Exploring Possibilities

Exploring Possibilities

This spring through a partnership with Nova Scotia Community College, Waterfront Campus the students of Bridges for Learning had the opportunity to look towards their future and experience a myriad of career possibilities with the hope that this experience would inspire them to stay in school.

After more than 30 years in residential care HomeBridge has seen that education is the essential preparing youth for successful independent living. In 2004 the organization conducted a survey of youth-in-care to obtain first voice information to modify existing programs and better meet the clients needs. The results revealed that 82% of participants felt they were not prepared for independent living when they left residential care and 66% did not continue their education after leaving residential care. Recent statistics revealed that 62% of homeless youth in Canada drop out of school and 68% of those homeless youth come from foster or group care (Raising the Roof Canada 2009).

With these statistics in mind HomeBridge formed a partnership with Nova Scotia Community College to test-drive the program known as Exploring Possibilities. This initiative saw 10 youth-in-care take part in a “mini college” put on by the faculty of NSCC, Waterfront Campus.

In the month of May the students participated in classes in Portfolio building, Recording Arts, Photography, Business Administration, Therapeutic Recreation, Health Care, Graphic and Print Production, Surveying, Music Arts and Radio and Television Arts. Each one of these sessions provided the youth with a glimpse into what a career in that field may be like as well a practical, hands-on learning experience.

The program ended with a Celebration Luncheon, which showcased the youth’s accomplishments and provided a public forum for NSCC to present the youth with certificates of achievement and a special meal in their honour. In attendance to celebrate this historical event were the Honorable Marilyn More Minister of Education, Don Glover Director of Student Services and Alex Bruce Special Education Consultant, the Department of Community Services Regional Administrator Lynn Brogan, participating student’s guardians and social workers, NSCC Waterfront Campus Principal Ruth Williamson, and participating NSCC instructors. Many HomeBridge employees and board members were also pleased to be there.

The program was an invaluable experience for the youth who participated. They were still talking about things they did or saw at NSCC and what they may take when they go to college for weeks after the program ended. This is a notable shift in the outlook of young people who at times weren’t even sure that they wanted to finish high school. HomeBridge is forever grateful to everyone who played a role in this experience for the Bridges for Learning class of 2010.