Youth Fusion Helps Keep Kids in School
Successful School Program Partners University & High School Students
Nov 16, 2009
Youth Fusion, is a non-profit Montreal organization that partners university students and high school students in a win-win program. High school students are motivated and want to stay in school, while university students gain valuable experience.
The founders of Youth Fusion found the dropout rates in some Montreal high schools to be troubling. The group hoped that activities delivered by older students would inspire a sense of belonging and a reason to stay in school. In the March 19th, 2009 Concordia University Journal, Gabriel Lopez states, "We did a lot of research and we found students in top-ranked schools had many opportunities presented to them, while bottom-ranked ones didn't". Gabriel Lopez is Youth Fusion's Founder and General Manager.
In 2008/2009, a pilot project was launched that partnered Concordia University Students with two high schools, James Lyng and Pierre Dupruy. The university students implemented programs in the areas of Entrepreneurship, Environment, Journalism, Music, Politics, Sports, Technology, and Community
A Sense Of Belonging For High School Students
Students participating in the activities learn valuable skills. For example the Entrepreneurship program teaches students how to make a business plan and do a power point presentation. The Environmental program teaches students about composting and recycling. Long after they leave school, students will be using these newly acquired skills.
Participants gain a sense of belonging, both in their high school and in the community as a whole. Since the university students commit 15 hours a week, there is a bond and partnership formed with all participants. Often, field trips are involved which makes that community connection complete.
Students learn to value education and visualize a future. The mentoring relationship and the activities in the program allow the students to set goals for the future. The window of possibility is opened and they see that post secondary education can be a reality, even for those from a disadvantaged background.
Professional Experience For University Students
University students participating in the program gain valuable professional experience in their chosen field. This is a chance to put their classroom knowledge into practice.
They will also realize their potential for social change. They are able to see that they can make a concrete difference in the lives of others.
Drop Out Rate Decreased
After only one year, the pilot project produced an increase in the retention rate. On the CTV Montreal November 12th broadcast Gabriel Lopez reported, "Absenteeism rates went down by 40% and the graduation rate went up by 12.6% since we went in," The positive results set plans in motion for an expansion to the program. An expansion for 2009/2010 year is set to include at least 6 other Quebec Universities and many other high schools.
Youth Fusion introduced a innovative program to the Montreal area that really works. University students went into local high schools bringing interesting programs with them. The older peers and extra activities gave the high school kids a sense of belonging and a reason to stay in school.
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