The York Region District School Board offers a variety of programs and opportunities that honours all pathways, including apprenticeship, college, university and the workplace. YRDSB is committed to providing inclusive, innovative and authentic learning experiences for all students. Our Student Success and Pathways programs and opportunities provide students the space, time and opportunities to engage in authentic experiential learning to acquire, refine and apply acquired competencies, make clear connections to their subject curriculum, explore a variety of post-secondary destinations and career pathways and successfully transition to their post-secondary destination.

The District Action Plan highlights ‘Championing Equity and Inclusivity’ with the goal of building understanding of anti-oppression, culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy and the ongoing impact of colonialism. Striving for equity and inclusivity requires that we work to meet individual needs, identify and eliminate barriers to success and promote a sense of belonging in all of our students. We strive to provide learning that is experiential, reflective and connected to the communities from which students come and the world they will shape.

Students are invited to explore their options, build their pathway and design their future through the following programs and opportunities.

Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)

Cooperative Education supports students across all pathways by offering hands-on learning and work experience aligned with their career goals and interests. Through co-op, students develop the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions around their education and pathway. Over the past year, the Cooperative Education program at YRDSB has experienced growth and innovation, with a 14% increase in student enrollment from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024. This growth reflects the program's continued success in connecting students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

New Skilled Trades Co-op Partnerships: YRDSB launched a pilot program with Ellis Don, providing students the opportunity to rotate through various skilled trades on an active construction site, gaining hands-on experiences and insight into potential career pathways. Additionally, TOK Transit joined as a new partner, supporting both Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Accelerated OYAP students pursuing the Truck and Coach Technician (310T) pathway, further expanding opportunities in skilled trades.

Be Our Guest Program: Be Our Guest is an experiential learning program that promotes exploration of career pathways in the hospitality industry. Be Our Guest operates through the collaboration of Ontario school boards, hospitality organizations and OHI – We Are Hospitality. YRDSB also welcomed two new partners, Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites and the Finlayson Group, further expanding opportunities within the hospitality field.

Nine students participated in this initiative, with their achievements celebrated at Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil.

Black Excellence: Entrepreneurship Program: YRDSB supported Black-identifying students in launching their own businesses through mentorship from the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance and other industry leaders. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their ventures at the York Region Entrepreneurship Showcase and the Skills Ontario provincial showcase, helping them build confidence, develop valuable connections and gain practical entrepreneurial experience.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

A co-op student becomes an OYAP student when they pursue a co-op placement in one of the 144 skilled trades recognized in Ontario. Through OYAP, students can take the first step towards a career path in the trades, receive training that leads to a registered apprenticeship program, earn apprenticeship hours, begin completing skills listed in the Apprenticeship Training Standard Log Book and earn secondary school credits at the same time.  

Through co-op, students can participate in OYAP in one of three ways: 

• become an OYAP participant; 
• become an OYAP participant and register as an apprentice while in the program; or,
• become an OYAP participant, register as an apprentice, and complete their Level 1 through a dual credit program. 

In 2023-2024, 625 students participated in the OYAP program.

OYAP Group Signings

OYAP students who are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship resulting from their co-op experience, are invited once each semester to become registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. 

In 2023-2024, 80 YRDSB students became registered apprentices in a variety of skilled trades.

Accelerated OYAP 

In 2023-2024, 53 OYAP students were registered as Apprentices in the “Accelerated OYAP Program.” The Accelerated OYAP Level 1 students attempted 107 Dual credits with an 83% success rate in the 11 programs that ran.  These OYAP students pursued a Level 1 Training at a GTA College (Centennial, Humber, George Brown, Sheridan) or Training Delivery Agent (CCAT Local 27, LiUNA 183) in one of the following trades: 

• Auto Service Technician 
• Cook 
• Construction Craft Worker 
• Electrician 
• General Carpenter 
• Hairstyling, Plumber
• Residential Air Conditioning 
• Truck and Coach Technician

Exploring Opportunities Program (EOP) 

In 2023-2024, six YRDSB high schools offered specialized regional programs that allowed students to focus on developing a high skill level in a particular technology (i.e. transportation; horticulture and landscaping; construction; entrepreneurship). Students participate in industry approved certification, reach ahead opportunities, guest speaker sessions, industry shows and conferences and authentic experiential learning in the classroom and in the community. 

The six high schools include Sutton District High School, Huron Heights Secondary School, Richmond Green Secondary School, Alexander Mackenzie High School, Markham District High School and Markville Secondary School. 

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

The SHSM program allows students to focus their learning on a sector of interest. Students earn sector-recognized certifications, gain valuable skills and experience and discover new career pathways through the various SHSM experiences. In 2023-2024, all 33 YRDSB secondary schools offered an average of 3.6 SHSM sectors each for a total of 119 programs in 14 different sectors.

