Pathways to Possibility: Resources and Practices for Engaging Opportunity Youth in Career Development

How do career development professionals reach students who are disengaged from school? 

The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is leading a CERIC-funded project exploring the best ways to engage students who are disconnected from school and at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) in career development. The right support at the right time can re-engage students and positively shape their career paths. Yet career development professionals face two major challenges: first, it is often challenging to reach young people who are disconnected from school and not inclined to seek support; and second, when they do reach this population, they may not know what supportive career guidance practices are most impactful. 

To address these challenges, the project combines 1) a literature review and environmental scan that identifies promising programs and practices and 2) a survey of 500 school guidance counsellors across Canada that gathers insight on both barriers to engagement and best practices in working with opportunity youth. Together, these data sources will be used to study obstacles to engagement and uncover practical strategies for supporting opportunity youth. The mission of the project is to find tangible ways to reach and engage this population, understand what practices and tools are impactful, and learn what tools and resources are needed to advance the field of career counselling for at-risk youth.