Financial Literacy of Low-income Students: Literature Review and Environmental Scan

Research Summary: Low knowledge of costs, benefits and financial aid pose barrier to higher education Ontario postsecondary enrolments are rising, but not among students from low-income families.  And of those low-income students who do pursue higher education, approximately half are not taking advantage of government grants and loans designed to help them. Students who could […]

@ Issue Paper No. 11 Participation of Low-Income Students in Ontario

Research Summary: Low knowledge of costs, benefits and financial aid pose barrier to higher education Ontario postsecondary enrolments are rising, but not among students from low-income families.  And of those low-income students who do pursue higher education, approximately half are not taking advantage of government grants and loans designed to help them. Students who could […]

Understanding the Gender Gap in University Participation: An Exploration of the Application Behaviour of Ontario High School Students

Research Summary:  High school course selection and tracking significant factors in PSE gender gap High school course selection and the practice of tracking (which divides high school students into academic or applied classes based on aptitude and interest) might help explain why more Canadian women than men are pursuing a postsecondary education.   A new study […]

@ Issue Paper No. 9 Adult Learners in Ontario Postsecondary Institutions

Executive Summary: Adults Who Would Benefit Most from Education Are Least Likely to Participate Adults with high literacy levels are three times more likely to participate in adult learning in Ontario than those with low literacy levels. As a result, those who would benefit most from further education are missing potential social and economic opportunities, […]

@ Issue Paper No. 8 An Overview of PSE Accessibility in Ontario

Executive Summary: Efforts to evaluate postsecondary access programs hampered by lack of research data Over 80 per cent of Ontario secondary school students enrol in some type of postsecondary institution by age 21, placing the province among world leaders in postsecondary participation. But gaps in access remain for some groups – most notably those with no parental […]

Educational Attainments and Labour Market Outcomes of the Children of Immigrants in Ontario

Research Summary: For some children of immigrants, educational success doesn’t translate to employment success The children of immigrants represent an increasing segment of the Canadian labour force. Yet while most tend to have higher university attainment rates than children of Canadian-born parents, some, particularly visible minority men, have higher unemployment rates and lower earnings, according […]

Educational Pathways of Youth in Ontario Factors Impacting Educational Pathways

Research Summary: Parental Education, Grades and Social Relationships Remain Strongest Predictors of Postsecondary Participation Youth with highly educated parents, strong overall grades and an academically engaged social network are the most likely to pursue college or university according to a new collaborative report from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and the Higher Education […]

Understanding the Determinants of Persistence and Academic Success in University: An Exploration of Data from Four Ontario Universities

Research Summary: Academic Success in High School Increases Chances of Graduating University While significant emphasis in Canada has been placed on studying the barriers for access to university, much less has been known about the factors contributing to a student’s success and completion once enrolled, also known as their academic persistence. A new study commissioned […]

Access Engagement Retention and Success of Under-represented Populations at Ryerson University

Research Summary: Access programs aim to reduce barriers to postsecondary education Improving access to and success in postsecondary education is an on-going concern for Ontario’s colleges and universities, particularly for those students who may be struggling to meet admission requirements and/or are among groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education —  including students from lower-income families, […]