Georgian College is proud to announce the launch of an innovative pilot program that aims to support local youth facing barriers to postsecondary education or meaningful employment.
Changing Course is a collaboration with Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka. It will provide youth with a unique opportunity to engage with Georgian’s Social Innovation department and motorcycle program within a Community Impact Lab setting.
The official announcement of the Changing Course program took place amidst gleaming, iconic motorcycles at the Barrie Harley-Davidson dealership, which generously donated a pre-owned motorcycle for the pilot project.
"We’re excited about this collaboration, with Elizabeth Fry and Barrie Harley-Davidson," said Nicole Norris, Director, Social Innovation at Georgian College, “as it is an exciting opportunity to continue developing how Georgian can work with community on applied research and social innovation projects designed and driven by community."
Starting this fall, youth from the region who are involved with the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka will be invited to participate in this dynamic program designed to bridge hands-on learning with approachable pathways into higher education or meaningful employment.
This pilot program, funded by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada through its Building Safer Communities Fund, aims to support youth in exploring postsecondary education that may have previously been impossible to access. In addition, the program will focus on helping them to move beyond involvement with the justice system and criminalization by supporting them to amplify their talents and future potential as members of our community.
The Changing Course Community Impact Lab, housed within Georgian’s Social Innovation department, will encourage participants to collaboratively engage in project-based learning designed to address issues important to them. This initiative underscores Georgian’s dedication to fostering community belonging and innovation through creative and inclusive educational practices.
"Our partnership with Georgian College represents an exciting opportunity to harness the power of social innovation for the benefit of youth in our region," Meaghan Chambers, Executive Director at the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka. "Through Changing Course, we aim to empower young individuals through hands-on learning, enabling them to overcome barriers and cultivate valuable skills that will support their individual growth."
The Changing Course pilot program exemplifies Georgian College’s leadership in educational innovation and community engagement, demonstrating how institutions can drive positive social change through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives.
