Abinaya Thamphirasan

Dean of Boarding,
The Bishop Strachan School

Kristen Clarke

Dean of Teaching and Learning,
The Bishop Strachan School

The Bishop Strachan School helps girls develop confidence, ​voice and ​leadership​ – empowering them to navigate and shape the world. 

In the heart of Toronto, there’s a storied institution that’s been uplifting and advancing the education of girls for over 150 years. Through one-of-a-kind learning experience and opportunities, students become the best versions of themselves and go on to achieve remarkable success.

This is The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), one of the most esteemed and impressive all-girls schools in the country. From junior kindergarten to grade 12, the academy has created an environment that actively cultivates and equips young girls to become fearless ​leaders​. 

“Students tackle academically rigorous programming that fosters confidence, curiosity, and leadership,” says Charlotte Fleming, Dean of Student Leadership. “They thrive within our vibrant and inclusive community, where they are encouraged to think critically, challenge the status quo, and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.”  

Signature of a BSS Girl 

There are certain attributes that teachers instill in each BSS student. These qualities shape how a young girl sees herself, approaches the world, and her ability to take on anything that comes her way. Students are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset and maintain a persistent desire to learn through hard work. They are inspired to be ethical citizens who prioritize inclusivity, empathy, and value differing perspectives.  

“We strive to be catalysts for change, empowering women to grow,” explains Abinaya Thamphirasan, Dean of Boarding. “We provide opportunities that challenge their thinking both individually and collectively on a global level.” Other attributes of ​the ​​Signature of a​ BSS ​Girl​ include curiosity, self-awareness, grit, voice, and leadership. 

Complementing this framework perfectly is the school’s unique teaching philosophy. Along with following the Ontario curriculum, their academics are enhanced through the ​​Culture of Powerful Learning. It’s a holistic method that nurtures social, intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, and ethical growth. 

Education that exceeds expectations 

“This research-based approach relies on inquiry at its root and extends to other teaching practices such as direct instruction and problem/project-based learning,” adds Kristen Clarke, Dean of Teaching​ and Learning​. “BSS has created a caring, thorough academic program that focuses on girls’ learning and on developing fearless leaders”  

BSS has created a caring, thorough academic
program that focuses on girls learning and developing into fearless leaders.
– Kristen Clarke, Dean of Teaching

The pedagogy also includes experiential education, discussion-based learning, and knowledge building. Students are motivated to follow their interests and take risks through arts, athletics, and other academic enrichments. They also explore interdisciplinary connections, environmental understanding, and the multiplicity of contemporary global perspectives. The ​program​ is backed by intentional guiding principles – including engagement, innovation, transparency, excellence, and authentic, meaningful work.  

Students who board at BSS get the chance to put their skills to the test in exciting ways outside of the classroom. “​B​oarding is more than a place to sleep,” Abinaya says. “It’s an experience ​that cultivates resilience and a strong sense of community ​that will shape your future decisions and goals as a lifelong learner.” 

Championing female leadership

At its core, the school’s mission is to inspire the female leaders of tomorrow. Girls are taught that leadership takes many forms beyond who is sitting at the head of the table. I​nstead, it’s about finding their unique voice and embodying meaningful values.

As Kristen explains, it’s embedded into everything students experience on a daily basis. “In the classroom, students see fearless leadership modelled by peers who lead innovative discussions, exploring real-world issues and tackling authentic data. They have access to highly impactful female role models in business, research, spoken word, and beyond.” 

The school’s academic and extra-curricular activities strategically cultivate leadership competencies, refining essential skills and providing meaningful moments for practice and growth. Students are provided with many practical opportunities to foster their leadership skills. There are formal trainings and workshops throughout the year that explore a variety of topics such as public speaking, creating inclusive spaces, and skillful facilitation.  

Making a difference

There are many chances for students to take on leadership themselves, including student council roles or by becoming a prefect. Older students in these formal leadership positions embark on retreats to cultivate their leadership ‘toolkits’ and practice foundational skills. Plus, each student leader has a faculty advisor to guide them along the way and access to other customized mentorship opportunities.  

