Community Use of Schools
Priority Schools Initiative (PSI)
Stronger communities are built when people living there can interact and participate regularly in quality programs such as health, cultural, social, educational and recreational opportunities. However, many communities are challenged by the lack of space for service delivery. Through the Priority Schools Initiative (PSI), 77 priority schools provide a solution to the challenge of inadequate space in Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods for community use. PSI helps not-for-profit organizations and grass-roots community or resident-led groups gain free access to space to run a program where people can engage in meaningful activities. Many PSI schools have evolved into community hubs offering vibrant and engaging resources for local residents. What is PSI?The Priority Schools Initiative is a joint project between the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the Ministry of Education aimed at making TDSB school spaces more accessible to the community. The objective is to improve overall student achievement by providing quality, affordable, after-school programs for students, parents and their community. With funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Education, TDSB has opened the doors of 77 schools to provide not-for-profit organizations and groups, free after-hours access to school facilities in communities that need it most. After-hours access starts on weekdays from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Program FocusPSI is focused on program types that meet the needs of community within areas of health and wellness, sports and recreation, leadership and development, arts and culture, counselling, settlement, literacy, social, environment, and civic engagement. Programs must fall into one of these categories to qualify for PSI space. |
