New to Saskatoon? Register with us as a new client!

Support newcomers and families in Saskatoon

Leadership Programming

Leadership and Community Engagement (LACE)

LACE is SODS’ flagship leadership development program for newcomer adults. Through leadership training, experiential learning, community engagement activities, and a collaborative community project, participants build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to become active leaders in their communities.

To date, over 160 newcomer leaders have graduated from LACE and joined a growing network of alumni contributing to community and civic life.

Applications Open for Fall 2026 Cohort

July 17 – August 7, 2026

Fall 2026 Cohort Applications Now Open

At a Glance

  • Duration: 2.5 to 3 months
  • Training: 36+ hours of leadership development and experiential learning
  • Hybrid Format: 5 in-person Saturday sessions and 3 online Zoom sessions
  • Cohort Size: 18 participants
  • Learning Teams: Small-group project completed outside of class
  • Certificate: Awarded upon successful completion and full participation

Application Period

  • Opens: July 17, 2026
  • Closes: August 7, 2026

Application Requirements

  • Complete the online application
  • Upload a resume
  • Participate in an interview if shortlisted

Spaces are limited to 18 participants per cohort

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a newcomer to Canada
  • Have English proficiency at CLB 5 or higher
  • Complete an online application & submit resume
  • Participate in an interview process

LACE Projects

LACE cohorts form smaller Learning Teams to practice teamwork, leadership,
and engage in a community issue with impactful results.

MMWIG2S+

One LACE Learning Team deeply researched this topic, met with a father who is directly impacted by this nationwide crisis.

Food Insecurity in Saskatoon

A Learning Team interviewed 4 local organizations, conducted a survey of 45 people, met people with lived experience, and did street outreach.

How to Navigate the Healthcare System

Newcomers who attended this presentation from the Learning Team had no knowledge of walk-in and urgent care clinics in Saskatoon.

LACE Alumni

Graduates have found employment, secured positions on boards of directors, attended City Council meetings, and participated in civic engagement meetings. Their contributions bring valuable multicultural perspectives to Saskatoon, fostering a more inclusive community. Participants report enhanced leadership skills and confidence, empowering them to be more actively engaged in their communities.

Participants have gone on to accomplish great things, including joining the boards of the Albert Community Centre, Francophone Association, and Meewasin Valley Authority:

Sarita Chauhan

Bunmi Omeke

Krisztina “Tina” Marki

Leadership and Community Engagement (LACE)