Back on Track

Out of School Intervention

Supported by
Bruce McKillop

Helping Students Take a Step Back so They Can Get Back on Track

The program fosters bonds of trust and establishes a support network for students in grades 7-12 who have been suspended from school or are at risk of suspension due to problematic behaviour, while also promoting a consistent and strong academic focus.

It aims to reduce future suspensions and disciplinary sanctions by offering participants an opportunity to transform their time away from school into a positive experience that fosters personal growth, social skill development, and autonomy. 

Students may be referred for any of the following concerns:

  • Absenteeism/lack of participation in classes 
  • Apathy and lack of motivation 
  • Issues related to substance misuse 
  • Disruptive and impulsive behaviour 
  • Physical, verbal or psychological violence 
  • Theft or vandalism 
  • Academic struggles or needing an adult to guide them with time management and motivation 
  • Needing additional support to help with mental health needs

To learn more about the program, please contact via email.

Contact
"I could freely express myself here. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I learned that talking to someone really helps."
Program Participant
"Back on Track transforms what could be a negative, unstructured situation into a positive and restorative experience through academic support, connections with peers, and focuses on taking responsibility for the student’s actions and words."
Raj Mathur
Vice-principal | Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School
"The program gave my son the tools he needed to graduate from high school."
Parent of Participant

Program Details

  • Junior High or High Schools administer student referrals to the program 
  • Participating youth must undergo an individual assessment. A youth worker will develop a personalized profile of participating individuals 
  • Morning sessions focus on academic achievement, and afternoon sessions on thematic workshops to reduce identified risk factors 
  • Youth may also participate in recreational activities 
  • Intervention sessions last an average of five days 
  • After the program is complete, students reintegrate back into the school/community and the youth worker will follow up to determine the impact of the BOT on the student
  • Youth workers provide regular communication with parents during the BOT

Program Outcomes

  • Self-awareness of problematic behaviour 
  • Increased self-esteem and respect 
  • Expanded network of social support 
  • Reduced associations with problematic peers 
  • Decreased aggressive, impulsive, disruptive, and antisocial behaviour 
  • Positive academic aspirations and motivations 
  • Increased school achievement and graduation rate

The Back on Track by YMCA program wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Bruce McKillop

Get in Touch

Arnaud Sparks

Education Manager

[email protected]