George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
The Gordon and Ruth Gooder Charitable Foundation is investing $300,000 to help more young people access education, develop in-demand skills, and build pathways to meaningful employment.
This investment supports two key initiatives at George Brown that aim to reduce barriers and expand opportunities for youth facing financial, developmental, social, or systemic challenges:
- $200,000 to establish the Youth in Trades Access & Opportunity Scholarship
- $100,000 to strengthen George Brown Polytechnic’s College Vocational Program
Together, these initiatives reflect the Gooder Foundation’s commitment to ensuring young people can access meaningful opportunities and fully participate in their communities and the workforce.
Supporting the next generation of Skilled Trades professionals
Across Ontario, demand for skilled workers continues to grow. However, the cost of entering these programs remains a significant barrier for many young people seeking to pursue the trades.
To help address this challenge, the Gooder Foundation is establishing the Youth in Trades Access & Opportunity Scholarship. The program will provide $5,000 entrance awards to students aged 16 to 24 who are entering eligible Skilled Trades programs in construction, electrical work, plumbing, welding, and heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning at George Brown Polytechnic.
By easing financial pressures at a critical stage, the scholarships will enable students to focus on developing the skills and experience needed for a rewarding career in high-demand industries that support Ontario’s economy.
“George Brown Polytechnic is deeply committed to creating pathways that make education and meaningful employment accessible to every student, regardless of the barriers they face,” said Dr. Hassun Malik, Vice President Academic and Provost, George Brown Polytechnic. “The Gordon and Ruth Gooder Charitable Foundation’s investment in skilled trades education and our College Vocational Program speaks directly to that shared belief — that when young people are given the right support at the right time, they can build futures that are both fulfilling and impactful.”
Advancing inclusive employment opportunities
In addition to supporting skilled trades education, the Gooder Foundation’s investment will strengthen George Brown’s College Vocational Program, providing students who are neurodivergent or have mild intellectual disabilities with opportunities to develop employment readiness, life skills, and greater independence.
Through experiential and community-based learning, students work toward their personal, educational, and employment goals.
“We are grateful to the Gordon and Ruth Gooder Charitable Foundation for their commitment to student success and inclusive opportunity,” shared Allan Penning, Chief Development Officer, George Brown College Foundation. “This investment will help remove barriers and create pathways that enable more students at George Brown Polytechnic to thrive in education, employment, and beyond.”
Learn more about the Youth in Trades Access & Opportunity Scholarship (YTAOS) and apply online