YRDSB had 3,534 Grade 11 and 12 students registered in the program for the 2023-24 school year. The board completion rate for students graduating with the average completion rate for the SHSM Red Seal Diploma last year was 74.3% which was 2.4% higher than the provincial average.

Dual Credit

Through the Dual Credit program, Grade 11 and 12 students have the opportunity to experience the college pathway and earn college credits while still in secondary school. This program is a partnership with local colleges and is available at all YRDSB secondary schools. Every secondary school in the region had participants in the dual credit program in the 2023-2024 school year. 

Through dual credits, students can take one course on a college campus and earn a high school credit and a college credit at the same; take college-level courses to enhance skills and explore their interests; access free college tuition, free textbooks and subsidized transportation; and receive support with the transition to college.

In 2023-24, these credits were all delivered online and there were a total of 615 college delivered dual credits with an 88% completion rate. In addition, there were 45 adult dual credits with a 70% completion. 

School Within a College (SWAC)  

The School Within A College (SWAC) program provides students that are credit deficient and early leavers the opportunity to complete their last semester of high school at one of the GTA College Partner sites. SWAC provides students that were formerly disengaged, underperforming and underserved with a college environment, SWAC Teacher and wrap-around support from both the college and YRDSB to achieve academic success.

The SWAC program enables students to earn 4+ credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in one semester; for instance, 1-2 credits in Cooperative Education, 1-2 credits at the senior high school level with direct YRDSB teacher instruction, 2 dual credits (College Credits), and possible credit(s) from credit recovery. In addition to earning secondary OSSD credits, students benefit from exposure to transition support. 

Currently, YRDSB’s SWAC program is run in partnership with Seneca College. Based on a student survey, 100% of students recommended the programs to other students. In 2023-2024, 115 secondary school credits were earned (not including Dual Credits) and 27 out of 31 students graduated with their OSSD by the end of semester 2. 
 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics)

The goal of the K-12 STEM continuum is to offer inclusive learning opportunities for students in all divisions to engage in authentic real world problem solving that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through skill development in the design thinking process. STEM programming aims to improve outcomes for students across the system by focusing on instructional strategies that centre student voice and choice through community connected experiential learning. 

The 2023-2024 school year included the following professional learning opportunities:

• Elementary Robotics – 70 schools registered two teams each, with four students on each team = 560 students
• Makerspace Tours – 140+ educators (elementary & secondary) – four locations ½ day
• De-streaming Science Learning Tours – 2 tours x 8 educators each – SNC1W
• STEM & Coding Camp (Mini-Conference) – 100+ secondary and elementary educators (20 workshops x guest speaker etc.)
• Innovators of the Future (K-12) – 300+ educators registered and 6,000+ students participating in STEM challenges & prototyping
• Computer Science Education Week & Hour of Code – 113 educators registered for afterschool workshops, live events, and etc.
• Promoted Skills Trades and Technology (PSTT) Hand Tool Training in STEM – two educators from 30 schools provided unique STEM hands-on learning followed by a visit to a local college to explore skilled trades connections.
• Media Loan Library Equipment Update & Overhaul – updated the media loan library with 8+ new STEM & robotics kits to expand equitable access across the system. Included the creation of an educator guide. 

Technological Education

The purpose of the technological education program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enhance their ability to achieve success in secondary school, the workplace, post-secondary education or training and daily life. These courses focus on developing a creative and flexible approach to problem solving that will help students address challenges in various areas throughout their lives; develop skills such as critical thinking and research skills; conduct inquiries; communicate findings accurately, ethically and effectively; and achieve a level of technological competence students will need to succeed. 

In 2023 - 2024, all YRDSB secondary schools offered a variety of Broad Based Technology courses including Construction Technology, Green Industries, Hair Styling and Aesthetics, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing Technology, Computer Technology, and Transportation Technology.

In the spring of 2024 the Ontario Ministry of Education released revised curriculum for all Grade 9 and 10 technological education courses. The new curriculum which was implemented at the beginning of the 2024 - 2025 school year, features two new courses: Grade 9, Technology and the Skilled Trades and Grade 10, Technology and the Skilled Trades. These new courses enable students to further explore the engineering design process and develop other technological knowledge and skills introduced in earlier grades in secondary school and contribute to new graduation requirements.

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning (EL) is an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on, real-world learning that helps them develop their understanding of the curriculum and prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.  EL engages students as active participants in the three elements of the Experiential Learning Cycle where they: 

• participate in learning experiences connected to a community or economic sector; 
• reflect on those experiences to derive meaning; and, 
• apply their learning to influence their decisions and actions in various aspects of their lives, including education and career/life plans. 

