Change Agent. Ontario's Universities: Transforming Communities
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Change Agent Ontario’s Universities: Transforming Communities, Transforming Lives. 02 content 3-7 20-23 Introduction Building up communities 8-11 Building 24-27 the potential When campus of every child impact spans across 12-15 the globe Transforming local 28 economies Conclusion 16-19 Innovation improving the health of Ontarians COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION REPORT 03 “ Being engaged in your community – I think that’s the most important thing all of us can do.” — Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario Ontario’s universities know how important it is not only to train and equip students for career and life success, but also to reach beyond the walls of campus and lift up communities. Through partnerships that spark service learning, or community-based opportunities that enrich the learning experience and also improve lives, many thousands of students, faculty and staff are actively engaging with the 33 communities where Ontario universities are rooted. Some start their own initiatives, creating non-profit organizations, outreach programs, or inventing innovative products that solve critical issues around the globe. Students have won hundreds of awards for their work, and often find or create jobs out of these experiences. Universities offer free dental clinics, mentorship activities, start-up programs and much more. The examples of community transformation showcased in this report are just a sample of university initiatives – many of Ontario’s universities have their own versions of programs listed, often adapted for the specific needs of the communities they work with. 04 The economic impact of universities is truly remarkable – according to a 2014 report by the Conference Board of Canada, postsecondary institutions generate more than $55 billion in economic activity every year. Almost 700,000 direct and indirect jobs are attributable to spending by postsecondary institutions. COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION REPORT 05 Towns and cities surrounding these institutions also benefit from off-campus student spending, which can generate as much as $17.5 billion in economic activity. There are countless examples of universities propelling economies in this province. Large universities bring in many billions – the largest university in Ontario contributes $15.7 billion to the economy every year – while mid-sized universities each generate about $2.5 billion. And the impact of universities on communities extends far beyond economics. Postsecondary institutions in Canada generate more than $ 55 Almost billion in economic activity every year. 700,000 jobs are attributable to spending by postsecondary institutions in Canada. 06 Tens of thousands of dedicated faculty members, staff and students demonstrate the value of universities every day by making their communities more progressive, compassionate and innovative. COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION REPORT 07 According to a recent report on faculty work, an average faculty member in Ontario devotes about 20 per cent of their work hours to services, such as informing policy and using their skills and knowledge to enhance communities on local, national and global scales. This report provides an overview of the many ways universities are enriching their communities and inspiring success. An average faculty member in Ontario 20% work hours to services Building the potential of every child By cultivating strong relationships with organizations that support children and youth, universities are helping to set up young people for healthy, prosperous and fulfilling lives. University of Toronto Scarborough IMANI Program. Photo credit: Ken Jones Photo credit: IMANI Program. Scarborough University of Toronto COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION REPORT 09 Universities are developing partnerships with local, regional and national organizations to give students learning opportunities that lift up their communities. or struggling elementary and nowing what an important Fsecondary school students, Krole mentorship can play, access to a supportive relation- 83% Carleton University created a ship with a caring adult at school of high school students who program that pairs university took part in the IMANI program can mark the difference between reported having higher students with Aboriginal youth. success and failure. expectations for themselves, and The Aboriginal High School For almost 10 years, the University saw more options for the future. Mentorship Program takes place of Toronto Scarborough’s IMANI in Ottawa classrooms and focuses Academic Mentorship Program has 92% on dispelling myths about higher offered academic and social support say they are interested in pursuing education while offering learning postsecondary education. to middle and high school students strategies and practical advice living in east Scarborough, reaching to students, acting as a bridge out to youth in the black community. between high school and post- A partnership between the university’s secondary education. It has Black Students’ Alliance and the encouraged countless students East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club, to pursue higher education and the program pairs university students won an Ashoka Changemakers with youth for weekly mentoring Award in 2012. in the form of tutoring, preparation for postsecondary and leadership development. University of Toronto Scarborough IMANI Program. Photo credit: Ken Jones 10 etting children excited about free, interactive educational t’s important for children to Greading can set them up for A series for children has Ibe studious, but play is also an academic and career success for travelled to communities in and essential part of development. years to come. Education students around Hamilton, inspiring kids Founded in 2007 by students at Nipissing University developed aged seven to 14 to get excited at Western University, Learning it NU Reads, a club that encourages about learning. Sessions by the Together pairs university mentors North Bay children to cultivate a McMaster Children and Youth with elementary school students love for reading while improving University are designed to spark of lower socio-economic statuses their literacy skills. The club brings curiosity about research, while in London, challenging children low-income children together with teaching progressive topics to create to learn and grow through play. university students to facilitate more compassionate communities. The free eight-week after-school discussions about books. The There have been lectures on the program focuses on literacy, students launched the club in 2009 human body, Aboriginal contribu- numeracy and skills needed to as part of a course that encouraged tions to Canada and perceptions live a healthy and active life. them to create initiatives that help of disability. The monthly sessions people in their communities. each attract 200 young people from almost 100 schools in Ontario, and are targeted at families that haven’t had the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education. “I could not ask for better role models for my students than the dedicated volunteers of the Learning it Together program.” Joe Sheik, former Principal Lord Elgin Public School McMaster Children and Youth University Graduates. Photo credit: McMaster University Learning It Together. Photo credit: Western University COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION REPORT 11 yerson University’s new ince females remain vastly RMattamy Athletic Centre isn’t Sunderrepresented in the just giving the Rams, or varsity “The biggest transformation engineering profession, Go was not witnessed on the ice athletes, a competitive edge – or in the gym – it was through ENG Girl, held once a year at it is home to an important learning the children’s eyes. You could the University of Guelph and see their engagement and awe program for young people in whether it was through lacing up many other universities in underprivileged neighbourhoods. for the first time, cooking food, Ontario, is raising awareness The Centre houses Rams-in-Training, or creating new friendships.” about engineering among girls a free program that fosters relation- Nella Brodett in grades seven to 10. More student-athlete on the Ryerson ships between university athletes and Rams women’s hockey team than 125 girls participate in students in grades seven to 10. The hands-on workshops and meet youth learn how to play hockey, and with professional and student take evening workshops for 10 weeks female engineers, with the goal while learning about postsecondary of providing the knowledge and options. The sessions are led by encouragement necessary for student athletes, police officers and these young girls to consider nutrition students, and the program engineering as a future career. is a partnership between Ryerson, Toronto police, Loblaw and the Pathways to Education program in multi-sector partnership the social housing neighbourhood A led by OCAD University is Regent Park. helping young people facing complex barriers to employment Rams in Training. Photo credit: Ryerson University such as learning disabilities and rban farming is now being mental health challenges to gain Utaught to elementary school competencies in addressing a students. Algoma University offers growing demand for inclusively an urban farming summer day designed or accessible products camp for children in grades four to and services. For example, eight. The camp focuses on science the youth learn about and develop concepts these students are learning products and services required in the classroom, but instead of by accessibility legislation. Project having to sit