, giving participants the chance to take ownership of their projects and build confidence.
One of the foundation’s notable initiatives is its participation in the FIRST® LEGO® League, where children aged 9-14 engage in robotics, programming, and STEM-related challenges. The foundation is also working to expand robotics programs in elementary and high schools across Lambton-Kent, aiming to inspire interest in science and technology at an early age.
Villeneuve highlighted the foundation’s commitment to fostering creativity and competition. “Right now, we have kids who complete our programs and go on to compete at regional and national levels in robotics,” he said. “Some of them are even younger than the required age, but they’re already preparing to compete in the future. Developing their interest early is key.”
The foundation is also focusing on creating youth-centered community spaces, reimagining traditional environments to offer dynamic hubs for creativity and social engagement. These spaces provide a welcoming atmosphere where young people can connect, learn, and grow.
By providing young people in the Sarnia-Lambton region with opportunities to lead, create, and compete, the Mastermind Youth Foundation is helping to shape the next generation of leaders. With its emphasis on mentorship, innovation, and empowerment, the organization continues to make a lasting impact on the community.
“We’re just here as resources—the kids decide what happens,” Villeneuve said. “We're here to help them flourish.”
For more information on how to get involved or support the foundation, visit the Mastermind Youth Foundation’s website or attend one of its many community events.