Objective

The Summer Challenge Program is designed to encourage students to stay in school, return to school or transition from school to work. This program encourages personal development through life skills and job readiness training while stressing the importance of staying in school.

Program Details

Eligibility

To qualify for the Summer Challenge Program, participants must be:
• A member of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
• Secondary students who have been identified as facing multiple barriers.
• Attending high school full-time, or recently dropped out (within the previous or current school calendar year).

Criteria

  • Projects may be short, part-time employment placements with a mentoring component.
  • Youth participants may be supervised by an identified on-the-job mentor.
  • Part of the on-the-job work experience may include an academic upgrading plan and/or a return-to-school action plan.
  • Staffing must be directly tied to the project and cannot replace staff.
  • Programs may include but are not limited to educational support, cultural programs, recreational programs and career exploration.
  • The coordinator must have life skills certification or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 10 students per job placement, between 30-40 hours per workweek.

Budget

CRF

Duration

No minimum duration. Agreements range in duration, according to activities, to a maximum duration of ten (10) weeks.

Program Supports

• Wage and MERCs for administrative staff, up to prevailing wage rates.
• Students training and allowance costs, equal to student minimum wage, for on-the-job placement, attending job readiness, life skills and other training workshops.
• Students’ transportation and day care costs.
• Guest speaker’s fees.
• Special costs related to a person with a disability may be provided, if required.
• Other costs may be covered, when required

Employers, Sponsors & Training Partners

Eligible Employers

Businesses and organizations including but not limited to profit and not-for-profit, labour associations and government departments. Employers must have:
• A Revenue Canada Taxation number, to remit a student’s Employment Insurance benefits.
• Proper bookkeeping policies and practices in place.
• Proper health and safety policies in place.
• Third party liability or WSIB coverage.
• Credibility for offering a safe, supervised, positive work environment.
• Experience working with students or youth.

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