Ignite is committed to facilitating the growth of young adults so they may become independent, self-supporting, contributing members of society.
How We Are Different
A not-for-profit, community-based employer, Ignite uses a leading edge, business entrepreneurial approach to guide marginalized young adults away from negative behaviours, unemployment, and financial dependency to become self-supporting and contributing members of society. Ignite provides an environment of understanding and counselling but also provides a challenge for program participants and reinforces in them the value of work, belonging, and independence.
For program participants, Ignite provides
- consistency in approach and expectations
- encouragement and support
- a learning environment that is accepting, positive, and safe
- a program that is goal-oriented, challenging, and discourages dependency
- meaningful work experiences
- opportunities for participants to take ownership of their learning and their responsibilities
Our Impact
Spanning more than twenty years, Ignite’s track record is incredibly strong, averaging a 75% graduation rate. Among graduates, 70% move directly into post-secondary education or the workforce. To date, the number of at-risk young adults who have successfully completed the program exceeds 470. The number of family members and friends who have been positively impacted in the process is beyond measure.
Our Programs
>>Ignite Learning
Ignite’s core program meets a societal need from a business perspective. Each year, 30 to 45 at-risk young adults, aged 19 to 30 years, are hired by Ignite as apprentices. Their job is to learn – seven and a half hours a day, five days a week. Wages are deducted for lateness or absenteeism. Poor performance and chronic absenteeism are causes for dismissal from the program.
Over 32 weeks, Ignite provides courses in
- academic upgrading
- computer skills
- business skills
- communication skills
- personal development
- community development
- career orientation
- driver training
An 11-week apprenticeship with a third-party employer completes the program.
To learn more about the Ignite Learning program, please visit the Apprentices page.
>>Ignite Living
A consistently supportive environment is needed for at-risk young adults to change the direction of their lives and develop positive habits and social skills, strengthen academic and employment abilities, and build bright, independent futures. The Ignite Living Program provides opportunities for at-risk young adults to live and work in a strong and healthy community and focuses on a variety of areas, including
- personal fitness
- nutrition
- addiction education
- parenting skills
- positive socialization
- productive work