Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Inspiring a New Generation of Manufacturing and Trades Professionals with the help of an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant
Halton Peel Region – In the 2020-2021 school year, JA Central Ontario received a $34,500 SEED grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to inspire high school students as they plan future careers in the skilled trades and manufacturing industries.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, JA Central Ontario has helped over Ontarians with employment opportunities using this OTF grant,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board of Ontario and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South. “Non-profit organizations like JA Central Ontario are a crucial and valued part of our community, especially here in Brampton.”
Supported by this generous funding, JA Central Ontario delivered 3 World of Choices: Manufacturing & Trades workshops – virtual, educational events for high school students led by JA with support from industry experts. Throughout the 2020-21 school year, these virtual events welcomed a total of 642 students from the Halton Peel community. Hosted virtually, the workshops ensured students benefitted from JA Central Ontario’s expert advice and support during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were studying remotely.
World of Choices: Manufacturing & Trades workshops brought together professionals from a wealth of skilled trades, manufacturing, and services career paths. From construction, engineering, and manufacturing, to hospitality, catering, and beauty – JA Central Ontario ensured diverse representation of these important industries to inspire students as they plot their career paths.
“We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding this fantastic opportunity for students in the Halton Peel community”, said Jennifer Holmes Weier, President and CEO, JA Central Ontario. “World of Choices: Manufacturing & Trades events provided students with the opportunity to learn about career possibilities across these vital, growing sectors. Through these unique learning experiences, students were inspired to explore opportunities and life choices that will empower them as they plan their futures in a changing world.”
About JA Central Ontario
JA Central Ontario envisions a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. They want to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks to shape the future.
As a youth-centred charity, JA Central Ontario works together with a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and educators to deliver immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship and more. JA students benefit from mentorship and real-world experiences, transforming their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations as they build their futures.
JA Central Ontario impacts students in Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham and Simcoe regions. They are part of one of the world’s most-impactful youth-serving social good organizations – JA Worldwide – and they work closely with our national network, JA Canada.