Learning experiences involve local, national and global community or economic sector partners and can be on-site, virtual or blended (a combination of on-site and virtual).

Community Connected Experiential Learning (CCEL) projects 

These projects build collaborative relationships with community partners that focus on supporting experiential learning projects that are connected to student interests and curriculum. CCEL school/classroom based projects provide students with opportunities to co-plan and co-construct inquiry-based learning projects that reflect student needs and interests. The Ministry of Education mandates that CCEL initiatives focus on skilled trades and technology. CCEL funds help to build teacher capacity in developing and implementing rich experiential learning opportunities that are community connected, based on student voice, rooted in Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy and modern learning practices.  A variety of community-connected projects across both the elementary and secondary panels are supported.

Community Connected Experiential Learning Grants (CCEL) 

Twenty-six elementary and 16 secondary schools received CCEL grants supporting equitable inquiry learning tied to the community to promote skills and knowledge for the skilled trades, STEM, technology or the development of global competencies. Over 10,000 students were provided with opportunities to engage in real world problem solving and skill development through the support of community partners including the Simcoe County and Markham Museums, Travelling Stage, Greenway Construction, The Sewing Studio, Dance N Culture, The Steam Project, Mining Matters, Adventureworks, the Tomatosphere, Kayanase Greenhouse, D. Ahsén:nase Douglas,  and Joy Lapps to name a few.

Innovators of the Future Challenge

Two hundred and fifty five educators registered to participate in the Innovators of the Future Challenge. Five hundred and 48 students ranging from Kindergarten-Grade 12 submitted unique problem-based learning challenges solving local and global issues. Over 9,000 students participated in STEM Challenge card activities to increase transferable skill development and  to demonstrate multiple ways of knowing and learning. 

Students from Grade 11 NBE classes participated in storytelling activities at Clear Water Farms focused on exploring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit identities, relationships, self-determination, sovereignty and self-governance. Students engaged with a variety of cultural text forms  and developed an understanding of literary, informational, and graphic texts from Anishinaabe, Métis, Cree, and Mohawk cultures. 

Young Entrepreneurship Pilot Project 

Six hundred and forty students in Grades 7-12 participated in the young entrepreneurship opportunities project focused on supporting students in the development of specific skills related to planning, funding, starting and running a business or social enterprise (e.g., negotiation, risk assessment, networking, interpersonal skills, money management, leadership and sales). Students demonstrated their learning by participating in elevator pitches with community partners, attending mentorship meetings with local entrepreneurs and launching their businesses at the York Region Entrepreneurship Showcase. Twenty-four community partners participated in this program and supported student mentorship. 

Over 200 YRDSB students, from both the secondary and elementary panels, attended the inaugural York Region Entrepreneurship Provincial Showcase in partnership with Seneca Helix, Seneca Polytechnic’s innovation and entrepreneurship incubator.  Forty-two students delivered elevator pitches and fifty-six students set up business display booths.  There were twelve community partners who attended and provided feedback to students throughout the event. Forty secondary students and staff headed to the Provincial Entrepreneurship Showcase.  There were three booth displays and eight elevator pitches from YRDSB teams showcasing the students’ innovative venture plans. 

The entrepreneurship program partnered with innovative community partners to offer unique co-op placements.  The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) and Y-Space offered identity affirming Co-op placements.  Co-op students had opportunities to work with BEA mentors and gain valuable feedback and support towards launching their own businesses. Co-op students also had opportunities to work at Apple, develop innovative apps and pitch their ideas at a year-end showcase.

School College Work Initiative (SCWI) Activities 

This program supports Grades 7-12 students who participate in a one day experiential learning activity at one of the GTA colleges showcasing the various Skilled Trades and Technology based careers. In 2023-24, all events were in-person and included Promoting Skilled Trades and Technology (PSTT), Financial Literacy workshops, Pathways to Mentorship, Faculty of Communication, Art and Design in collaboration with local GTA colleges. 

Students were provided with opportunities to visit a variety of colleges to raise their awareness of programming available to them, particularly with respect to the trades, promotion of women in the trades, support for students with an identification and having the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities. 

York Region Skills Challenges (YRSC)  

YRSC provides additional pathways opportunities for students and teachers that promote authentic experiential learning activities and builds skills and competencies. York Region skills events are specifically designed for students in Grades 4-12 to participate in a variety of competitions (i.e. robotics; hairstyling; construction; 2D/3D animations; design etc.) and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in technological education, digital literacy, problem solving, mathematical and critical thinking skills.  

YRSC was held at Humber College North campus with 16 elementary and secondary competitions and at Centennial College for culinary, baking and transportation competitions. There were 471 elementary students and 149 secondary students who participated in the competitions in addition to 140 plus teachers, coaches, judges and curriculum staff who supported the competitions. The winners from YRSC represented YRDSB at Skills Ontario in May. 

