Jays Care Foundation & Pathways to Education Canada Announce National, $1-million Partnership
Home Run Scholars set to impact 10,000 at-risk high school students in Canadian communities
On Monday, June 17th at 6:30 p.m., JAYS CARE FOUNDATION will proudly announce a national, $1-million partnership with Pathways to Education Canada. This joint commitment to making Canada a "Graduation Nation" helps youth in under-resourced communities graduate from high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education.
Through tutoring, career mentoring, financial assistance, and one-to-one support, youth in under-resourced neighbourhoods are overcoming barriers to education. Since its inception in 2008, the Home Run Scholars partnership has helped double high school graduation rates among Greater Toronto Area participants, and dropout rates have declined by as much as 70 per cent. Now, this program is slated to impact 10,000 Pathways students and alumni in 16 communities across Canada over the next five years.
To celebrate this partnership, 80 students, graduates and mentors from Regent Park, Lawrence Heights, Rexdale, Scarborough Village, Hamilton and Kitchener will cheer on their Toronto Blue Jays from the Acura Executive Lounge at Rogers Centre. Prior to the game, representatives from the Toronto Blue Jays, Jays Care Foundation and Pathways to Education will join the students for a ceremonial cheque presentation.
WHEN:
Monday, June 17, 2013
Event will start at 6:30 p.m.
WHAT:
Cheque presentation
Photo opportunity
Media availability
WHO:
Rob Drynan, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation
David Hughes, President and CEO, Pathways to Education
Obaid Ali, Pathways to Education student
WHERE:
Acura Executive Lounge, Gate 3
Rogers Centre
One Blue Jays Way
Toronto, Ontario
About Jays Care Foundation
The Toronto Blue Jays, 2012 recipient of the MLB Commissioner's Award for Philanthropic Excellence, believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face. Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Blue Jays, sets kids on a lifelong track to success by investing in charitable, community and baseball programs and facilities that focus on helping kids in need get active, excel academically and lead healthy lives. To date, Jays Care has invested more than $7.5 million in Canada's children and communities.
For more information, visit www.bluejays.com/jayscare, follow @JaysCare on Twitter, 'like' Jays Care on Facebook, or call 416-341-1456.