Nia Upgrade Program

This initiative offers literacy supports to 80 youth who face barriers to education and employment due to a lack of basic literacy skills. A partnership with Frontier College, the program offers one-on-one support and group tutoring to upgrade skills in literacy and math, social studies and science for youth who are out of school to gain their high school equivalency or GED.

It is a strong example of a community-driven, community-led initiative, where parents, volunteers, and community agencies play a role in its success. Youth are involved in evaluating the program upon completion, informing how it is run and creating supports where needed.

Students report better test results, feel more confident, have increased work prospects and a more positive mindset to the possibility of higher education. Youth are improving academic skills, completing courses and building confidence as a result. Youth from Neptune and Lotherton Pathways (two Lawrence Heights communities) are now accessing Nia's services, bringing youth from different communities together to work and learn as a group.