Est.1996
An innovative education support program designed to increase the odds for racialized youth.
What is the Change Your Future Program?
The CYF Program helps racialized students to progress through school, and overcome the challenges they face in the education system. The program is a run by a CYF counsellor who provides support on a day-to-day basis in their secondary school. Currently the CYF program operates at Westview Freedom Academy ,W.F. Herman Secondary School, Kennedy Collegiate Institute and Walkerville Collegiate Institute.
Interventions in each program are tailored for each student's individual needs, and include such things as:
Counselling |
Tutoring |
Community involvement and field trips |
Career guidance and planning |
Monthly group and regular one-on-one meetings |
Help with resumes and finding a job |

An evidence-based program

A number of respected studies have been unanimous in recognizing that there was a disproportionate dropout rate among a significant section of our population--minority youth. They found that:
- Many minority youth feel alienated from the education system because their experiences with racism have eroded their self-confidence, self esteem and motivation
- Guidance programs in schools focus on meeting the needs of all students, but students who belong to visible minority groups need special interventions appropriate to their needs
- Addressing these needs has shown that these students have the ability to succeed
- Students at risk generally want to do well in school and, given the chance, express a desire to develop their self-confidence in order to be motivated about school and to achieve their full potential (Newton et al, 1992)
The CYF program helps students to:
Set goals |
Achieve personal growth |
Realize their full potential |
Identify appropriate career options |
Achieve academic growth |
Develop job search and interview skills |
How?
By focusing on skill development and acquisition in the following areas:
Self awareness |
Academic Development |
Personal & Social development |
Work & employability skills |
Self esteem building |
Organizational skills |
Anti-racism strategies |
Job search skills & strategies |
Goal setting |
Time management |
Positive conflict resolution |
Career planning |
The program works because it helps to build meaningful relationships and provide young people with the time, attention and counselling that they might need to develop the skills necessary for contributing meaningfully to society.
For more information about the Change Your Future Program or to inquire about getting the program into your secondary school, please contact:
Rachel Olivero |
Equity and Inclusion Officer |
Greater Essex County District School |
(519)255-3200 Ext. 10213 |