03 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO 04 PATHWAYS NEWS08 RESULTS09 PARTNERSHIP PROFILE

10 SUPPORT MATTERS 14 ALUMNI VOICES 15 TAKE ACTION

WINTER 2012/2013

IN THIS ISSUE:

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WE’VE MOVED!Pathways to Education Canada’s new address is:

439 University Avenue, 16th Floor Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8

T 416 646 0123 / TOLL FREE 877 516 0123

F 416 646 0122

ABOUT PATHWAYSPathways to Education 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 12 communities across Canada with programs in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.

SAMUEL L. DUBOC CHAIRMAN

ROBERT WRIGHT VICE CHAIR

DIANA MOESER BOARD SECRETARY

JANE NYMAN TREASURER

CAROLYN ACKER FOUNDER

NICOLE BOIVIN

CRAIG CAMPBELL

PETER DONOLO

MICHAEL GARDINER

TRENT HENRY

GREG KIESSLING

JIM MEEKISON

KERRY PEACOCK

LORI PEARSON

DAVID REEVE

CHARLES WINOGRAD

DAVID HUGHES EX OFFICIO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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A NEW LOOK FOR A NEW YEARLights started going up around my neighbourhood this past weekend, as they did in communities all over the country. We’re into the season of celebration and as it ramps up, I’m reminded of the gifts that Pathways has received from Canadians from all walks of life. Whether it’s giving their time to volunteer at Pathways, or giving their thoughts through our social media sites, or giving donations that keep Pathways’ doors open for youth, there is a lot to celebrate.

The gift of education is unique because it keeps giving back. It’s an investment. It’s life-changing. As we look ahead to the New Year, our resolution is to bring a love for education to a growing number of young people across Canada through Pathways. For many of them, their involvement in Pathways is like a new beginning, giving them the confidence that they can achieve their best.

New beginnings come in many forms – and one of them is, I hope, evident to you by now. Welcome to our new Pathways newsletter. It has a new look. It has a new feel. And it reflects our distinct personality and what matters to us at Pathways.

As you read this first edition of our refreshed newsletter, you’ll see that some things haven’t changed. We’re as committed as ever to measuring success and will continue to share results of the program’s groundbreaking progress in every issue. Providing our students with the right support, and the opportunity for unique experiences, is always at the heart of what we do. In this edition, you’ll hear about why nine Pathways Winnipeg students took a leap of faith and flew across the country to run a 10K race.

But some features of our newsletter are new. Our students’ voices inspire us each day. That’s why the refreshed newsletter features more opportunities to hear directly from our students and alumni. In our new regular feature, Alumni Voices, you’ll hear from Pathways graduates, like Shequita Thompson, as they tell you about their unique journeys through Pathways and into adulthood.

Also new is a regular feature profiling our vital partnerships. We cannot do any of this work alone. In this edition, check out how the YOUCAN Peacebuilding program is helping empower our students.

As you read this newsletter, I invite you to celebrate the milestones and successes of which you have been a fundamental part. But more importantly, I invite you to join us in imagining the full impact of the gift of education. Together, we will make inequalities in educational success a thing of the past and drive a new vision of a level playing field for all young people.

Sincerely,

DAVID HUGHES President & CEO

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

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PATHWAYS NEWS

CAROLYN ACKER, PATHWAYS FOUNDER, WITH PATHWAYS REGENT PARK STUDENT AND ALUMNA.

PATHWAYS’ FOUNDER MADE A MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF CANADA

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE

In Summer 2012, Pathways to Education Founder Carolyn Acker, was honoured to be made a member of the Order of Canada for her contributions to increasing access to education for thousands of disadvantaged students across the country.

In 2001, while as the Executive Director at The Regent Park Community Health Centre, Carolyn founded the Pathways to Education program with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty and implementing the Centre’s vision of “Community Succession” – that the young people growing up in the community would be the future doctors, nurses, social workers, community development workers and administrators of the Centre. In Regent Park, the Pathways program has been successful in reducing dropout rates by over 70 per cent and quadrupling the rate of students attending post-secondary education. Today, the Pathways program has expanded to serve youth in 12 low-income communities across Canada.

