Focus on Youth (FOY)

Through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) offers Focus on Youth, an initiative designed to increase access to high-quality employment opportunities for students who may encounter barriers to entering the workforce. The program combines employment-readiness learning with practical workplace experiences that support students in developing skills, confidence, and connections for future pathways. 

Nomination Process

  • Students are identified and nominated by school staff based on their potential to benefit from additional employment-readiness and pathway supports.

  • Priority is given to students who may experience personal, social, financial, geographic, or systemic barriers to accessing employment opportunities.

  • Nominated students are provided with information about the program and invited to participate.

  • Participation is intended to connect students with meaningful opportunities, community supports, and future employment pathways.

Job Readiness Workshops

  • Students participate in a series of interactive workshops designed to build practical skills and confidence before entering the workplace. 

  • Workshop topics include: 

    • Résumé and cover letter development 

    • Job searching and completing applications 

    • Interview preparation and practice 

    • Workplace communication and professionalism 

    • Understanding pay, scheduling, time off, and workplace expectations 

    • Wellness, coping strategies, and accessing community supports 

  • Workshops incorporate local community partners and service providers to help students build connections beyond the school system. 

Paid Summer Employment

  • Eligible students have the opportunity to participate in paid summer employment with community organizations and local employers.

  • Placements provide hands-on workplace experience while allowing students to develop transferable employment skills.

  • Students receive ongoing support throughout their placement to help address barriers that could interfere with successful participation.

  • Where appropriate, employment experiences may be connected to cooperative education and future pathway planning.

Program Highlights

  • Paid, meaningful workplace experience

  • Employment-readiness training before summer placements

  • Connections with local employers, community agencies, and support services

  • Opportunities to develop confidence, independence, leadership, and workplace skills

  • Individualized support to reduce barriers related to transportation, finances, wellness, and access to services

  • Student voice and feedback incorporated into ongoing program development

  • Programming designed to support equitable access to employment opportunities for students across LKDSB communities

Strategic Alignment

  • Student Achievement & Well-Being: Builds employment readiness, confidence, resilience, and transferable skills that support successful transitions from school to future pathways.

  • Inclusive Diversity: Removes barriers to employment opportunities for students who experience systemic disadvantages and promotes equitable access to meaningful learning and leadership experiences.

  • Trusting Relationships: Strengthens relationships among students, staff, community organizations, employers, and supportive adult mentors.

  • Sustainable Stewardship: Leverages Ministry funding, community partnerships, and existing local resources to provide meaningful student opportunities and wraparound supports.