Academic

Academic & Vocational Services

At Avanda Cares, we believe education is a critical pathway to stability, empowerment, and long-term independence. Many of the youth we serve have experienced disruptions in their schooling, faced systemic barriers, or been overlooked in traditional educational settings. Our approach is individualized, non-judgmental, and focused on both re-engagement and future planning.

Our Educational & Vocational Liaison plays a central role in supporting each youth’s academic journey—whether they’re re-entering school, completing high school, exploring post-secondary options, or preparing for trades and employment.

Services We Provide

Academic Support

N

Reconnecting youth with school boards and adult learning centers

N

Assistance with enrollment, credit recovery, and course selection

N

Advocacy for academic accommodations and IEPs for youth with learning or developmental needs

N

Support with tutoring referrals and homework planning

N

Liaising with school staff, youth workers, and alternative education providers

Post-Secondary Pathway Planning

N

Career exploration based on youth interests, strengths, and lived experience

N

Help with applying to colleges, universities, or bridging programs

N

OSAP and scholarship navigation

N

Referrals to dual credit programs, summer upgrading, and GED completion options

Vocational & Trades Readiness

N

Connecting youth to pre-apprenticeship and skilled trades training (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, culinary arts, automotive repair)

N

Partnerships with community colleges, local employers, and employment agencies

N

Support with creating resumes, portfolios, and job-readiness tools

N

Access to short-term certifications (WHMIS, Smart Serve, First Aid/CPR, Safe Food Handling)

Employment Coaching

N

1:1 coaching on workplace expectations, interview prep, and conflict resolution

N

Linkages to Youth Job Connection, job fairs, and employment readiness workshops

N

Support in setting employment goals and building financial literacy

Meeting Youth Where They Are

We understand that not every young person will take a linear academic path. Our Educational & Vocational Liaison works from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective to ensure each youth can:

N

See education as achievable

N

Develop confidence in their abilities

N

Access opportunities that match their pace, learning style, and future goals

At Avanda Cares, academic and vocational services are not an add-on—they are a core part of helping youth transition from surviving to thriving.