What is SCWI?

The School/College/Work Initiative is a cooperative effort of the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) and the Committee of College Presidents (COP) and is jointly funded by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. A Co-Management Team consisting of college presidents, school board directors, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities personnel manages SCWI and works with all district school boards and all colleges through 16 Regional Planning Teams, across the province. SCWI provides opportunities for district school boards and colleges to bring together faculty, teachers and administrators to work collaboratively to increase opportunities for student success. Working together, schools and colleges can better inform students and parents of the wide range of college and apprenticeship programs and the knowledge and skills essential for success in such programs. The building of common understandings and the sharing of expertise and resources contribute to clear pathways from secondary to college programs for a wide range of students. SCWI contributes directly to the increased capacity of boards and colleges to provide students with engaging programs and appropriate supports to ensure both secondary and postsecondary success.

Visit the SCWI website at www.gotocollege.ca to:


  • discover supports for student success developed by all Ontario colleges and boards working together through 16 SCWI Regional Planning Teams.
  • discover innovative projects and forums developed to improve retention and graduation rates and support successful transition to college and apprenticeship programs.
  • find out how students, including disengaged and underachieving students, benefit when secondary schools and colleges align curriculum and build program pathways to college and apprenticeship programs together.
  • see how schools and colleges are helping students and parents make informed choices about postsecondary education and career opportunities.
  • learn where you can access resources for classroom programs including samples of first year college writing assignments for Technology, Business, Science and English classes.
  • see the creative ways colleges are developing relationships with high school and elementary students, parents and teachers.
  • read about current activities, forums, resources planned and being developed by the 16 provincial regional planning teams.


Why is SCWI Important?

With almost half of secondary students going directly to the workplace and an estimated 19% of secondary students choosing college, it is critical that high school teachers and college faculty have a thorough understanding of:

  • The education and career opportunities available through one, two and three year college programs as well as applied degree programs and apprenticeship programs.

  • The courses and program pathways that will lead to success for a broad range of students including the struggling, disengaged, underachieving and early school leavers.

  • The relationship between secondary schools and colleges which can result in dual programs, dual credits and advanced standing for students at colleges.

There are clear personal, social and economic benefits for students who continue their education/training beyond high school. For this reason, it is essential that secondary and college teachers and administrators provide engaging programs to help motivate students to achieve their potential. SCWI Regional Planning Teams, with representatives from all colleges and boards in the province, have the capacity to assist colleges and boards in this essential work.


What Does This Mean For Me As A Teacher?

Given that approximately 67% of secondary students go to a destination other than university, it is critical that teachers are prepared to speak knowledgeably about the variety of secondary and postsecondary opportunities including college and apprenticeship programs. Broadening student awareness of the educational and career opportunities provided by colleges is a responsibility that extends well beyond guidance departments. Teachers in both elementary schools and in secondary schools can greatly assist their students if they have knowledge of the college programs related to the courses they teach.  SCWI resources can be used in developing college preparation program pathways for students.  Other resources have immediate and practical value in classrooms and are accessible through the go to college website. (www.gotocollege.ca)  Information about Pilot B projects (dual program, dual credit, advanced standing) may be obtained through the Regional Planning Team contact.  SCWI funds regional forums for staff from schools and colleges to discuss curriculum alignment, applied teaching methods, assessment and evaluation practices and the factors that lead to success for all students including struggling and disengaged students. All district school boards and all colleges are involved in SCWI Regional Planning Teams; there are opportunities for participation in the workshops and forums being planned for this year. Parents and students are anxious to know about postsecondary opportunities. Teachers are ideally positioned to play influential roles in engaging students in program pathways to college.