“Lighting the Path for Our Youth”
STAYED
Stabilization, Transition, and Youth Engagement for Education
STAYED is a preventative and intervention-based education support program designed to help youth remain engaged in school, complete coursework, and progress toward graduation, even during periods of crisis, suspension, or system involvement.
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Unlike traditional alternative suspension programs that respond only after a youth is removed from school, STAYED becomes involved before challenges escalate, offering in-school mentorship, academic support, and wrap-around services. When suspension is unavoidable, STAYED transforms that time into a structured, supportive intervention period, not a punishment.
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Our approach recognizes that learning does not happen in isolation. Academic success is deeply connected to wellbeing, stability, belonging, and culturally responsive support.
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Who STAYED Is For
STAYED serves youth who face barriers that make success in a traditional classroom difficult, including:
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Students who are underperforming academically
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Students struggling to adjust to traditional classroom environments
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Youth needing early intervention and intensive mentorship
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Students who are suspended or at risk of suspension
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Youth experiencing chronic absenteeism or disengagement
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Youth involved with, or at risk of involvement with, the justice system
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Students who require a safe, supported environment to complete coursework and graduate
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Youth facing multiple barriers such as disability, housing instability, family disruption, or systemic marginalization
STAYED prioritizes BIPOC youth, youth with disabilities, and youth experiencing compounded barriers, while remaining inclusive of all students who would benefit from the program.
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What We Offer
In-School Mentorship & Prevention
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Embedded mentors working directly with students
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Early identification of risk factors
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Individualized academic and engagement plans
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Graduation and post-secondary pathway support
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Alternative Suspension Support
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Structured learning environments during suspension periods
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Academic continuity and coursework completion
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Daily mentorship, accountability, and case management
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School reintegration planning
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Wrap-Around Community Supports
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Mental health and wellbeing supports
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Family engagement and mediation
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Disability-responsive accommodations
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Connections to housing stabilization and therapeutic supports where needed
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Who Can Refer
Referrals to STAYED are accepted from:
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School administrators and teachers
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School counsellors and support staff
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Community organizations and youth-serving agencies
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Justice system partners and diversion programs
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Families, caregivers, and guardians
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Youth (self-referrals welcomed, where appropriate)
All referrals are reviewed collaboratively to ensure the program is the right fit and that supports are tailored to each youth’s needs.
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Why STAYED Works
​STAYED works because it focuses on prevention instead of punishment, connection instead of exclusion, and wrap-around support instead of siloed responses. By addressing the root causes of disengagement and instability, we help youth stay connected to school, rebuild trust, and move forward with confidence.
Get in Touch
If you are a school, community partner, family member, or youth looking for an alternative to exclusionary discipline, STAYED is here to help.
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📩 Contact us to make a referral or learn more about partnering with STAYED.