For high school students who find themselves struggling with school or personal challenges, Back on Track by the YMCA offers more than just a second chance, it intervenes to support youth and help them return to school, stronger.
Back on Track by the Y is an offsite intervention program for youth-in-crisis who are serving a high school suspension, or are at risk of being suspended. The program, supported by Scotiabank, provides coaching, schoolwork support and supervision to help participants evaluate their behaviours, prepare for a successful return to school and reduce incidences of repeat suspensions.
But the timing is key, according to Andrew Borrelli, Senior Director, Representation, Development and Funding at the YMCAs of Québec. “We step in early,” he said.
A new name with a new focus
For more than 25 years the program was known as the YMCA Alternative Suspension program, a name that described its purpose but over time became a barrier, according to Borrelli.
“Even with the word ‘alternative’, ‘suspension’ still carried a negative connotation,” he said. “We needed to reframe the program into something more empowering, not just for students, but also for their families and the schools.”
Back on Track by the Y not only refers to a refreshed name and visual identity, but it also reflects how the program is now used. In many schools across the country it has evolved into a preventative tool, identifying early signs of struggle before a formal suspension is even issued.
Borrelli said these kids may display disruptive or violent behaviour in school spaces, they might have substance misuse issues, absenteeism, punctuality and other challenges.
“Through this program, schools can rely on additional support and provide assistance to these young people at the very moment that they need to,” he said.
Partnership and expansion
The YMCA, with the support of Scotiabank, is now expanding this critical program to reach more communities across Canada, giving thousands of young people the opportunity to reflect, regroup, and reintegrate into their school environments with confidence. Through ScotiaRISE — Scotiabank’s 10-year, $500-million-dollar commitment and community investment initiative — the Bank announced its support of the program in 2022, aiding its expansion from 36 to more than 50 program sites, and from 2021 to 2023, close to 7,000 students completed the program with 61% of students saying they have a more positive outlook or engagement with school.
In September 2024, ScotiaRISE renewed the partnership with a $2-million-dollar investment over three years, helping the program expand to up to 20 new communities across Canada.
“Through our renewed partnership with the YMCA, we are proud to empower youth to get back on track and further their education and career prospects,” said Meigan Terry, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Scotiabank.
Renewed investment will enable continued support for the existing network, the establishment of new sites, as well as maintenance and reinforcement of the program’s national infrastructure.
“These programs wouldn't see the light of day without these contributions,” said Borrelli. “Scotiabank’s support helps us cross the implementation line and solidify the program’s presence where it’s needed most.”
They helped me understand myself better and why I struggle so much with some classes and skipping. I caught up on loads of work and learned some tips to help me manage my anxiety at school and ask for help so I won't feel so stuck and alone.
Individual support in a group setting
A student can participate in the program if they are referred by a partner school as an alternative solution to a suspension, or as a preventive measure.
When students are referred to Back on Track by the Y, they attend small group sessions with four to six students, led by a trained youth worker. Each day includes academic support, quiet study time, and group workshops on themes like responsibility, communication and decision making. Students also receive one-on-one attention from youth workers to address personal and individual challenges to identify new strategies for coping. The approach is restorative rather than disciplinary.
“We’re not here to take sides,” Borrelli said. “We’re here to help the students cool down, reflect, and return to school better equipped.”
The program ends with a reintegration meeting at the school, attended by YMCA staff, and includes follow-up support for the student and their family.
A stronger future for youth
The impact is already clear. Students who go through Back on Track by the Y are less likely to be suspended again, more likely to stay in school, and are better prepared to succeed both academically and socially.
“When young people are systematically disciplined and sent home without support, they tend to disengage,” said Borrelli. “We’re interrupting that pattern.”
Through Back on Track by the Y, 90% of Ontario youth avoid future suspensions and 70% of Ontario youth experience fewer disciplinary actions and 84% of students nationally report feeling supported during their time in the program and being prepared to return to school.
While students, families and schools continue to recover from the long-term effects of the pandemic, the YMCA is focused on being agile and responsive to all emerging challenges.
“Our goal is simple,” Borrelli said. “Fewer suspensions, better outcomes, and more kids getting back on track.”
Rooted in Quebec, growing internationally
Back on Track by the Y was founded by the YMCAs of Québec in 1999 in Montréal. The Quebec model serves as the national blueprint for the more than 50 program sites now running across the country, including new locations in Hamilton, Ottawa, St John’s and Brockville, developed in partnership with the local YMCA associations.
The program has also expanded internationally, to countries including Australia, Ireland, France and England.
The program is currently offered in more than 70 communities in total.
Back on Track by the Y operates in communities big and small, urban and rural, with varying realities, but the programs all share the same mission. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to shine,” said Borrelli. “And we create those opportunities.”
Fast facts
3,000 students served in 430 schools across Canada
$4,000,000 in funding from Scotiabank over the course of the partnership
Supporting over 20,000 youth on their path to high school graduation
Over 50 YMCA program sites nationwide
Active in both English and French school systems (in Quebec only)