The Longboat Roadrunners’ Toronto Island Run held on September 9th was a test of physical endurance and a chance to earn bragging rights upon crossing the finish line. For seven Pathways students from Winnipeg who flew in to participate in the 5 km race, it was also a chance to form a closer connection with the legacy of Tom Longboat, Canada’s first Aboriginal athlete to win the Boston Marathon in 1907, and the Toronto Longboat Roadrunners’ namesake.

The runners learned about Longboat’s legacy during their Pathways mentoring sessions back in Winnipeg. Tom Longboat became a national hero at 19, winning a number of prominent races including the Boston Marathon. His story of overcoming obstacles as an Aboriginal athlete was one that resonated with the students, who are themselves

First Nations youth. During their trip, the students also spent time at First Nations House at the University of Toronto and had the opportunity to meet former Olympian and Tom Longboat biographer, Bruce Kidd, and Wab Kinew, a popular Native hip-hop artist and CBC host.

This trip to Toronto was organized by Pathways’ Tutoring Coordinator Stephen Terichow-Parrott and Volunteer Mentor Sam Vincent, and was funded by the students’ fundraising efforts. Stephen and Sam trained the seven students during their summer break to ensure they had enough stamina for the endurance race, helping the students in more ways than one. “I’m involved to get more fit,” said Rebecca Makara, a Grade 10 student. “It helps my self-esteem.”

Continued...

In addition to this prestigious award, in 2010, Carolyn received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of New Brunswick and was recognized as a “Canadian Pioneer in Poverty Reduction.”

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Not to be outdone by their students, Sam and Stephen participated in the 10 km run with Wab and fared just as well. In fact, Sam won the 10 km with a finish time that was four minutes ahead of the second-place finisher – not surprising as he’s currently training for the Olympics!

The Toronto Island Run may have been, at most, 10 kilometres long, but the personal journeys these students embarked upon was perhaps even more rewarding than crossing the finish line.

NEW BEGINNINGS IN QUEBEC

Pathways’ growth in the province of Quebec is a critical component of our plan to make Canada a Graduation Nation.

In June 2012, Pathways Verdun, our first program site in Quebec, celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort of students. In September, together with our partner Carrefour jeunesse- emploi de Shawinigan, the 12th Pathways site was opened in the community of Shawinigan, Quebec.

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DOWN THE PATH

While Pathways alumni all share an appreciation for the support Pathways has provided them in their journey, each has a unique perspective on what made the difference in their life.

Recently, we had the chance to catch up with three Pathways alumni – each at a distinctly different point on their own path: Mehret is a brand new graduate heading off to university for the first time, Yussef is an alumnus with a year of university under his belt, and Jenny is a university graduate who is already well into building her career.

How did each of you become involved with Pathways?

Jennie I became involved with Pathways in Grade 10. A few of my friends living in Regent Park were already involved with the program and told me about it.

Yussef I knew about Pathways from my siblings and cousins who were in the program years before I started high school. It had a positive effect on them, in part, by taking away a financial burden. By the time I got to high school not only did I know I was going to be a part of the program, I was looking forward to it!

“ THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT PATHWAYS BRINGS THAT ARE NOT AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE.”

Mehret When I started Grade 9 at Sir Sandford Fleming Academy, the guidance counsellor told me about a program called Pathways and encouraged me to join. At first I wasn’t sure. I was new to the area and the school, but eventually I decided to register. It’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve made!

How has the Pathways program helped you get to where you are today?

