Pathways to Education invites Canadians to celebrate the Gift of Graduation

Program gives Canadians the opportunity to recognize a teacher, tutor, mentor, coach or role model who played an important role in their life

TORONTO, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Graduating from high school is not something students achieve alone.  Those who succeed are often helped on their way by a supporter who offered guidance, shared their knowledge or simply believed in them. Today, Pathways is launching Give the Gift of Graduation, another step in their Graduation Nation plan, a five-year initiative to help make Canada a country where all youth have an equal opportunity to graduate and realize their full potential. On May 22, Pathways to Education is inviting Canadians to Give the Gift of Graduation by recognizing the teacher, tutor, mentor, coach or role model who played an important role in their life. Participants can post their personal message on Pathways "Graduation Nation Wall" on Facebook.

"Students of the Pathways program benefit from volunteer tutors, mentors and advocates who support them on their journey to graduation," said David Hughes, president and chief executive officer of Pathways to Education Canada. "This graduation season we are giving Canadians a chance to share their own inspiring stories and thank the many people it takes to get Canada's students to grad day."

In 2011, Pathways launched its 'Graduation Nation' initiative through which the organization will reduce dropout rates in the communities served and help make high school completion a national priority. By 2016, Pathways to Education aims to serve more than 10,000 students and alumni across the country. To reach this goal, Pathways is relying on donations from corporate and individual donors as well as its growing volunteer base of over 1,200 who work tirelessly as tutors and mentors in Pathways programs across the country.

"A true mentor is someone who gives you their all, someone who expects the most from you and believes you can succeed. Someone who helps you find autonomy, not dependence," said Calvin Cheng, graduate of the Pathways to Education Canada program. "For me, that was O'neil Edwards, who is currently a Director at Pathways Canada, and was someone who showed me how to think, not what to think, and steered me in the right direction".

Starting today, Canadians can create a post on Pathways' "Graduation Nation Wall" and thank a person in their life who has been instrumental to their success. Postings can be written, in a video, or image format and participants will receive the Gift of Graduation badge after participating - which can be easily shared through their personal social media networks.

Individuals and organizations can also Give the Gift of Graduation through fundraising and making a direct donation to Pathways. Everyone can participate in building a Graduation Nation by simply learning more about the issue and spreading the word about Pathways and its goal to build a country where everyone has the opportunity to realize the benefits of education. To participate, visit www.facebook.com/pathwaystoeducationcanada.

About Pathways to Education Canada - www.pathwaystoeducation.ca
Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization that helps youth in low-income communities graduate from 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 eleven communities across Canada, with programs in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.

Shannon Law, Citizen Optimum, 416.306.6712, [email protected]