“The world needs more female leaders. That’s why we empower our students to discover their own authentic leadership style that’s purposeful and positively impacts those around them,” Charlotte says. “They are the architects of a future where women in leadership will be the norm.” 

Learn more about BSS at bss.on.ca.  

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Youth are driving positive change now. By addressing
barriers and creating supportive volunteer opportunities, we ensure their continued impact on society. 

Canada’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the innovators, problem-solvers, and creators of change today. With their diverse backgrounds, passion, and energy, young people are already shaping the future of our society. However, this generation faces unique challenges. Having spent much of my career working with and learning from youth, I’m keenly aware that we need to collectively improve the supports available to them to drive better collective futures. Economic instability, the lasting effects of the pandemic, and an increasingly complex world present obstacles that require support in navigating education, employment, and volunteerism. 

Addressing challenges for young volunteers 

Canadian youth have long been a driving force behind community organizations, dedicating their time and efforts to causes they care about. The need for volunteers is more pressing than ever, yet nonprofits are struggling to fill these vital roles. We know that the experiences, barriers, and opportunities for youth participation have dramatically changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. We also know youth volunteering looks different across the various provinces, territories, and regions.  

This is an opportunity for youth to share their knowledge and show the power of community involvement. To help facilitate youth engagement in volunteering, Volunteer Canada’s Youth Roundtables offered the following recommendations for organizations and policymakers:   

• It’s essential for organizations to reach out proactively to youth and create a volunteer process that is flexible, welcoming and accessible. It’s important to foster a sense of belonging, giving youth a voice in their volunteer roles, and showing appreciation for their contributions by demonstrating the meaningful impact of their work. 
• Policy Makers and Advocates must gather data on how organizations are involving youth in volunteer opportunities in a post-pandemic world, and to address gaps between what youth need and what is available. Supporting organizations that prioritize meaningful youth engagement through training and funding will help ensure that youth can continue to contribute in meaningful ways. 

Support for youth engagement 

As the national voice for volunteerism, Volunteer Canada aims to address obstacles to volunteerism and reduce barriers for participation. The voice and experience of Canada’s youth are vital to this movement.    

While a lot has changed over the last few years, some things never will. Volunteering is an act of good citizenship. And from coast to coast to coast, people – like you – want to help themselves, their families, their friends, and their neighbours thrive – while feeling connected and supported. 

Volunteer Canada is actively looking to engage youth in the development of Canada’s National Volunteer Action Strategy. We will be accepting applications for a cross-sectoral working group that ensures shared ownership of the final strategy – and we want youth across the country to be a part of it.  

Together, we can create a Canada where youth are not only the future but an active part of the present. By embracing volunteerism and other community-building opportunities, young Canadians not only build their own futures but help to build a future for all of us.  

To learn more, visit volunteerstrategy.ca/get-involved.

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Learn how OACAS supports child welfare agencies and hear heartwarming testimonials from kin and alternate
caregivers

Every child and youth in Ontario have a right to safety and well-being. Children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies (child welfare agencies) are part of the network of community-based organizations and service providers that are dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and safety of young people and their families across the province. 

The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) is a provincial membership organization supporting child welfare agencies, which directly deliver services to children, youth, and families. Together, OACAS and agencies work together to bring positive change to Ontario’s child welfare system and work towards improved, equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families. 

“OACAS and our member agencies do not work alone. We partner with organizations in the broader social services sector at the provincial and community level to improve systems serving children, youth, and families,” says Solomon Owoo, CEO of OACAS. “We also partner on joint advocacy whenever we can. Together, we can close systemic gaps and address barriers to care.” 

OACAS: Supporting agencies as a membership organization, not a governing body 

As a membership association, OACAS provides a variety of services to promote and strengthen child welfare, including advocacy, government relations, public education, and training. 

OACAS represents 47 of the 50 designated child welfare agencies, as well as two pre-mandated Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies, across Ontario. 

“Systems serving children, youth, and families are deeply interconnected. It’s our collective responsibility to explore these connections and look at how we can improve systems so they truly meet the needs of families,” says Owoo, who adds that OACAS is committed to working in partnership with all levels of government and community-based partners to transform systems of care, including child welfare. 