Jennie Pathways helped me develop interests outside of the academic. In high school, I had a very academic focus and Pathways helped me to realize that a more well-rounded perspective would help me to succeed. Through Pathways, I was able to gain volunteer experience with the Youth Technology Mentorship Program, and gained work experience at Heritage Toronto. These opportunities helped to build my resume and I was successful in my applications to co-op positions through my university program. Pathways also helped me to embrace Regent Park – the area where I grew up. Through the program, and at networking events, I connected with other individuals who grew up in the Regent Park area and were successful. I was able to gain confidence and see that the area where I grew up does not need to dictate the successes I could achieve.

Yussef The Pathways program continuously motivated me and helped keep me stay on track from day one. Even now it is part of my life through the Alumni Association.

Mehret Pathways absolutely helped me with my schoolwork. The program provided after-school tutoring four days a week. Whenever I was confused about a certain subject, I was able to go there and get a tutor to help me, which was really cool because I didn’t feel lost or helpless. That helped me with my homework, tests, exams and a better overall performance academically.

Where did you study and what program?

Jennie I studied at the University of Toronto and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in Accounting.

YUSSEF, SECOND YEAR STUDENT AT YORK UNIVERSITY

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Yussef I just finished my first year as an undeclared-major student in order to find what type of career I would like to pursue. I will be majoring in International Development starting Fall 2012.

Mehret I just graduated in June. This Fall, I will be going to The University of Windsor to study Criminology and Social Justice.

Jennie, you’re already working. Tell me about your current job, what it entails, and what do you hope to get out of it?

Jennie I have been working at Ernst & Young for a year now as a Staff Accountant in the Assurance area. Working as part of a team, we provide assurance on the financial information that the company releases.

“ I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONFIDENCE AND SEE THAT THE AREA WHERE I GREW UP DOES NOT NEED TO DICTATE THE SUCCESSES I COULD ACHIEVE.”

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Jennie In five years, I see myself having achieved the Chartered Accountancy (CA) designation.

Yussef In five years, I see myself as a successful and independent individual with a Bachelor’s degree in International Development and a minor in Administrative Studies, working in my field of study, and promoting social change on a global scale!

Mehret In five years, I hope to have my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Social Justice and be working in that field. Or, I might continue school and earn a Law degree!

In closing, is there anyone from the Pathways program you would like to thank for helping you achieve your academic goals?

Jennie O’neil Edwards was always there to answer any questions I had about applying to university, how to gain scholarships and any other questions I had. My positive experience with Pathways wouldn’t have been the same without him.

Yussef I would personally thank my Student/Parent Support Worker, Sarah Rogers, who helped me get to where I am with her calm and patient approach to problems in school or outside of school. Sarah’s advice throughout the years was inspiring … it helped me persevere and beat the odds.

Mehret I would like to thank everyone from Pathways for their support. They have made it easy for me to ask for help whenever I needed it, making high school less painful. In particular, I would thank Kevin and Jessica. Kevin is my Student/Parent Support Worker and he genuinely cares about his students’ success. He always pushed me to do my best. It was nice to have someone to talk to when things were a bit rough, not only at school but also at home or with friends or teachers. Jessica is the career mentor who helps students with anything that has to do with post-secondary. I don’t know what I would have done without Jessica! She helped me apply for university, choose my major, apply for OSAP and residence and register for classes. Any question I had, she was always a text message away. I was really stressed out in my last year of high school and having someone help me with all my post-secondary needs was a huge relief. I can’t thank her enough!

“ LOOKING BACK, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE SUPPORT I GOT HELPED ME ACHIEVE MY ACADEMIC GOALS.”

