The DLSPH Outreach and Access Program was developed to raise awareness of non-clinical career paths in health care and stimulate the creation of a diverse pool of young leaders from underrepresented communities, preparing them for progressively influential roles within public health and the broader health care system. In 2019, the pilot program was launched at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute in the Thorncliffe Park neighborhood. The following year, the program expanded to Runnymede Collegiate Institute, located near Jane and Dundas West, where it continues to help students build relationships, develop leadership skills, and expose them to various aspects of public health and health systems. The DLSPH Outreach and Access Program has since expanded to serve multiple parts of GTA including Scarborough and Lawrence Heights and will continue increasing our impact through our service to youth across the city.
Locations
We deliver the program at TDSB schools, but also through community organizations. Since the program’s inception, we have mentored students at Westview Centennial Secondary School, Runnymede Collegiate Institute, Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and Harbord Collegiate Institute. Through our partnership with Pathways to Education, we also deliver the program to their Scarborough Village and Lawrence Heights locations.