Every young person carries the potential to achieve greatness. Yet, to realize their wildest 
dreams and unlock their best potential, they need more than just ambition; they need guidance, support, and opportunities. Education is as a pillar that dreams are built on, but what happens when high school does not work for youth? How do we catch them before they fall through the cracks?
The Reboot Plus program is designed to return a sense of possibility to a group of people who have just about given up on “being” anything. We encourage that blissfully ignorant, batshit crazy, threading the needle sense of possibility. Then we show them how to get there. And along the way we show them all the corollary possibilities. While the participants work themselves out, they get to talk to people who work in the industry who will give their warts and all tales of the work they do.
Cultivate Curiosity and Creativity
Encouraging youth to dream begins with nurturing their innate curiosity and fostering creativity. This generation of students, Gen Z, face complex global challenges like climate change, as well as ethical, social, and cultural implications of emerging new technologies like artificial intelligence. The complexity of skills and capabilities to address them will require foundational skills associated with innovation and adaptability, including critical thinking, problem solving, analytical skills and creativity. Consequently, we need find ways to stimulate exploration and innovation. We inspire youth to think outside the box and imagine possibilities.
Provide Mentorship and Role Models
Students in the Reboot Plus program are trained to connect to professionals for informational 
interviews to explore what businesses and careers are really like. Community mentors and role models play a strong roles in inspiring them to aim higher. Connecting youth with professionals from diverse backgrounds and professions, exposes them to a variety of career paths and life experiences. Accordingly, guidance, support, and real-world insights help youth navigate their aspirations with clarity and confidence.
The following organizations have been pivotal in connecting youth with professionals in their community:
- The Surrey Board of Trade
- The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce
- The Burnaby Board of Trade
- The London Chamber of Commerce
- The Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and
- The Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce
Foster a Growth Mindset
For youth to realize their best potential we need to instil a growth mindset – to believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Emphasizing effort, resilience, and learning from failure, we equip youth with the mindset needed to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams with perseverance. Celebrating progress and encouraging continuous learning create a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
“Faculty were amazed and humbled by the growth and development of these young people. It was obvious that some participants were really struggling. Given the opportunity to start talking about things they were interested in, and really explore that, helped them realize opportunities in their areas of interest. Little by little, over 16-weeks their authentic selves started to shine.”
Expand Access to Education and Training
In Canada, access to quality education and training is fundamental to empowering youth from 
all backgrounds. The Reboot Plus program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre to examining whether a hope-centred education and career development program can help youth find their purpose. Equitable access to resources, scholarships, and vocational programs helps youth to pursue their interests without barriers. Investing in education infrastructure, digital literacy, and skills development initiatives equips youth with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.
Promote Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and innovation empowers youth to become architects of their futures. Entrepreneurship programs, startup incubators, and innovation hubs provide platforms for young innovators to explore their ideas, develop entrepreneurial skills, and turn their passions into viable ventures. Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, we cultivate a generation of problem solvers and change-makers who will shape the future of Canada’s economy and society.
Investing in the Future of Our Nation
Empowering Canadian youth to dream their wildest dreams and realize their best potential 
through education and career development is not just a lofty goal; it’s an investment in the future. Cultivating curiosity, providing mentorship, fostering a growth mindset, expanding access to education, and promoting entrepreneurship, create pathways for youth to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
If you know of a young person who would benefit from this type of intervention, please encourage them to apply to our program. We’re starting a new cohort in March at Douglas College in New Westminster, BC, and Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. Details can be found here.