Change It Up
Education/Training - N/A, N/A, CA
Change It Up Employees
Change It Up Senior Management
Change It Up Details
As an organization dedicated to learning and youth, Classroom Connections feels a strong responsibility not only to advocate for educational change, but to lead in taking action. As a result, Classroom Connections began the Change it Up initiative to synthesize what we know and pilot test new approaches to education. We started the journey by forming partnerships with Indigenous communities, where the need for alternative approaches was critical. Our first Change it Up! pilot projects were in Chipewayan Prairie First Nation (2010-2011) and Montana First Nation (2011-2012). With over 80 Indigenous youth involved, the programs had an average retention rate of 86%. Project results included significant increases in resiliency and pro-social behaviours, improved literacy and basic skills and significant decreases in at-risk behaviour. Although neither program was created as an employment program, over 60% of participants gained employment or returned for school. Our latest program, CIU Employability Essentials (2017-2020) is designed to respond to changing labour market needs and to build the essential skills needed for the workplace. Employment focus has included specialized cleaning, security and service industry. This initiative will also lead to the creation of the CIU Toolkit, containing Curriculum, a Usage Guide, and Facilitator Training.
