At the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), co-op education is more than a course. It is a pathway to opportunity. Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Dual Credit, and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) pathways, co-op education provides students with multiple opportunities to learn, explore, and succeed beyond the classroom. This is especially important as students respond to the realities of a complex and rapidly changing world.
Statistics Canada has reported the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 at 14.3 per cent, the highest level since July 2016. This highlights the importance of strong partnerships that support students in gaining meaningful work experience and career readiness skills.
On Friday, May 29, the TCDSB Central Pathways Team hosted its Annual TCDSB Partnership Appreciation Breakfast at The Eglinton Grand. This event provided an opportunity to formally recognize and thank community partners for their ongoing support in offering co-op education placements, mentoring emerging talent, and contributing to student success.
During the event, Chief Education Officer Mr. Adrian Della Mora and Executive Superintendent of Student Achievement, Innovation, and Well Being Ms. Cristina Fernandes thanked co-op partners and co-op teachers for their continued commitment to supporting student learning. They also presented the 2026 TCDSB Co-op Education Award of Merit to Ms. Antonietta Macri from Madonna Catholic High School.
A highlight of the event was hearing reflections from the first graduating class of the TCDSB Project SEARCH program. Project SEARCH is a training program for students with developmental or intellectual disabilities who are transitioning from school to the workplace. The program takes place at The Hospital for Sick Children, where students complete three ten week internships over the course of ten months.
Following the student panel, a new co-op experiential learning video was introduced.
The TCDSB extends its sincere thanks to all community partners, students, and co-op teachers for their participation and continued support. Special recognition is also extended to Ms. Lori Orrico Laudari, Co-op Education Resource Teacher, for organizing the event and for her dedication to the program.
