The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board and Canadore College are once again partnering to support social assistance recipients in pursuing post-secondary education.
Officials say the Resilience Through Education Program (RTEP) will build from a pilot program launched in 2016 that supported Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program participants in making the transition to post-secondary and employment.
It ended in 2024.
“RTEP represents a significant step forward in our efforts to reduce poverty and build resilience in our community,” says Mark King, DNSSAB Board Chair. “By working together with Canadore College, we’re helping individuals access education and employment opportunities that lead to lifelong independence and prosperity. It’s inspiring to see how these partnerships can make a difference in people’s lives.”
Officials say recognizing the ongoing need for the supports, they’ll return as of next Tuesday (Dec. 16).
They include application support through the college admission process, vocational consultation, workshops on financial literacy, life skills, employability, and more.
“RTEP is strategically designed to address critical skills gaps and labour shortages by equipping participants with the skills required to meet both current and emerging workforce demands,” says George Burton, President and CEO of Canadore College. “This initiative is focused on unlocking individual potential through education plans that help break the cycle of poverty, strengthen the skilled trades pathway, support the transition from dependency to independence, and demonstrate what is possible through meaningful personal transformation.”
Beginning December 16, Canadore’s Community Inclusion Coordinator will share program details and engage OW clients at the OW Support Centre, located on the first floor of North Bay City Hall, 200 McIntyre Street East, with monthly information sessions to follow.
