A major education support fund of $376K from the Children's Educational Foundation of Canada (CEFI) will help Douglas College enhance educational programming for equity-deserving youth.
The funding supports the expansion of Reboot, a 16-week program offered by the Douglas College Training Group for individuals aged 17–24 who have not completed high school or are currently unlikely to graduate.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, self-reflection and future planning, empowering marginalized youth to build confidence and take steps toward a meaningful career. Participants also earn high school credits that support their path to graduation.
“The goal of Reboot is to create a positive and empowering educational experience that helps youth reconnect with learning,” said Val Lockyer, Executive Director of the Training Group. “By combining personalized support with classroom learning and community engagement, the program creates real opportunities for long-term educational and employment success.”
Through a combination of one-on-one personalized support, classroom learning and community engagement, Reboot helps participants gain job skills and explore career pathways. Program outcomes demonstrate strong engagement, with 82 percent of participants indicating an intention to pursue further education and 91 percent reporting they feel prepared to enter the workforce.
“At a time when youth unemployment is rising across Canada, investing in youth and supporting their educational journeys is more important than ever,” said Kathy Denton, President of Douglas College. “By providing access to meaningful learning experiences, career pathways and support systems, we’re empowering the next generation to build a stronger, more resilient future for all Canadians.”
Melissa Ren, Director of Foundation and Alumni Relations at Douglas College, said that CEFI’s funding ensures more young people will have access to the tools, mentorship and applied learning experiences that support student success and long-term outcomes.
“Education opens doors to opportunity, stability and long-term success – not only for individual students, but for their families and communities as well,” she said.
CEFI is a federally regulated education foundation that provides program-based education funding in support of post-secondary access and student outcomes. The funding supports eligible participants through structured educational programming delivered by Douglas College.
Students interested in Reboot can submit a program registration request online or email ttg@douglascollege.ca. The next intake of students for the program is in February. For more details, visit our website.
Douglas College is the largest college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca
-30-
Contact
Aline Bouwman
Communications Officer
bouwmana@dougascollege.ca