Breaking the Cycle of Failure

A Funder's Primer in Understanding Canada's School Drop-out Epidemic

Bri Trypuc and Adam Heller, September 2008.

Imagine your life without a basic education. Unable to read. Or count change. In today's economy you would face a bleak future, struggling with a life of poverty. This is the prospect for a school drop-out.

Ci's Education Report shows that preventing early academic failure and improving school attendance are needed to tackle Canada's drop-out epidemic. It also highlights charities with proven success in helping at-risk youth graduate from school.

Did you know?

• 40,000 young Canadians drop out of school each year
• 40% of drop-outs have less than a grade 10 education
• Early education is critical, with a third of all drop-outs identified before grade 4

Funders can make a difference by helping charities that are:

• Tutoring and mentoring at-risk students in academics, career and life choices
• Dedicated to keeping students attending school
• Offering proven, innovative alternatives to local schools