DNSSAB and Canadore College Renew Partnership
DNSSAB and Canadore College Renew Partnership Through RTEP Collaboration Empowers Social Assistance Recipients Through Education and Employment Pathways
The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) and Canadore College are pleased to announce a renewed partnership leveraging Canadore’s Resilience Through Education Program (RTEP) to support social assistance recipients in pursuing post-secondary education and achieving sustainable employment. This re-established partnership builds on previous joint successes and reflects a shared commitment to empowering individuals across the Nipissing District to reach greater independence through education and career development.
Background: Building on Past Success This renewed collaboration stems from the achievements of the Nipissing Poverty Reduction Through Education Program (NPREP), a pilot launched in 2016 that supported Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) participants in making the transition to post-secondary education and employment. With the conclusion of NPREP in December 2024, DNSSAB and Canadore recognized the ongoing need for these supports. Building on the achievements of NPREP, the partners are renewing their collaboration through RTEP, beginning December 16.
Resilience Through Education Program: Program Details Led by Canadore College, RTEP will assist social assistance recipients in connecting to and succeeding in post-secondary education and transitioning into meaningful employment. Through the renewed partnership, OW clients will have the opportunity to access education and career pathways that lead to greater independence. Participants can access a range of supports, including: • Application support and guidance through the college admission process. • Vocational consultation to identify strengths, interests, and career paths. • Personalized planning tailored to educational and employment goals. • Workshops focused on financial literacy, life skills, and employability. • Professional mentorship to foster confidence and career readiness. • A paid summer internship option for eligible participants, providing practical experience. • A post-graduate resource credit available to eligible students to aid in their transition to employment.
Partnership in Action Beginning December 16, Canadore’s Community Inclusion Coordinator will share program details and engage OW clients at the OW Support Centre, located on the first floor of North Bay City Hall, 200 McIntyre Street East, with monthly information sessions to follow. Canadore staff will also share program information with OW Case Managers to help promote RTEP and strengthen collaboration in supporting clients’ success. “RTEP represents a significant step forward in our efforts to reduce poverty and build resilience in our community,” said Mark King, DNSSAB Board Chair. “By working together with Canadore College, we’re helping individuals access education and employment opportunities that lead to lifelong independence and prosperity. It’s inspiring to see how these partnerships can make a difference in people’s lives.” “RTEP is strategically designed to address critical skills gaps and labour shortages by equipping participants with the skills required to meet both current and emerging workforce demands,” said George Burton, President and CEO of Canadore College. “This initiative is focused on unlocking individual potential through educaton plans that help break the cycle of poverty, strengthen the skilled trades pathway, support the transition from dependency to independence, and demonstrate what is possible through meaningful personal transformation.”
