Northbridge Financial Corporation pledges $1 million to Pathways to Education

Five-year plan anchors creation of internship programs in 13 low-income communities across Canada

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Pathways to Education, a not-for-profit organization focused on helping youth in low-income communities across Canada graduate from high school, is proud to announce a new $1-million donation over the next five years from Northbridge Financial Corporation, a leading commercial and casualty insurance company.

The donation will support formalizing an internship and employment program for students in Pathways programs, which arms students with the experience and networking opportunities needed to begin successful careers. In each of the 13 Pathways communities - in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia - students will have access to employment case managers who will provide counsel and connect them with internship opportunities.

Northbridge and Pathways will also create an advisory committee of industry leaders to develop a national internship strategy that better meets the needs of both students and employers.

"Education is our top priority. But we also must make sure our youth have the skills and networks they need to thrive in Canada's job market," says David Hughes, president and chief executive officer of Pathways to Education. "Northbridge Financial is providing much-needed funding and, even more importantly, ensuring our internship strategies and programs meet the needs of employers as well as young people embarking on their careers."

Northbridge Financial has identified as a top priority the need to better prepare young Canadian youth for entering the workforce.

"Internship programs are playing an increasingly important role in helping Canadians get on a successful career path," says Ilda Dinis, vice president of corporate marketing and communications at Northbridge Financial Corporation. "Our partnership with Pathways gives us the ability to work directly with youth who do not have access to the supports and networking opportunities enjoyed by their counterparts in better off communities."

About Pathways to Education Canada - www.pathwaystoeducation.ca

Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization that helps youth in low-income communities graduate high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education or training. Pathways addresses systemic barriers to education by providing leadership, expertise and a community-based program proven to lower dropout rates. Founded in 2001, Pathways operates in 13 communities across Canada, with programs in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. Recently recognized with a 2013 World Innovation Summit for Education Award (WISE) for its innovative and effective work in education, Pathways plans to expand nationally and leverage its knowledge to serve more students across the country.

SOURCE: Pathways to Education Canada

Sybil Eastman | Citizen Optimum | [email protected] | 416.306.6660