OACAS also supports and administers programs such as the Aftercare Benefits Initiative (ABI), a health and dental program that provides free benefits coverage and health services for former youth in care. Other programs include the Clark Bursary Award scholarship, a program established in 1989 through a generous donation by Ron and Nancy Clark of Caledonia, with the goal of assisting youth in and from care to achieve their academic and career goals; the One Vision One Voice (OVOV) program supporting Black children, youth, and families, and child welfare staff; and the SOGIE Initiative providing support to 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, families, and child welfare staff. Additionally, OACAS works with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and partners to develop and provide educational and training opportunities for child welfare agencies to deepen their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This builds the capacity of agencies to deliver services to Indigenous children, youth, and families in a way that is culturally inclusive.  

Changing perceptions: The role of child welfare agencies in their
communities 

Child welfare agencies are contacted in circumstances where an individual is concerned that a child under the age of 18 has been harmed or may be at risk of harm. Agencies work closely with local organizations and service providers, as well as kin and alternate caregivers, in their communities to facilitate crisis intervention, early intervention, prevention-focused, and out-of-home care. 

In 97 per cent of child welfare investigations, children and youth remain at home to avoid disrupting a young person’s home life. Only 3 per cent of investigations result in a change of residence. Whenever possible, agencies try to prevent children and youth from entering care. When a child enters care, child welfare agencies work with families to address concerns so that they can return home as soon as possible.  

Each agency operates under the governance of a board of directors and is subject to oversight from various organizations including the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Child and Family Services Review Board, and the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario. 

Inspiring caregivers: Real stories of dedication and love 

While agencies try their very best to ensure children can remain at home, there are situations where this is not possible. In these cases, they work with kin and alternate caregivers to coordinate out-of-home care placements (e.g., kinship service, kinship care, customary care, family-based foster care).  

“It’s just a matter of having a lot of love, compassion, empathy, and understanding,” says Serenity Kashuba, a foster parent in Thunder Bay, Ont. “Being able to see not only the children thriving but to be able to watch everybody come together to help the families – mom, dad, and extended family as well – is really rewarding.” 

“I think it’s important for the community to be aware that there is a need,” adds Sandra, a foster parent residing in Toronto. “I’m not just supporting the teenager, I’m supporting the parent. Families need help, and you can be that help.” 

Empowering children and youth across Ontario  

Kin and alternate caregivers play a vital role in supporting children, youth, and families. Broad support networks are directly linked to better outcomes and positively contribute to the well-being of young people and families interacting with Ontario’s child welfare system.  

“Kin and alternate caregivers ensure children and youth receive care in a way that is inclusive and identity-affirming,” says Owoo. “Yet stepping forward as a kin or alternate caregiver is not the only way to make a difference. We all have a role to play in supporting the children, youth, and families in our communities. You can get involved by volunteering as driver, mentor, or tutor with your local child welfare agency.”  

To learn more about OACAS and how you can get involved, visit oacas.org. 

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Empowering Youth, Driving Equity in Sustainability. The Green Career Centre tackles systemic inequities, creating pathways for underrepresented youth in green jobs.

Bridging the Green Skills Gap

The urgency of the climate crisis has catalyzed a global shift toward green jobs and sustainable economies. Yet, data from LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2024 brings to light a pressing reality: the demand for green talent is outpacing supply. By 2050, half of all green jobs may remain unfilled if the talent pool does not double​. Amid this challenge, organizations like the Green Career Centre (GCC) are stepping up to bridge this gap, particularly for underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), newcomers, and women who experience barriers to entry.

Breaking Barriers and Creating Pathways

The GCC operates at the intersection of equity, employment, and environmental sustainability, empowering youth to overcome systemic obstacles in accessing green careers. Its core initiatives include the Youth Green Jobs Network, with nearly 3,000 members who get daily access to green job opportunities and networking. They also offer the Green Skills Mapping Tool, enabling underrepresented youth to find micro-credentials and training programs that align with in demand green skills found in job descriptions. Recognizing the importance of access to these opportunities, the organization released the Wage Subsidy Matching Tool, connecting underrepresented youth to over 100 wage subsidy opportunities, where the federal government partially or fully covers salaries and offers wrap-around services that include access to professional development, language training, mentorship, career coaching, and many other vital supports. 

