Ottawa, ON — Results from the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa’s (CASO) Pod Model for Learning program, developed with support from the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, reveal that youth in care receiving personalized support are graduating at higher rates, while future educators gain critical skills in trauma-informed practices.
Preliminary data from the 2023-2024 school year indicates positive results: youth in care who actively engaged with the Pod Model were 7.4% more likely to graduate early, and delayed graduations decreased by more than 9% compared to those with lower levels of engagement.
Key results:
Improved Graduation Timelines:
- Youth receiving higher levels of program support were 7.4% more likely to expedite their graduation date.
- They were 9% less likely to experience delays compared to those receiving basic support.
Increased Credit Completion:
- Youth receiving higher levels of program support completed 7% more of their attempted credits, even while managing a larger average courseload.
- Those receiving the highest levels of support completed 10% more credits and managed one additional course on average compared to students receiving basic support.
The program, launched in 2020, provides personalized academic and socio-emotional support to high school youth in care, aiming to increase high school credit completion rates and to help these youth stay on track to graduate. At the same time, the program has trained more than 75 teacher candidates from the University of Ottawa in trauma-informed practices. These educators carry critical skills into classrooms, creating inclusive learning environments and positively impacting thousands of students.
“Education is a proven pathway to economic security, health, and overall well-being, yet too many youth in care are left behind,” said Jill Bennett, CASO Education Liaison and creator of the Pod Model program. “Our program not only helps these youth succeed academically, but trains educators to recognize and support vulnerable students in every classroom, creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
Teacher candidates like Brady Leclercq-Martin credit the program with reshaping his teaching philosophy.
“The Pod program taught me to connect before educating,” said Leclercq-Martin, now a teacher at Pierre-Savard Catholic Secondary School. “The experience you gain from working with at-risk students helps you work with every student. There are so many transferable skills in terms of communication, connecting with students and understanding behaviour.”
Rahma, a 20-year-old youth previously in care, has also seen life-changing results. Despite systemic barriers many youth in care face, she finished high school while holding a full-time job and is now pursuing her dream of a degree at Carleton University.
With demand for mental health and trauma-informed training at an all-time high, the Pod Model delivers cost-effective, measurable results that reduce long-term reliance on social supports.
“The Pod program creates a supportive and hands-on learning environment for everyone involved. It helps our teacher candidates at the University of Ottawa build the skills they need to connect with and support the diverse needs of today’s students,” said Tracy Crowe, Program Specialist, University of Ottawa.
The Program is the only practicum placement outside a school board in Ontario approved by the Ontario College of Teachers, offering teacher candidates from the University of Ottawa a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working directly with vulnerable youth in care.
Thanks to two-year funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through the Child Welfare Innovation and Change Program, the Pod Model for Learning program will continue operating, providing vital support to youth in care.
The program is also funded by the Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa and its supporters, including the Ottawa Community Foundation, The Tenaquip Foundation and The Arthur and Audrey Cutten Foundation.
Media Contact:
Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa
Media@casott.on.ca
Media Coverage
This announcement has received coverage from the following outlets:
- CBC Ottawa: “Program that helps at-risk youth graduate high school showing success” (December 30, 2024)
