Ontario Ministry of Education Announcement
June 02, 2026The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada (Award Canada) is thrilled to celebrate today’s announcement from the Ontario Ministry of Education with The King’s Trust Canada, recognizing it as an encouraging step in expanding opportunities for young people across the province. We are pleased to share the continued momentum in Ontario to support students to build confidence, strengthen employability skills, and connect learning to future pathways.
Young people thrive when education is connected to purpose, personal growth, and real-world experience. We are proud to support student success by sharing our flexible, inclusive framework, which helps young people build the skills, habits, and resilience they need for school, work, and life.
Award Canada remains committed to working alongside educators, schools, boards, community partners, and employers to advance experiential learning and youth development in ways that are practical, measurable, and meaningful. We look forward to the continued collaboration that will expand access to more young people in Ontario to discover their strengths, contribute to their communities, and prepare for a successful future. As shared by the Minister today, our experiential framework complements “the strong pathways already available in Ontario schools, including Specialist High Skills Major, Dual Credit and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.” We look forward to supporting students and teachers to achieve and celebrate their success.
“We are grateful for this announcement from the Ontario Ministry of Education and The King’s Trust Canada. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that young people have access to the kinds of opportunities that build confidence, employability, and a stronger sense of purpose. At Award Canada, we have seen firsthand the impact of experiential learning in supporting young people to grow as leaders, contributors, and engaged citizens. We are encouraged by the continued focus on partnerships that connect education with real-world skills and inclusive pathways for student success. We look forward to the positive impact this work can have for young people across Ontario.”
Mark Little, CEO, Award Canada
“We are thrilled to celebrate today’s announcement from the Ontario Ministry of Education with The King’s Trust Canada, recognizing it as an encouraging step in expanding opportunities for young people across the province. Rooted in evidence, we recognize how experiential education provides young people with the opportunity to connect what they are learning in school to who they are becoming beyond the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award gives students meaningful opportunities to build confidence, develop transferable skills, and recognize their growth through Service, Skill Development, and Physical Recreation. It is a powerful framework because it values the whole learner and creates space for every young person to discover their strengths, build resilience, and see themselves as capable of contributing to their school, community, and future pathway.”
Laura Briscoe, Senior Director, Award Canada
“We are grateful for the opportunity to co-design with educators and the Ontario Ministry of Education to support students achieve success connected to personal goals.”
Karen Gormley, Senior Director, Award Canada
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