MEHRET, 2012 PATHWAYS GRADUATE

JENNIE, CURRENTLY WORKING AT ERNST & YOUNG

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10+ YEARS OF HELPING TO MAKECANADA A GRADUATION NATION

30,000 VOLUNTEER HOURSEACH YEAR

1,289 VOLUNTEERS IN THE2011 – 2012 SCHOOL YEAR

12 COMMUNITIES AND4 PROVINCES WITH PROGRAMS

1,200+ PATHWAYS GRADUATES HAVE TRANSITIONED TO POST-SECONDARY STUDY

89% AVERAGE ENROLMENT RATE ACROSS ALL SITES FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR

300% INCREASE IN STUDENTS GOINGON TO COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

2x GRADUATION RATESHAVE DOUbLED

RESULTS

1,500+ ALUMNI/GRADUATES

4,700+ PATHWAYS STUDENTS ENROLLEDFOR 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR

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Pathways to Education is pleased to introduce YOUCAN. In 2011, Pathways became a licenced YOUCAN partner, launching YOUCAN’s Peacebuilder program to Pathways youth across all program sites. The Peacebuilder program is a set of eight comprehensive modules with the objective of empowering youth by giving them a set of tools they need to find peaceful solutions to everyday conflicts. The life skills gained from this training will help them deal with the various issues facing youth on a daily basis, including racism, bullying, sexism, homophobia and religious differences.

In addition to gaining skills in conflict resolution, participants learned how to become effective communicators and leaders through YOUCAN’s “train the trainer” approach to delivering the Peacebuilder program. Upon successful completion of all modules, participants pass on their newly acquired skills to their peers, boosting their confidence and helping them grow as community leaders.

Pathways staff who participated in the training, left feeling more confident and better able to relate to the challenges that youth encounter today. Response has been extremely positive; in some cases, staff and volunteers reported seeing students applying their new skills within their social circles immediately following the training. The addition of the Peacebuilder program complements the Mentoring component of the Pathways program, which gives students opportunities to widen their social circles, develop social skills and personal identity, and provides adult role models and encouragement. This partnership was made possible by the Ontario Trillium Foundation; their generous support gave more than 900 students and staff the opportunity to receive Peacebuilder training in the first year of implementation.

BUILDING THE PATH TO PEACE

PARTNERSHIP PROFILE

Sean HuntePathways Student

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SUPPORT MATTERS

READ, WRITE, REPEAT: INVESTING IN LITERACYFor some Pathways students, literacy is a major barrier to involvement in high school. Preliminary evaluations at the Pathways Winnipeg site have indicated that more than half of Grade 9 students are reading below a Grade 6 level, of which more than 30 per cent are reading “well below” 6th grade. Pathways, along with our literacy partners, Xerox Canada and the Xerox Foundation, has launched a literacy initiative in Winnipeg to tackle this issue. Thanks to Xerox, the Pathways Winnipeg program now has a dedicated literacy co-ordinator to support the needs of our students and enable them to build their literacy skills. As the initiative expands, our partnership with Xerox Foundation and Xerox Canada will enable Pathways to meet the literacy needs of our students all across Canada.

This past September, Halifax students entered their third year of the Pathways program thanks to generous backing from the community as well as founding funding from Emera. Now, Emera is making a different kind of investment in Pathways. Karen Saunders, Emera’s community relations manager, has joined the Halifax campaign cabinet, an enthusiastic group of volunteer supporters who are spreading the word about Pathways across Nova Scotia and ensuring a bright future through a solid base of east-coast support. Welcome aboard, Karen!

BUILDING STRENGTH ON THE EAST COAST

None of Pathways’ work would be possible without a dedicated army of volunteers at each of our 12 sites. Their diverse skill sets enrich the experience of every Pathways student – an experience that goes both ways. In order to keep building volunteer engagement and making the volunteer experience exceptional, Pathways is pleased to announce a new five-year partnership with Manulife Financial supporting volunteer development. Our thanks go out to all Pathways volunteers. You’re giving more than your time – you educate, fascinate, and inspire.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

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WORKING TOGETHER FOR KINGSTON’S YOUTHThere is no greater show of support than peer support. Our appreciation goes out to the boys and Girls Club of Kingston’s executive director, Harold Parsons. Harold and his senior staff teamed up to make a personal pledge of $1,000 over four years to support Pathways Kingston programming. Together, Pathways and the Boys and Girls Club are turning their commitment to youth into a movement for change in Kingston.

