Métis Stay In School Program (MSSP)

Objectives

  • MSSP is aimed at providing in school Métis youth the encouragement and support to stay in school.
  • To improve the future of Métis youth through activities aimed at keeping them in school and facilitating their transition from school to work
  • To provide opportunities for students to participate in after school activities.
  • To build student self esteem by removing barriers to them participating in cultural, school related recreational and other self fulfilling activities.
  • The objective is to encourage the youth to stay in school in order to gain the knowledge and skills to make a place for themselves in the local labour market
  • To recognize the successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Eligible Clients

  • Métis youth between the ages of 15 – 20 that are enrolled in high school full time.

Eligible Delivery Agents

  • Can be Métis Community Councils, Aboriginal organizations (including the MNO), nonprofit groups, government institutions (Education, etc.)

Criteria

General Criteria:

  • This program is designed to support both projects and individual Métis client needs.
  • Must be utilized during school terms.
  • Intended to create new opportunities for Aboriginal youth.
  • May create, maintain, or increase Aboriginal youth participation in cultural, academic, career exploration and after school related recreational activities.

Project Criteria:

  • All Aboriginal youth are able to participate in project based activities
  • Must provide opportunities for Aboriginal youth to grow and build self esteem and self awareness (including cultural awareness)
  • Sponsors/Employers must submit a project proposal and budget including all costs and a work plan
  • Project needs to demonstrate the support of the Métis community
  • Sponsors/Employers must possess the appropriate qualifications and expertise to develop, implement and manage the project.
  • Proof of 3rd Party Liability coverage is mandatory
  • Staffing must be tied directly to the project and cannot replace permanent staff.

Individual Criteria:

  • Intended to establish a series of supports to assist Métis youth most likely to leave school.
  • Financial support may be provided to remove barriers to participation such as bus tickets, daycare costs tied to attendance, etc.
  • Clients must access training through the MNOET intake and assessment process.

A variety of programs and service interventions for school retention activities is provided under the Stay in School options. They are as follows:

Educational Support– Tutoring in core subjects, Cognitive Testing, participation in school related activities, etc.;
Cultural Programs– Programs for all grades that provide opportunities to learn culture through stories, arts and support from Elders;
Recreational Programs – Costs associated with participation in school related recreational activities may be considered for funding; and
Career Exploration – Career Exploration for grades 9 and 10, and experiential cooperative on-the-job learning opportunities for grades 11 and 12.

Duration

  • Program is eligible only throughout the school year.

Funding

  • CRF

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