Impact of Back on Track by the YMCA

This prevention-focused program provides youth from participating schools with the support to deal with a difficult situation, develop a clear vision for their future, and get back on track by returning to school in a structured manner.

Results That Matter

Decrease in problematic behaviour

Keeping up with schoolwork

Decrease in disciplinary measures

An improvement that also translates into the home

Back on Track in Numbers

70

Communities participate in this program, benefitting from a strong network and strategic partners. And this number keeps on growing.

85%

Of program participants improve their behaviour in the medium term.*

50%

Of them maintain this behaviour in the long term.*

*Study carried out in 2019 by CAC International, an independent evaluation firm.

64%

Of program participants had fewer disciplinary measures after completing the program versus 39% of participants in the focus group.**

65%

Of parents and guardians who noticed improvements in their child’s behaviour after completing the program also said that their collaboration and communication with the school improved.**

**Study carried out in 2017 by Malatest, an independent evaluation firm.

Benefits for students, schools, and the community

For the students

- Continuation of schoolwork

- Guided reflection process to get students motivated for their future

- Adaptation of participation based on students’ specific needs

For the schools

- Additional intervention resources

- Support and operationalization resources

- Caring post-reintegration follow-ups

For the community

- Approach aimed at a harmonious reintegration of students into their school and social settings

- Mobilization of all players around the student

- Awareness raising with the students about other available resources in their community

Keep the Impact Going

Interested in becoming a participating establishment and getting students back on track?

Discover how you can implement the program in your school.

What Participants and Partners Are Saying

It's just so different here. I was able to express myself freely and I really enjoyed my time here, even though I wasn't expecting to. I learned that talking to someone really helps. I just felt more energized, more engaged here.
Anonymous student participant
YMCA Alternative Suspension* is important for our school. Suspensions (at home) are not effective. Supervision is necessary to reflect on behaviour and monitor learning.
Principal of an anonymous partner school

*YMCA Alternative Suspension is the former name of the Back on Track program.
Having someone who takes the time to check in with Ben regularly, who supports us as parents, and who shows him that there are still people who care about him despite his difficulties at school has had a very positive impact. He found the tools he needed to finish high school in the program.
Mother of Ben, a participating student
The program successfully encourages a significant proportion of participants to become aware of and take a stance on the behaviours that led to their suspension. In quantifiable terms, these changes translate into significant school retention rates, given the profile of the youth referred to the program.
CAC International