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What is a pathway?
A pathway refers to a person's individual journey which includes experiential learning, school and community supports, courses and programs that lead to a successful transition from grade-to-grade and then to a post-secondary destination (apprenticeship, college, community living, university, workplace).
Our schools and programs allow students to grow and learn spiritually, personally and academically. It is a time for students to meet new friends, join extra-curricular activities and learn about their strengths and interests.
As you grow to understand your God-given talents, it is important to take time to reflect on personal strengths and interests while exploring community, career and education options.
Some things to think about ...
Questions to ask yourself
When preparing for your future pathways consider asking yourself the following questions.
| Who Am I? |
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| What Are My Opportunities? |
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| Who Do I Want to Become? |
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| What is My Plan for Achieving My Goals? |
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Review graduation requirements
Be sure to check your Ontario Status Sheet to keep track of your graduation requirements:
- Number of credits and compulsory credits
- Literacy Requirement
- Community Service Hours
You can access your Ontario Status Sheet by visiting your Guidance Counsellor.
Financial support
Visit the Employment Ontario training website to learn more about loans for tools, grants, apprenticeship completion bonus, and other financial supports:
| Ontario Student Assistance Plan (OSAP) |
| The Ontario Student Assistance Plan is funded by the Ontario and Federal government for post-secondary students who maintain at least a 60% course load. The OSAP Aid Estimator feature can be used as a guide to a possible assessment. View the OSAP Presentation to learn more. |
| Ontario Tuition Grant |
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The Ontario Tuition Grant is available for full-time undergraduate university and college students whose parents gross income is less than $160 000.
Automatic consideration is given to students who have applied for OSAP. |
| Scholarships |
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A scholarship is an award based on a prescribed set of criteria. They are not always based on marks or for students going to university. Scholarships are available from a number of institutions:
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| Bursaries |
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A bursary is financial aid that does not need to be repaid. The primary criteria for a bursary is financial need. Students should contact the financial office of the school they are attending to initiate a bursary application. |
Researching your options
In order to become better informed about your post-secondary choices, it's never too early to start researching your options. Visit your school's Guidance Office or Career Centre to access print resource, and go for campus visits.
Find out if the college or university you are interested in has an 'Open House'. Use the 'Education' tab in Career Cruising to explore your education options in Ontario, in Canada, and in the United States. You may also want to attend the following fairs:
- University and College Fairs:
- Study and Go Abroad Fair
Planning Pathways for Life-long Learning
Students, parents and teachers are life-long learners. The idea of planning a pathway toward an educational goal should be focused, yet flexible. Educational goals can change over time. The ultimate goal of a student is to find and enjoy meaningful work.
There are many ways to journey toward work. The journey involves the transition from grade-to-grade and to life after high school to one of the post-secondary destinations of: apprenticeship, college, community living, university or the workplace.
| Apprenticeship |
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Apprenticeship is a post-secondary pathway that combines on-the-job training, work experience and technical training that leads to certification in over 150 trades.
Check out Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program or College of Trades for more information about apprenticeship opportunities. |
| College |
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There are 27 colleges in Ontario, located throughout the province. Colleges offer a variety of diploma, certificate and applied degree programs. The basic admission requirement for postsecondary programs in the Ontario College system is one of the following:
Ontario colleges offer more than 2,400 program choices in almost 600 subject areas. Programs are career-oriented and geared toward marketable skills. Find out about programs, arrange a campus tour or talk to college staff who can answer your specific questions. Visit Ontario Colleges for more information and college specific requirements. |
| Community Living |
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Transition planning is about looking ahead to the future and preparing for adulthood. It is a partnership involving student, parent, teachers, friends, community and adult service providers, and any other individual with a vested interest in your child. Consideration must be given to such things as:
Visit Developmental Services Ontario for information. |
| University |
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To attend university, students must attain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and 6 of their grade 12 courses must be at the University or University/College Level. There are 21 universities in Ontario, offering professional programs in a variety of fields. Universities offer three and four year undergraduate degrees. Professional programs such as dentistry, medicine, engineering and education are offered at several Ontario universities. For specific information about programs, visit eInfo. |
| Workplace |
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The goal of all students is to find employment that is fulfilling and of service to society. There are many ways to get to the world of work and one of the ways is through an entry-level job. Students will find information regarding the availability of entry-level jobs in their guidance department at high school. A number of organizations exist in Durham Region that help assist students to find employment after high school. An important organization is Employment Ontario. Visit Employment Canada for specific information about programs. |