The YAAACE Institute

The YAAACE Institute falls under the academic intervention phase of our social inclusion framework. The YAAACE Institute seeks to provide alternative academic support for students from communities who perennially fall below the provincial standard. The initiative is a proactive attempt to mitigate the levels of academic attrition in particular communities. By targeting students in the elementary panel (Grades 2-8), the phase seeks to target the most volatile cohort of students: those diagnosed with a learning exceptionality or concurrent disorder; those dealing with an absentee parent or absentee parents; those dealing with issues around bereavement; those dealing with exposure to violence or trauma; and for any other variable that would facilitate student under-achievement and subsequent disengagement. The model is unique in the sense that, it not only accommodates the children and youth on the weekends, but it allows the wraparound mentors the opportunity to micromanage the student by coordinating with the school and home to ensure student success. The rationale is that we must address the achievement gap sooner than later.