In addition, YRDSB successfully ran five regional Lego Robotics competitions. There were 62 schools and 496 students, in Grades 4-8 who participated in the regional Lego robotics competitions. A multi-year plan has been created with goals to expand and explore robotics and to provide students with more opportunities to engage with coding and robotics.

Skills Ontario/Canada Competitions 

Schools participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, competitions and workshops available through Skills Ontario. Classroom teachers can also access Skilled Trades Presentations for elementary (Grades 7-8) and secondary schools. Schools participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, competitions, workshops (i.e. FNMI apprenticeship presentation) and networking opportunities. Events take place throughout the entire year in collaboration with a variety of college and trades school partners. 

The largest event is the Skills Ontario Competitions in May which also hosts the FNMI Workshop and Conference, Young Women’s Conference and a variety of hands-on workshops.  There were 92 elementary and 64 secondary students who represented YRDSB at the virtual Skills Ontario Competitions in May 2023.  Four elementary students and 13 secondary students won medals and three moved to the Skills National Competition in Quebec city. At the Nationals, two received bronze medals in culinary and IT networking.   

Elementary to Secondary and Secondary to Post-Secondary

Students are supported in successfully transitioning from elementary to secondary and from secondary to their initial post-secondary destination.

Elementary to Secondary:

• Funding (release time) to support transitions meetings between elementary and secondary teachers 
• Providing information and resources through email and web resources to educators to support Grade 8 students as they plan for their transition to secondary school and beyond
• Grade 8 Open Houses and Information Nights for families 
• Revisions were made to Transition Learner Portraits, shifting to an asset based model and including family and student voice
• Support for course selection including preparing teachers, students and families for the new de-streamed course offerings
• Promotion of My Pathway Planner (a career exploration and course selection tool)
  • September 2023 - June 2024
    • Number of elementary student log-ins 251,382
    • Mean number of log-ins per active student 10.4
  • myBlueprint, with cohorts of more than 10,000 students, YRDSB has the highest student engagement percentage for elementary.

Secondary to Post-Secondary:

• Post-Secondary fairs occurred at various secondary schools
• Education Career Fairs at various secondary schools
• Indigenous Student Pathways opportunities at colleges in the GTA including Georgian College and Fleming College
• Funding Pathways Initiative - supporting schools with funding to create opportunities for students to engage in reach-aheads and experiential learning at post-secondary institutions (including apprenticeships)
• Community Connected Experiential Learning grassroots projects are designed and developed by students with a community partner using a model of inquiry and have a focus on the skilled trades, STEM, technology and/or global competencies. 
• Online asynchronous certifications and in-person through SHSM: industry sector-recognized certifications to support students in their career pathway choice
• Online and in-person SHSM Reach-Aheads: virtual tours of industry and post-secondary destinations that are career-pathway specific. These are to support students in their transition planning to their post-secondary education or workplace (including apprenticeship)
• Accelerated OYAP Level 1 Training with dual credit course opportunities in 11 skilled trades - offered virtually and in-person
• Fast Track to the Workplace and Apprenticeship: May 25, 2023 - Student conference for graduating students entering the workforce and apprenticeship pathways.
• Apprenticeship “Registered Training Agreement” Group Signing Events (twice per year) for Grade 12 OYAP students entering a formal agreement with their co-op placement.
• Dual credit programming offers an opportunity for students in Grades 11 and 12 to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) as well as college credits and to make a successful transition to college  
• School Within A College (SWAC) program supports early leavers to return to high school in order to earn their OSSD in a college setting and to complete college as well as high school credits with the support of a secondary school teacher 
• Promoting Skilled Trades and Technologies opportunities
• Student Success provided secondary schools with 69 OCAS (Ontario College Application Services) vouchers and 48 OUAC (Ontario University Application Centre) vouchers to cover the cost of applying to an Ontario College/University for students in financial need
• The Credit Success Program was created to support each student in achieving all of their credits, by reinforcing concepts and demonstrating learning that was not achieved through their day school courses. Particular focus is given to supporting Grade 9 and 10 students, especially those engaged in learning in applied and locally developed classes, and those supported through Special Education.  
• Credit Recovery is offered at each school and centrally (through summer school) to support students in completing their OSSD requirements.
• Elementary Transitions Teacher Networking opportunities were offered to both the transitions teacher and other teachers who support Grades 7-8 which focused on course selection, career exploration, academics pathways, proactive approaches to supporting students in-risk, cross-panel conversations and co-planning between elementary and secondary school teachers, and networking and sharing with other elementary teachers regarding effective instructional practices and opportunities. Approximately 200-250 elementary teachers engaged in this learning and professional development at various times of the 2023-2024 school year.

Updated December 2024