Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Ministry of Education
Applications for Parents Reaching Out Grants Now Open
Ontario Supporting School Councils and Community Group Projects
Ontario is helping parents get more involved in their children's education by supporting local parent-led projects that encourage student learning and promote well-being.
Grant applications for the 2016-17 school year are now open and will be accepted until May 29, 2016.
In the 2015-16 school year, the province funded more than 2,200 projects that helped identify barriers to parent engagement and found local solutions to help more parents be engaged in their children's learning. Projects included:
- Workshops and parent resources on mental health and well-being, cyber bullying and healthy living
- Parent information sessions on strategies to support their children's math learning at home and at school
- Family Science Nights to encourage parents to learn about science alongside their children
- Biidaaban Community Service Learning program to support Indigenous adult learners and their families.
Encouraging parents to get involved in their children's education is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic and innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Since 2006, the province has awarded more than 17,000 Parents Reaching Out Grants to school councils and more than 680 regional/provincial grants - a total investment of more than $27.5 million to help increase parent engagement.
- Since 2005, Ontario has invested more than $62 million to support parent engagement across the province – including funding for Parent Involvement Committees and school councils, and for local projects like family math nights and resources to welcome parents who are new to Ontario’s publicly-funded education system.
- Ontario also provides parents with resources to help them support their children’s learning, including factsheets and information on important topics like bullying, child care, the new Health and Physical Education curriculum and supporting student learning at home. Find more information.
- Parents Reaching Out Grants support the four key goals of the government’s renewed vision for education in Ontario – ensuring equity, promoting well-being, achieving excellence and enhancing public confidence.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Engaged parents play a crucial role in student achievement and well-being. With their guidance and support, students are typically more motivated, earn higher grades and have better behaviour and social skills – making them ready to reach their full potential and enjoy a bright future."
— Liz Sandals, Minister of Education
"Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants allow Parent Involvement Committees (PICs) and school councils to be innovative in creating a local approach to meet the diverse needs of many parents. Through PRO Grants, we have been more successful in engaging families and communities."
— Sean Jackson, Parent Involvement Committee Chair, and, Cathy Philpott, Chair, Ottawa Catholic School Parents’ Association, Ottawa Catholic District School Board
Media Contacts:
Gary Wheeler
Communications Branch
416-325-2454
gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca
Nicole McInerney
Minister’s Office
416-314-6020
nicole.mcInerney@ontario.ca
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