Building Community through Language
In some of the communities we serve, over 50 per cent of students enrolled in the program were born outside of Canada. For many of these young people, learning English—or strengthening existing English language skills—can be crucial for academic success.
Pathways Kitchener is helping students overcome language barriers with the English Support Group—an initiative designed to strengthen English language skills while building community among newcomer youth. Throughout the year, students get together to participate in group programming centered around key themes including nutrition, employability, and entrepreneurship. This allows students to learn in an inclusive and supportive environment, helping them build the confidence they need to make connections, build relationships, and flourish within their new community.
Career-Ready
Trying to navigate the many options available for life after high school can leave some students feeling overwhelmed, but by providing opportunities for knowledge and skill development, the Pathways Program empowers young people to take control of their future.
At Pathways Verdun, students are taking part in career-readiness workshops in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Through these workshops, students learn practical skills, such as resume-building, networking, and interview best practices. This type of programming helps to build a generation of career-ready graduates prepared for success in today’s competitive labour market.
Global Matters
When students graduate as engaged citizens, they are often inspired to take action and create positive change both locally and globally.
Youth civic engagement and global thinking are the keystones of the Community Cooperation Project at Pathways Shawinigan. This unique multi-year initiative welcomed weekly guest speakers to educate students on important issues affecting Canadians and the rest of world, including Indigenous rights and global poverty. The service-learning program culminated with a trip to Guatemala, where students had the opportunity to participate in a collaborative documentary project which leveraged their leadership and team-building skills. Students raised the funds for travel themselves through local community engagement, giving them a sense of responsibility and accountability. This immersive learning experience empowered students with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to be change-makers in their communities and beyond.
Strengthening Communities through Volunteering
From starting their own fundraisers to volunteering their time, students in the Pathways Program are encouraged to give back to their communities.
At Pathways Vancouver, students were given the opportunity to tackle an important issue many people in their neighbourhood are facing: food insecurity. Through a partnership with local non-profit, Quest Food Exchange, students volunteered their time to organize food donations and distribute them to local families in need. The experience allowed students to build self-esteem and connect with members of their community in a meaningful way. The program was so successful that several students continued to volunteer their time on a regular basis during the summer break.
Small Business: Big Ideas
For many students, learning business and entrepreneurial skills can equip them with the necessary know-how to chart their own path in life and set themselves up for success.
At Pathways Saint John, students are developing their own business ideas with the help of an innovative education and mentorship program. In partnership with the Community Loan Fund, Pathways youth have been creating business plans, conducting market research, and turning their ideas into action. This hands-on learning experience provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of business and learn practical entrepreneurial skills to help their businesses prosper.
Land-Based Learning
Developing respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous partners is key to facilitating effective culture-based learning for Indigenous students. These relationships allow us to adapt our programming to best serve and support youth in a culturally respectful, inclusive, and honourable way.
Since 2017, the Pathways Program in Saskatoon has been delivered in partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, a representative body for seven First Nations. Students participate in a land-based learning program designed to immerse them in traditional Indigenous culture and customs. During programming, Elders and knowledge keepers share teachings about smudging, praying, and truthfulness. These activities allow students to connect with their culture and build a sense of belonging and identity.
Programming the Future
The technology we create today helps design the world we’ll live in tomorrow. So, when youth take part in tech-based programming, they’re not only gaining essential skills that will equip them for success in the modern job market, they’re also learning how to build the future they want to see.
Pathways Halifax is helping students realize their potential through programming that immerses them in makerspaces—encouraging students to explore tech-based interests, such as coding and robotics. In partnership with Brilliant Labs, this program is a catalyst for students discovering their love of tech from an early age, sparking an interest in innovative design thinking and laying the foundation for a career in the tech industry.
Building Community Through Language
In some of the communities we serve, over 50 per cent of students enrolled in the program were born outside of Canada. For many of these young people, learning English—or strengthening existing English language skills—can be crucial for academic success.
Pathways Kitchener is helping students overcome language barriers with the English Support Group—an initiative designed to strengthen English language skills while building community among newcomer youth. Throughout the year, students get together to participate in group programming centered around key themes including nutrition, employability, and entrepreneurship. This allows students to learn in an inclusive and supportive environment, helping them build the confidence they need to make connections, build relationships, and flourish within their new community.
Small Business: Big Ideas
For many students, learning business and entrepreneurial skills can equip them with the necessary know-how to chart their own path in life and set themselves up for success.
At Pathways Saint John, students are developing their own business ideas with the help of an innovative education and mentorship program. In partnership with the Community Loan Fund, Pathways youth have been creating business plans, conducting market research, and turning their ideas into action. This hands-on learning experience provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the world of business and learn practical entrepreneurial skills to help their businesses prosper.
Career-Ready
Trying to navigate the many options available for life after high school can leave some students feeling overwhelmed, but by providing opportunities for knowledge and skill development, the Pathways Program empowers young people to take control of their future.
At Pathways Verdun, students are taking part in career-readiness workshops in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Through these workshops, students learn practical skills, such as resume-building, networking, and interview best practices. This type of programming helps to build a generation of career-ready graduates prepared for success in today’s competitive labour market.
Land-Based Learning
Developing respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous partners is key to facilitating effective culture-based learning for Indigenous students. These relationships allow us to adapt our programming to best serve and support youth in a culturally respectful, inclusive, and honourable way.
Since 2017, Pathways Saskatoon has been delivered in partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, a representative body for Seven First Nations. Students participate in a land-based learning program designed to immerse them in traditional Indigenous culture and customs. During programming, Elders and knowledge keepers share teachings about smudging, praying, and truthfulness. These activities allow students to connect with their culture and build a sense of belonging and identity.
Global Matters
When students graduate as engaged citizens, they are often inspired to take action and create positive change both locally and globally.
Youth civic engagement and global thinking are the keystones of the Community Cooperation Project at Pathways Shawinigan. This unique multi-year initiative welcomed weekly guest speakers to educate students on important issues affecting Canadians and the rest of world, including Indigenous rights and global poverty. The service-learning program culminated with a trip to Guatemala, where students had the opportunity to participate in a collaborative documentary project which leveraged their leadership and team-building skills. Students raised the funds for travel themselves through local community engagement, giving them a sense of responsibility and accountability. This immersive learning experience empowered students with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to be change-makers in their communities and beyond.
Programming the Future
The technology we create today helps design the world we’ll live in tomorrow. So, when youth take part in tech-based programming, they’re not only gaining essential skills that will equip them for success in the modern job market, they’re also learning how to build the future they want to see.
Pathways Halifax is helping students realize their potential through programming that immerses them in makerspaces—encouraging students to explore tech-based interests, such as coding and robotics. In partnership with Brilliant Labs, this program is a catalyst for students discovering their love of tech from an early age, sparking an interest in innovative design thinking and laying the foundation for a career in the tech industry.
Strengthening Communities through Volunteering
From starting their own fundraisers to volunteering their time, students in the Pathways Program are encouraged to give back to their communities.
At Pathways Vancouver, students were given the opportunity to tackle an important issue many people in their neighbourhood are facing: food insecurity. Through a partnership with local non-profit, Quest Food Exchange, students volunteered their time to organize food donations and distribute them to local families in need. The experience allowed students to build self-esteem and connect with members of their community in a meaningful way. The program was so successful that several students continued to volunteer their time on a regular basis during the summer break.