Summer Program

Summer Program

Our intensive summer program provides mentorship, academic credits, and employment opportunities for youth in the Jane and Finch community. Designed to reduce barriers to education at no cost to families, the program supports young people as they transition into high school.

Each summer, more than 100 Grade 8 students earn their first high school credit through our program. In addition, we employ 25 youth leaders, known as Mentors, who gain valuable work experience while supporting participants. We also engage up to 30 volunteers, or Mentors-in-Training, who complete their 40 hours of community service while developing leadership skills and contributing to the program’s success.

In addition to earning their first high school credit, youth in the program are paired with dedicated mentors who focus on building positive, supportive relationships. These mentors play an active role in each student’s experience, leading and facilitating activities, offering one-on-one guidance, and providing additional academic support within the classroom. Beyond academics, mentors also help foster confidence, encourage personal growth, and create a safe environment where students feel motivated to participate and succeed.

Program Highlights

  • SBL’s Summer Program is open to grade 8 students from Oakdale and Brookview Middle Schools
  • Youth leaders in high school play a vital role in the summer as Mentors
  • Our graduation ceremony with 400 people in attendance celebrates the success of our youth

Program Details

  • SBL’s Summer Program runs for 6 weeks from July to mid August
  • Secondary school credits are granted to over 100 grade 8 students
  • SBL Mentors also receive Co-Op Credits
  • SBL Volunteers gain 40hrs of community service required for graduation

Program Location

York University Campus
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P0

Evaluation

115

# of Students registered in the Summer Program

115

# of Students that received their credit at the end of the Summer Program

80%

of youth agreed they developed strong friendships during the SBL Summer Program

96%

of youth agreed they feel confident that they will graduate from high school by the end of the Summer Program.

88%

of youth agreed they want to attend University/College after high school by the end of the Summer Program.

95%

of youth from our summer program graduate and receive their first high school credit.

100%

of transfer students completed the program and received the credit.

99%

Average Mentor Attendance

What They Say

“The SBL Summer Program is by far the most amazing program there is and the only program where you feel like everyone treats your child like family. The mentors, teachers, and staff all make this program worthwhile. I believe my son is a ready for whatever is thrown at him, academically and socially, because of all the support and mentoring from SBL. I’m so happy that the SBL staff will be there to support him throughout his high school journey. I can’t thank them enough for all the incredible hard work that they have done. I would recommend the SBL program to everyone.”

Alicia Grant

Parent of Tyshawn Grant