Success Beyond Limits

To improve educational outcomes, expand possibilities, and provide support to youth in Jane and Finch along their individual paths to success.

Accolades and Accomplishments

• Establishing a formal partnership agreement with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
• Coverage of our program featuring program staff and youth leaders in Sway Magazine, The Toronto Star, and on CBC Radio 99.1FM.
• Four former program participants joining our Board of Directors.
• A 93% success rate for students in obtaining our summer program TDSB credit.
• Working as a partner organization with McKinsey Consulting for the Youth Leadership Forums of 2011 and 2012.
• Having SBL Youth Mentors present at notable forums and conferences, as well as performing at large scale events throughout the city.
• Completed a highly successful Photovoice Project in partnership with the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth and the Art Gallery of York University (where the project was installed).
• In partnership with Westview Centennial, established a Youth Space within the school.

755 Oakdale Rd.
Toronto, ON
M3N 1W7

• Toronto West

• Youth – 12 to 18
• Youth/Adults 19 to 29

The Success Beyond Limits Education Program (SBL) is based on a model that was first piloted in the summer of 2006.  This was in response to glaringly high suspension and drop-out rates in the Jane and Finch community, mixed with unsettlingly low graduation rates. SBL was incorporated as a non-profit in June of 2010 in order to continue to deliver the programming that arose out of the pilot, beginning with our summer program serving 140 youth, and operating at Westview Centennial out of our dedicated youth space the following school year.  At the same time, SBL secured a partnership agreement with the Toronto District School Board, brought on the York University Faculty Association Foundation as our trustee, and worked with key funders such as the Jays Care Foundation and the United Way. 

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Summer Program: 100 new grade 9 students from the Jane and Finch community spend six weeks at York University with SBL where they receive their first TDSB secondary school credit, build relationships with Mentors from Westview Centennial, enjoy enrichment and recreation activities, explore the city through outings, and prepare for the transition out of middle school.

School Day Support: We have four full-time staff that operate our youth space in Westview Centennial from 8am-6pm throughout the school year. Our staff team provides a welcoming space, we meet with students and teachers, coordinate referrals and resources for youth, and address needs as they arise.

After-School Program: Students access SBL Mentors, York University tutors, recreation, enrichment, computers, exam preparation, outings, events, snack and field trips from Monday to Friday, beginning in September and concluding in June.

SBL Youth Space: This includes a student lounge, collaborative and private work areas, computer access, private meeting space, and a constant and welcoming SBL staff presence available to students from 8am-6pm.

The EXPOSE Program Stream: We make use of our long-standing relationships and our knowledge of the potential career interests of students to connect them to opportunities and experiences that will foster new skills, new relationships and expanded horizons.

Employment Readiness and Career Exploration Program: During March break, up to 30 students receive valuable training, skill development, certification, access to employment opportunities, and fresh engagement in how their education connects to their career aspirations.  

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Funding and Program Partners

Funders and Donors

Jays Care Foundation, United Way Toronto, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Jump Start Foundation, TD Canada Trust, Ministry of Sport, Culture and Tourism, Toronto District School Board, York University Faculty Association Community Projects, Tim and Frances Price, COSTI, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, and Toronto Public Health.

Partners

York University, Westview Centennial Secondary School, Art Gallery of York University, Baddest Beats, Black Creek Community Health Centre, Brookview Middle School, Change Promotions, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Community and Legal Aid Services Programme, Da Spot, Driftwood Community Festival, Drum Artz, FLIP (Financial Literacy Program), Humber College, Inner City Advisory Community, Jane-Finch Family Centre – Da Spot, JustBGraphic, JVS Toronto, Kids Up Front, Manifesto Festival, NIA Centre for the Arts, Nomanzland, Norton Rose, Oakdale Park Middle School, Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, Seneca College, Skyworks Charitable Foundation, Soulpepper Theatre, Team Up Foundation, The Remix Project, Toronto International Film Festival, Tropicana Community Services, United Way Community of Practice on Educational Attainment, Youth Challenge Fund