Beyond resources, the GCC hosts many events that focus on green job preparation and professional development. Chrissa Gregorio is a Green Career Events Specialist at the Green Career Centre and she shares, “Leading the events team at the Green Career Centre has been such a rewarding experience! One of the highlights was organizing the Sustainability Snapshot Series, where we provided free LinkedIn headshot photography sessions to BIPOC youth and young people from low-income communities. We wanted to make sure these individuals had access to professional resources, especially when many don’t really have the means to invest in something as simple yet important as a professional headshot. Seeing how our events and resources helped young people build confidence and plan their futures in the green economy has been truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful to be part of such meaningful work!”.

The GCC’s service offerings address critical gaps. For instance, underrepresented youth face systemic challenges in accessing resources, funding, and networks needed to secure employment in the sustainability sector​. Participatory research that the GCC developed through community consultations and focus groups had underrepresented youth share their common barriers and struggles in their green job search. Maya Adachi, a focus group participant remarked, “There’s a disconnect between who’s working in [my university’s] career centre, and who is working in the field”. The GCC tackles this head-on by offering tailored green career resources in alignment with what is offered in the sector that has not been available at conventional career centres.

Policy Advocacy to Launch a Youth Climate Corps

The Future Skills Centre’s State of Skills Report emphasizes that sustainability careers are no longer optional—they are essential. The growing significance of green skills and knowledge is reshaping industries, becoming integral across sectors and occupations. As a result, workers must adapt by building on their existing competencies through targeted upskilling to meet the demands of a sustainable economy.

Countries like Canada must adopt bold strategies, integrating green skills into education systems and incentivizing workforce training​. However, systemic inequities persist. Women remain underrepresented in green jobs, holding only 6% of such roles compared to 20% for men in advanced economies. Moreover, many young people, especially Gen Z, struggle to break into these industries due to lack of experience and training with only one out of 20 Gen Z possessing the green skills needed to tackle the climate crisis.

The Green Career Centre’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the green workforce was recently demonstrated through its research on Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Plan. This government initiative, while a step forward, falls short in addressing the specific needs of underrepresented youth, who face unique challenges in accessing sustainable careers​.

One of the most impactful proposals from this research is the establishment of a Youth Climate Corps—a national initiative designed to create accessible, well-paying green jobs for youth while addressing critical climate challenges. This program would:

• Provide long-term, stable funding for green projects led by young people.
• Offer comprehensive training to equip participants with in-demand green skills.
• Create pathways for youth from underrepresented communities to lead in sustainability sectors.

As the Climate Emergency Unit puts forward, a Youth Climate Corps could catalyze transformative change by bridging the gap between young people’s aspirations and the realities of the labor market. It would also address urgent needs for climate action, as Canada works toward its 2050 net-zero goals​.

Funding Inequities for BIPOC and Low-Income Youth

The Green Career Centre and other grassroots organizations recognize the need for increased climate funding whether it’s with the federal government committing a minimum of $1 billion to launch the Youth Climate Corps, or climate philanthropy in Canada increasing from its mere 0.9%. There has been a grassroots call for BIPOC youth and other solutions that do not push forward the “clean growth” narrative to also receive access to climate funding. According to a recent study, BIPOC and low-income youth receive next to nothing in climate philanthropy, and are chronically underfunded and under supported. 

Despite these challenges, the GCC’s work exemplifies the potential of targeted interventions. It is a reminder that achieving climate goals requires dismantling systemic barriers in climate philanthropy and championing equitable environmental employment. To funders, policymakers, and the private sector: the climate crisis demands bold, inclusive and radical action. Organizations like the GCC need your support to scale their efforts, empower marginalized communities, and ensure that the green transition is just and equitable. To get involved in the campaign on climate philanthropy for those who need it most join the email campaign to push funders to shift their practices. 

