Ontario Government Supporting Skill-Building Youth Program in SDSG

December 5, 2025

Province’s nearly $50k grant connected SDSG youth to skill-building, hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship, and professional networking in water sector.

CORNWALL – Through a nearly $50k investment from the Ontario government, the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences is celebrating the completion of their  program that helped students build practical skills and make professional connections for future careers in the water and environmental fields.

“It is critical that youth in our community get the hands-on learning experiences needed to thrive in their future careers and meaningfully contribute to our local economy,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “Through this investment, young people in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry received invaluable training to prepare them for good jobs in the water and environmental sectors.”

Funded through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the pilot initiative was delivered in partnership with the SOI Foundation’s Blue Futures Pathways program, which connects youth and young professionals with learning resources, employment and funding opportunities in the emerging Sustainable Blue Economy.

“Over the last few years, many students in our region lost critical classroom time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in subjects requiring hands-on learning like science,” said River Institute Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Ridal. “This Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation offered a valuable opportunity to help secondary school students overcome challenges and better prepare for the future by piloting a new initiative that includes skill-building, experiential learning, mentorship, and professional networking”.

The pilot also benefited from a partnership with Water Canada’s Downstream networking events, which bring together current and future generations of water industry professionals to cultivate and inclusive, diverse and thriving water sector.

Quick Facts

• The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province.
• Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.
• Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Media Contact:

Adrian Bugelli
Office of MPP Nolan Quinn
613-933-6513
Nolan.Quinn@pc.ola.org