Pathways to Education Canada applauds investment by the Government of Canada in youth and education

Continued investment in education will help youth from low-income communities succeed beyond high school

TORONTO, March 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, with the tabling of the 2017 federal budget, the Government of Canada has announced continued investment in the education of youth from low-income communities through the Pathways to Education Canada Program (Pathways).

The Pathways to Education Program provides a comprehensive set of academic, financial, social, and one-on-one supports to youth from low-income communities to graduate from high school and transition into post-secondary education, training, or meaningful employment. The results of this Program have been successful in increasing high school graduation rates by an average of 85 per cent across communities where Pathways is offered. Founded in 2001, Pathways operates in 18 communities across Canada.

"Every year, thousands of Canadian students make the life-altering decision to drop out of high school," says Sue Gillespie, President and CEO of Pathways to Education Canada. "In low-income communities across Canada, the high school dropout rate can reach up to 50 per cent, taking a dramatic toll on our communities, our health and social systems, and our economy."

The Program addresses the barriers that can stand in the way of high school graduation. Some of the barriers young people face are insufficient financial means, lack of positive role models, adapting to a new language, or integration into a new country and culture. Over 73 per cent of all students who graduated from high school while in the Pathways Program have gone on to post-secondary education or training.

"The Government of Canada is a valued partner to Pathways to Education," says Sue Gillespie. "The partnership between Pathways and the Government of Canada is built on aligned objectives, including working to reduce poverty in Canada through ensuring that youth from low-income communities receive the supports and services necessary to graduate from high school and succeed in the work place. We are grateful for the continued support and investment in our Program."

With the support of the Government of Canada, Pathways is contributing to the achievement of the Government's commitment to ensuring access to education for all of Canada's youth. The Government of Canada has provided key funding for the Pathways Program since 2010.

About Pathways to Education Canada – www.pathwaystoeducationcanada.ca 
Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization that helps youth from low-income communities to graduate from high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education, training, or employment. The Pathways Program addresses systemic barriers to education by providing academic, financial, social, and one-on-one supports, proven to lower dropout rates. Founded in 2001, Pathways operates in 18 communities across Canada, with programs in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and British Columbia. The first Canadian organization to be recognized with a World Innovation Summit for Education Award (WISE) for its innovative and effective work in education, Pathways plans to continue to expand to serve more students across the country.

SOURCE Pathways to Education Canada

Colleen Ryan, Director, Marketing and Communications, Pathways to Education Canada, Tel: [phone] x503, [email protected]