Through advocacy, informed networking and two-way communication of government programs and policy issues, OBEP supports the following initiatives:
Exploring Scinece & Engineering Camp: Discover the possibilities for your future
In September 2012 OBEP submitted a proposal through Natural Sciences and Engineerng Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to run a 3 year project to promote, and faciliate, in-depth knowledge and career connections in specific natural sciences industries to high school students through intensely focused camp experiences.
We propose to:
Work with young Canadians to inspire an interest in science and engineering
Motivate young people to study science and engineering and to pursue careers in these fields
AND
Bring interactive, hands-on science experiences to young people.
Setting the stage for girls and young women to succeed- proposal august 2012
In August 2012 OBEP submitted a proposal through the Status of Women Canada to run a pilot project aimed at "Strengthening girls' and young women's economic prosperity". The issue we identified is the a male-dominated technology industry. We know that during the last 30 years the enrolment of females in technology/engineering disciplines has remained stagnet with peak enrolment hitting approximately 20% and women in leadership roles in the technology industry are approximately 16% with little growth or change. We see the need to engage young girls and women to explore how we impact the culture of the tech industry to be fair and friendly to women. Our plan is to support youth female lead focus groups to explore the intersection of interest/skill in Science, Technology, Engingeering and Math (STEM), the level of desire to pursue a career and chart a path to achieve economic prosperity in the technology industry.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. OBEP assists this program by connecting associations and major employers with local Passport to Prosperity program coordinators.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and assists in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. Currently 20,000 students participate in SHSM and the projection for 2011/2012 is 23,000. 95% of students who have participated in the program received all of their credits. OBEP promotes SHSM to industry associations and large employers at trade shows, conferences, speaking engagements and business events.
Co-op Education Programs
Co-op Education Programs is a planned learning experience, for which credits are earned, that integrates classroom theory and learning experiences at a workplace to enable students to apply and refine the knowledge and skills acquired in a related curriculum course or a locally developed course a combination of school and work-based education and training involving a variety of learning opportunities. Growth in experiential learning cooperative participation has increased by 50% in last 5 years. OBEP promotes Co-op Education to industry associations and large employers at trade shows, conferences, speaking engagements and business events.
Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)
Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) provides clear descriptions of the Essential Skills and work habits important for work, learning and life. Essential Skills are used in virtually all occupations and are transferable from school to work, job to job and sector to sector. The OSP offers high school students, adult learners, job seekers, workers, employers, teachers, trainers, practitioners, job developers and counsellors a common language, resources and tools that help build competence, confidence and connections. OBEP is on the OSP website advisory committee, and plays a connection role between OSP and the Passport to Prosperity coordinators, to ensure they have the information they need to engage employers in experiential learning.
ministry of education funding cut may 2012 - Passport to prosperity program cancelled
Passport To Prosperity is a community-based, campaign dedicated to experiential learning opportunities for students from kindergarten to grade 12. OBEP works with the 26 Passport to Prosperity coordinators across the province, providing them with strategic support, connections to local businesses based on industry partnerships, and an online central repository for sharing of information and best-practices, and regular discussion forums through teleconferences and events.