Showcasing the potential of young people to direct their own education
Challenge: Halifax Regional School Board’s co-operative education teachers had large class sizes and lacked the resources to provide individualized coaching to effectively guide students’ applied learning journeys. As a result, the experience often did not produce the sense of personal agency that was intended.
Response: Working in collaboration with school board administrators and teachers we created a comprehensive program for Halifax-based co-op students interested in community development and social change. Via community partnerships and peer mentors we provided personalized support to help students identify and pursue placement opportunities and complemented this through skill development workshops, and funding for personal projects
Results:
- Developed new set of placement partners for Halifax Regional School Board’s ongoing use
- Bridged community networks and enabled new collaborations amongst program partners
- Provided 10 students with intensive coaching and personalized support, leading to personal action projects such as: workshops about international development issues, community arts murals, a charity bikeathon and a diversity and inclusion initiative targeted at local high schools that was recognized by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia with a provincial award for youth leadership