Paving Paths with 'Pathways to Education'

On Thursday, July 4, 2024, we started our annual summer of giving with a donation to 560 students at Pathways to Education.

MaterialBank volunteers with Pathways to Education staff, posed with donations at the Pathways to Education, Reagent Park Location.

We donated a total of 1,000 items consisting of writing utensils, papers, notebooks, and other classroom essentials. Our donations equip 560 student for classroom learning. Donated items will come as part of Pathways to Education's 'Back to School' packages.

Recipient students belong to low-income communities in the Greater Toronto Area. Like MaterialBank, Pathways to Education hopes to help individuals break out of the poverty cycle. Their approach is to provide the support needed for high-school students living in low-income communities, thereby a removing barriers to education and promoting positive youth development.

Left: Some of the items donated, taken during donation sorting

Right: Sign at entrance way of Pathways to Education, Reagent Park Location.

By ensuring students can come to class with the materials they need, MaterialBank is investing in Toronto's future. A high school education operates as a tool for increased annual income, employment rates, and overall quality of life compared to those without a high school diploma. In other words, a high school education acts as significant socioeconomic tool.

In a more macro perspective, by investing in Toronto's high schoolers education levels, we're considering societal benefits. For example, high school level educated citizens entering the workforce gives the Canadian economy the benefits of a stronger labour pool. Increased high school graduation rates also reduces public health care costs as graduates are more likely to live healthier lifestyles. Learn more about the positive impacts in supporting high school graduates here.

MaterialBank is proud to be paving paths towards academic achievement for low-income youth: championing educational equity, one sticky note at a time.

Follow us at @materialbank_ on Instagram to stay updated on who else we'll be giving to this summer!

Interested in helping our cause? Contact us at thematerialbank2023@gmail.com