Highlights: Ontario Education Leadership Gathering

The Ontario Education Leadership Gathering brought together a powerful mix of voices; educators, system leaders, postsecondary partners, youth, and supporters all united by a shared belief: that young people deserve learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. 

Throughout the event, we heard how the Award is already making a difference in Ontario. Greater Essex County District School Board reaffirmed its leadership as the first provincial Education Operating Partner, sharing how the Award is supporting SHSM students in trades and skilled pathways. Fanshawe College and Peel District School Board have formally joined as Education Operating Partners, with Fanshawe piloting the Award to support women in trades and mentor other institutions, and Peel exploring how the Award can enhance programming for multilingual learners and equity-focused initiatives. Halton Catholic District School Board also shared plans for a potential pilot launch this fall, reflecting growing interest and momentum across Ontario. 

The agenda was rich with insight and inspiration. Amy Langhorne, Andrea Chakma, and Vicky Houston each brought their own lens – governance, youth voice, and system leadership to the conversation. Andrea’s reflections, in particular, reminded us why this work matters: that experiential learning shouldn’t be a privilege, but a right and that when schools and communities work together, we remove barriers and create space for every young person to thrive. 

We were honoured by the presence of both The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke’s role as Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation brought global recognition to Ontario’s leadership, while the Lieutenant Governor’s background in education and commitment to equity offered a powerful provincial endorsement of the Award’s growing impact. 

As the event closed with the presentation of certificates to new Education Operating Partners and a group photo, the message was clear: this is just the beginning. The momentum is real, the partnerships are growing, and the vision is shared. 

We’re building something bigger than a framework – we’re building a movement. And Ontario is helping lead the way. 

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