Technology is revolutionizing education and, thanks to a brand new partnership with Microsoft Canada, it’s revolutionizing Pathways, too. The tech giant is supplying valuable software, licences, and knowledge to give our students an edge. Through these donations, Pathways will build our student database, increase communication and connectivity between sites, capitalize on the latest software, and – ultimately – give students the latest tools to build their tech savvy.

THE TECH EDGE

There are lots of things that make life feel “rich.” And so, in April 2012, Scotiabank asked Canadians to share a “richness moment.” With each submission in the social experiment, Scotiabank has donated $1 to one of 18 charities, including Pathways. Not only is the richness project giving Canadians a chance to share special life moments, it’s helping put the spotlight on how education makes life better. Share your own moment at therichnessproject.com.

RICHNESS IS A GRADUATION NATION

“SHINING ON” FOR PATHWAYSRecently, the Gap asked young people how they could make the world a brighter place through their sixth annual “Gap North American Casting Call” contest. Shining brightest were Liam and Taylor – the Canadian contest winners. Liam’s and Taylor’s Gap Grants have both been donated to Pathways to Education to support students staying in school. Thanks and congratulations to both winners and to the Gap!

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This past May, the Toronto Athletic Club presented Pathways to Education Canada with a cheque for $12,000, its portion of the proceeds from their “Train the Trainer” fundraising event: a two-week silent auction with only one highly sought-after prize up for grabs – the chance to put the personal trainer with the highest amount of bids through an intense workout designed by the winner. The trainers themselves got into the spirit of competition by encouraging their clients to place bids on them, receiving bragging rights and the “honour” of being put through their paces.

Pathways was selected to be the recipient of the event thanks to the efforts of Tyrone Estabrooke, a personal trainer at TAC and former Pathways Regent Park group mentor. Tyrone first learned about Pathways at an event sponsored by the TAC in 2006; he was so impressed with the impact the program has on the lives of Regent Park students that he and his wife volunteered as mentors for Grade 9 and 10 students for more than two years.

Tyrone says that Pathways, “focuses on the root problems facing students and works to equalize opportunities for them. Its impact benefits not just one neighbourhood, but our entire city. It just makes sense.”

Every year for the past three years, University of Waterloo’s Federation of Students (FEDS) puts on a colourful campaign designed to pit faculty against faculty in the name of education. Colour Me Educated is an annual nine-week fundraising campaign to raise awareness about issues of access to education and raise funds for Pathways Kitchener. At the end of the campaign, student society representatives for the faculty that raises the most money get to pour their colour of paint over university administrators and FEDS executives.

This year, FEDS launched “Day in the Dumpster,” where seven students – one from each faculty and a FEDS executive – were placed inside a dumpster until they raised enough funds to be released. The Faculty of Mathematics was crowned this year’s winner and representatives had the honour of pouring pink paint over University of Waterloo’s president and vice-chancellor. The campaign raised a total of $7,649, surpassing their $5,000 goal; of that, more than $2,700 was raised by the math department. Over the past three years the campaign has raised nearly $18,000 for Pathways Kitchener.

COLOUR ME EDUCATED

TRAIN THE TRAINER

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The 8th Annual Charity Golf Classic supporting Pathways to Education was held at the Lionhead Golf and Country Club on June 22. Co-sponsored by CAW and Chrysler, the event was attended by more than 200 golfers, raising almost $60,000 toward Pathways programming. At stake was the chance at one of two cars generously donated by Chrysler. Golfers also had the chance to win a trip for two anywhere in North America donated by Air Canada, or out-bid each other in the silent auction where the lots up for grabs ranged anywhere from golf equipment and iPods to certificates for hotel stays.

But the real highlight of the day was when Pathways alumna and current Masters student, Tracy Chen, shared her story with the audience. “Pathways was key in providing support for me to get through high school and helping me graduate successfully,” she said. “My desire to pursue an education in law stems from my wish to gain an understanding of the policies that govern society – I believe that having such an education can be a powerful tool to facilitate change.”