Visit greencareer.ca to find research, events and resources to help guide you in your green career search.

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In Canada, women make up only 23% of science and technology workers and less than 5% of trades workers. But diversity in science, technology, trades, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is important: diverse work forces are associated with benefits, including more novel scientific ideas with higher impact, and higher profits in the corporate sector.

Canada is also experiencing labour shortages, with high demand in many STEM fields. For example, labour shortages in the construction sector are impacting our ability to build new homes. Removing barriers for women, gender-diverse people, and other underrepresented groups to STEM careers can ease labour shortages well into the future.

Barriers to STEM entry

Girls and gender-diverse youth face barriers in STEM including limited role models, mentorship, and exposure, in addition to perceptions of incompetence, and assumptions of disinterest. For example, adults tend to provide less scientific information when teaching girls compared to boys, and perceive girls to be less competent in STEM than boys. These adult behaviours can limit girls’ exposure to STEM topics, and send messages to girls that they are not good at STEM.

An evidence-based approach with a powerful impact

The Canadian Association for Girls In Science (CAGIS) is Canada’s largest and longest-running STEM club for girls and gender-diverse youth aged 7-17. This award-winning club, founded in 1992, supports interest in STEM with online programming and in-person local clubs that visit labs, workshops, and field sites to meet mentors and do fun, hands-on activities. Sessions take participants out of the classroom and into labs to do experiments, wind tunnels to build and test model bridges, garages to tune up cars, and field sites to monitor environmental change.

CAGIS takes an evidence-based approach, informed by evaluation and scientific research on supporting underrepresented groups in STEM. In 2023 program evaluations, youth raved about their positive experiences: CAGIS made over 96% of participants want to learn more about STEM, over 96% feel like they could be good in STEM, and over 94% of participants consider a career in STEM.

Follow up surveys of program graduates demonstrate a strong and lasting impact, with 94% of respondents reporting they were studying or working in STEM fields. Most attributed their career trajectories to CAGIS. Many even discovered their careers at program events!

By providing young people with experiences like these, it is possible to break barriers and create a more equitable future in STEM.To support CAGIS, explore partnership opportunities, sign up to be a STEM expert or volunteer, visit GirlsInScience.ca

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Hope Sanderson

CEO, OLI

Canadian charity Outside Looking In supports Indigenous youth and communities by harnessing the power of dance.

Education is a powerful tool in life, yet graduation rates of Indigenous students fall below the national average. Canada’s foremost Indigenous youth charity, Outside Looking In (OLI) works directly with Inuit, Métis, and First Nations communities using dance to inspire Indigenous youth to continue to pursue education. 

Dance can be truly transformative. It has the power to spark hope, create opportunities, build self-discipline, and foster a sense of connection. “Our founder was a dancer, and she saw the value that dance brought to her life, both from a discipline perspective and the thrill of performing,” says Hope Sanderson, CEO of OLI.  

Empowering Indigenous youth

OLI is an intensive high school accredited dance program for youth between grades 7 and 12. Since 2007, OLI has instilled hope, motivation, and leadership skills that empower Indigenous youth. “Dance is our hook and keeping kids in school is our purpose,” says Sanderson.

“OLI’s impact is profound, supporting education, self-expression, and personal growth,” says Daniel J. Brant, OLI’s Board Chair. “Through OLI, Indigenous students find a place to belong. Onstage, they feel seen and celebrated, and that gets them excited for school and dreaming big for their futures.”

OLI has proved to be indispensable — fostering visibility, driving high school graduations (96 per cent of program participants graduate, compared to the 63 per cent average among Indigenous youth, or 46 per cent for youth who live on reserves), inspiring aspirations, and nurturing untapped potential among Indigenous youth. “Eighty per cent of OLI participants report improved mental health and self-esteem, and 86 per cent achieve better grades,” adds Brant.

And OLI is expanding, with rising demand Canada-wide. Fourteen communities took part this year and over 30 communities are on the waitlist.

OLI is grateful for the support provided by so many generous funding partners and welcomes donations to further fuel its vital work. 

Learn more and get involved at olishow.com.

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