March Break Experiential Education Program

SBL’s March Break program is based on exposure and career exploration. Youth in the Jane and Finch community are oftentimes streamed into career paths and left feeling unaware of the different types of careers that are available to them.

The March Break program’s goal is for students to learn about as many career opportunities that exist while also ensuring that youth have fun during their March break. We do this by providing transportation for students from the Jane and Finch community to Toronto’s downtown core where many city resources are located. From there, we take students to various workplaces like Deloitte, Shopify, CBC, MLSE, etc. They are able to learn about different careers that exist while connecting with industry professionals.

Throughout the week, SBL provides students with various workshops to help prepare students for their future. For example we have a BIPOC career panel where students are able to ask questions to different panelists while also being able to network. This program also includes enrichment activities throughout the week that keeps youth engaged and physically active such as going on trips across the city.

Program Highlights

Each year we explore new and exciting careers and spaces
We connect with career professionals that reflect the youth we serve
We look at and explore post-secondary trajectories connected to each career profession

Program Length

Our program runs Monday – Friday during the March Break

Program Location

All across the city of Toronto

Evaluation

80%

of youth agreed the SBL March Break program has helped them better understand ways to achieve their career goals.

88%

of youth agreed the SBL March Break Program helped them gain an in-depth understanding of different careers.

92%

of youth agreed the SBL March Break Program helped expose them to different careers.

80%

of youth agreed the SBL March Break Program helped them better understand the transition into Post – Secondary (ie. University, college, apprenticeship)

Through our youth-centered, system-focused approach, the program addresses:

Civic Engagement & Youth Leadership

Youth are able to navigate the resources within their communities
Youth are exposed to opportunities within their community & their city
Youth are aware & involved in conversations regarding their community

Through intentionally creating spaces for relationships to develop we are addressing:

Youth Friendly Spaces & Communities

Youth are engaged in their communities
Youth have safe spaces that are accessible and engaging

Having a strong management & mentor team allows us to engage youth within the community. Therefore, during each step of the March Break program we are addressing the following:

Building strong & consistent relationships

Youth have a consistent and caring adult
Youth form & maintain healthy relationships

What They Say

“Before this program, I didn’t really know what kind of careers were out there for me. Visiting companies like Deloitte and talking to professionals who look like me and learning about different paths made me feel more confident about my future.”

- Program Participant