PATHWAYS GOLF TOURNAMENT

DONOR VOICES LONG-TIME DONORS KATHLEEN HORISzNY AND ANNE EVANS ON WHY THEY SUPPORT PATHWAYS.“I support Pathways because education provides a crucial avenue out of poverty, diminishes the adverse effects of social isolation, and leads to opportunities for satisfying, successful careers, and a cycle of better health.”

ANNE EVANS, TORONTOTen-year supporter of Pathways to Education

“Pathways is not your average charity. It gets to the nitty-gritty of what we can do to help students who want to study and get passing grades in high school. Success in high school is a must because we’re living in a very competitive world. Pathways helps students who want to succeed and helps the parent, or parents, who want their child to succeed.”

KATHLEEN HORISzNY, TORONTONine-year supporter of Pathways to Education

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“DON’T GO WHERE THE ROAD MAY LEAD,

GO INSTEAD WHERE THERE IS NO PATH AND

LEAVE A TRAIL.”

Those were the parting words that ushered out the graduating students of the 2nd Cohort from Pathways to Education. I sat in the auditorium of Ryerson, hands crossed, both nervous and excited about the prospects of my unknown future. No idea where my road may lead, but I knew that I wanted to give back in some way. To make a mark on my community in a small way, because of all it has infused into me. It’s been six years since that moment in time, and I’ve been busy ever since!

I’ve recently completed my honours BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies at the University of Toronto and am working within the field of community development at Toronto Community Housing and METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women).

Since finishing school, I’ve started a literacy-based women’s book club within my community. The book club will include three generations of women engaged in a myriad of topics during the course of the school year, with young women in Grades 8 through 10. The W.O.W (Women’s Oath 2 Women) book club provides an opportunity for women to mentor each other in ways that are unconventional, through their own narratives, all while having the book as its centrepiece. The book club will serve as a catalyst, and entry point, toward having conversations on self-esteem, healthy relationships and identity. With the opportunity to start this dialogue, the possibilities become endless.

Community development has been deeply ingrained into my everyday life, which first took root within Regent Park. It truly takes a village to raise a child and it’s without a doubt that my parents, along with Pathways to Education, and countless mentors, have instilled the true value of giving back. In the spirit of Ubuntu, I am because of those around me.

SHEQUITA THOMPSON 2006 Pathways Graduate

— RALPH WALDO EMERSON

ALUMNI VOICES

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“ MY DREAM WAS TO BECOME A PARAMEDIC AND, TODAY, BECAUSE OF HIM, I’VE ACHIEVED THAT.”

“ MY PIANO TEACHER… INSPIRED SUCH A SENSE OF WONDER. I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT HOW WE ExPLORE AND UNDERSTAND OUR WORLD. HE INSPIRED BOTH A LOVE OF MUSIC AND CURIOUSITY.”

“ SHE TAUGHT ME ABOUT NOT TAKING A BACKSEAT, FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S RIGHT, AND SPEAKING UP.”

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GIVING THE GIFT OF THANKS IN GRADUATION SEASONNo graduate gets there alone. During the 2012 Grad Season this year, we asked Canadians to recognize that special person who supported them on their road to graduation. Participants posted personal messages on our Facebook wall to thank a special person who helped them.

TAKE ACTION

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season? Instead of fruit cake, why not honour a friend, colleague, client, or loved one by making a donation to Pathways to Education Canada. Your holiday contribution to Pathways ensures that Pathways students across Canada have full access to our groundbreaking program. To make your donation, go to pathwaystoeducation.ca/donate. From all of us at Pathways – best wishes for a happy holiday season, and thank you for your continued support.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GRADUATION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION CANADA439 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, 16TH FLOORTORONTO, ON M5G 1Y8

T 416 646 0123TOLL FREE 877 516 0123F 416 646 0122

PATHWAYSTOEDUCATION.CA

@PATHWAYSCANADA FB.ME/PATHWAYSTOEDUCATIONCANADA

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