‘Connecting Futures’ to Support Early High School Leavers

In Ontario, only 46% of youth in care graduate from high school, compared to 83% of their peers. This gap is driven by a range of interconnected challenges, including the absence of stable support networks, disruption caused by placement changes, stigma associated with being in care within school settings, and precarious access to basic needs such as reliable transportation, appropriate clothing, and food. Many children and youth involved with child welfare also carry the effects of historical and ongoing trauma, which can make it difficult to maintain consistent attendance and stay engaged in learning. When foundational needs go unmet, education suffers as meeting basic needs become the priority.

This venture brings together the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), a community-based organization (Youth Opportunities Unlimited, YOU), the Children’s Aid Society of London Middlesex (CASLM) and municipal partners to collaboratively deliver the ‘Connecting Futures’ program, an alternative day school program supporting youth in and from care who have disengaged from school to re-engage, stabilize and sustain their school engagement and provide supports to ensure they experience success as learners.

The program uses a coordinated delivery model delivering classes in community spaces rather than traditional school sites. Morning classes are held at YOU's Community Youth Hub, where school staff can make warm referrals for housing, financial supports, and safety planning — including direct connections to YOU's anti-human trafficking lead. Afternoon classes take place at the London Public Library, offering students access to safe, welcoming city spaces. This intentional design meets young people where they are at, keeping programming embedded in familiar community spaces and close to the services needed by students.

Students work toward completing 24 credits through Connecting Futures and are then supported to transition back into mainstream educational pathways, including the School Within a College (SWAC) program at Fanshawe College or the School Within a University (SWAU) program at Huron University, both delivered in partnership with the TVDSB.