Province introduces education project grants to help parents

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Parent groups in Nipissing are playing a more active role in their children’s education and development through special projects supported by Ontario’s Parent Reaching Out (PRO) grants.

PRO grants support school-based and regional projects that help identify barriers to parent engagement in communities, and find local solutions to help parents get more involved.

The grants are locally driven by groups such as parent organizations, school councils and parent involvement committees. These groups address local barriers such as language or poverty, and develop local solutions to help other parents get involved in their children’s education, both at home and at school.

The 2010-11 PRO grants will help support 24 projects in Nipissing. Details of local funding can be found on the following page.

Helping students reach their full potential is an important part of the Open Ontario Plan.  When parents and students are engaged in learning -- even under difficult circumstances – they are more likely to perform well in school, graduate and go on to postsecondary education. 

"Research shows that it is important for parents to be involved in their children’s education,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “Engaged parents motivate their children to work harder, develop better behaviour and social skills, and continue their education beyond high school. This funding will help more parents contribute to their children’s long-term success.”

“Parents want their children to succeed and the McGuinty government shares the same goal. Through this funding, more parents will be able to participate in their children’s education. By providing parents with the necessary tools they need to become involved we are helping give students the opportunity to become lifelong learners,” said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education.

QUICK FACTS

Since 2006, the government has supported over 7,200 PRO grants

Ontario’s new parent engagement policy helps parents work together with education partners so that they can contribute to the success of Ontario’s students and education system.

All school boards in Ontario are required to have a Parent Involvement Committee by January 31, 2011.

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