Education Outcomes/Impacts for 2016 2017, please click here
Who We Are
The Educational Initiatives are programs that focus on every young person’s potential to learn and be successful. Our educational programming is intended for youth who have found that the “regular” school system was not for them, whether because of differences in learning, social challenges, or other factors.
All programs focus on the strengths of young people, and the belief that through education, opportunities are created for youth and their families. These youth centered programs have been developed and informed through the thoughtful input of the many youth who learn with us.
Who We Serve
The Educational Initiatives help youth 16 to 29 who are struggling with staying in school or who have left school already.
We have 2 programs:
Youth at Promise
Young people 16 and over who have not completed high school are welcome at YAP. If you found that school was not the place for you, or you are overcoming challenges with housing, addiction or mental health, Youth at Promise may be the appropriate program for you. People in this program may have attended school throughout junior high and into high school, but may have large gaps in their literacy and numeracy that need support before other programming options can be explored.
Springboard GED
Youth 18 and over who have not finished high school are the learners in this program. If you are able to attend classes several times a week for a few hours, and have attended school up to grade 8, this is the program for you.
Please click here for more information on Public GED Testing
How to Refer
Referrals are accepted for all programs throughout the academic year. We like to meet all young people who are interested in learning with us at Thrive. Both Youth at Promise and Springboard GED have a rolling intake process, meaning as space becomes available we add new students in to fill spaces.
The referral process for our programming has changed slightly beginning with the 2020-2021 academic year, as we work to reduce wait times and ensure incoming participants know about their educational options.
Step One: Referral is received by mail, email, or fax. Alternatively, the referral can be completed in collaboration with Thrive staff during a Referral Appointment with the Outreach Coordinator. Step two is not required for individuals who complete a Referral Appointment as information provided during step two will be covered during this appointment.
Step Two: Appointment arranged between the youth and the Outreach Coordinator. This appointment will allow youth to tour the Thrive building, ask any questions they may have, and review educational options. If Thrive programming is determined to meet the youth’s educational goals, they will then be added to the Thrive Education Waitlist.
Step Three: Waitlist. While youth are on the waitlist, they are able to avail of services and support offered by the Outreach Coordinator. The Outreach Coordinator will be in touch with youth on the waitlist at least once a month to update them on their position, to offer support, and to answer any questions.
Step Four: Once there is space available in the program, youth will be contacted by the Outreach Coordinator to arrange for an intake meeting. The youth will then be scheduled to write a Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT), which provides the Learning Facilitators with a clearer picture of where the youth is academically in regards to math and language.
Step Five: Following the results of the CAAT, youth will be contacted with a class time and start date.
Completed referral forms can be sent to any of the below contact by e-mail, mail, or fax.
Director of Education & Outreach
Sean Reany: 754-0536 ext. 210
Learning Facilitators:
Shelby Arnold: 754-0536 ext. 205
Jodi Rossiter: 754-0536 ext. 206
Outreach Coordinator:
Nicole Boggan: 754-0536 ext. 214
Fax: 709-754-0842
Mailing Address:
Thrive
PO Box 26067
St. John’s, NL A1E 0A5
How to Volunteer
The Educational Initiatives have many opportunities for volunteers. From in-class tutoring, proctoring GED examinations, or preparing healthy snacks for our learners, volunteers are an asset to all of the services that Thrive provides.
To be matched with an opportunity please complete the Online Volunteer Application.
Alternatively, you can contact Yvonne McDermott or 709-771-1683 for more information, or see the Volunteer Section of this website for current opportunities.
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