The MINA Project is here to provide you with access to different professional opportunities to help you make the transition from school to work easier.
Research has shown that the more you expose yourself now as a teenager, to the world of work, it is consistently associated with better than expected employment outcomes when you are an adult. (OECD 2020)
Hear from past students.
Both students completed the inspiring Work 2021-22 Pilot Program. Hear how The MINA Project program has helped them on their journeys.
High school students like you, helped design our programs through consultations, focus groups and surveys. We currently offer the Inspiring Work 1-year intensive after school program, and tailored workshops for your class, club or student community through the Inspiring Futures program.
Applications for the inspiring Work 2022-23 finance focused 1-year after school program in collaboration with TD Securities Talent Lab is now closed. Students will develop their financial literacy along with their soft skills, and gain a better understanding of capital markets, while building their professional networks. Opportunities to apply for summer work experience will be open to those that successfully complete the program. For more information on current and future programming, please email us at info@theminaproject.ca.
Applications for the inspiring Work 2022-23 science/healthcare focused 1-year after school program is now closed. Confirmed workshop and available summer opportunities with SickKids. Other workshops and opportunities may include a pharmaceutical company, other hospitals including Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, science and medical school program introductions and more. For more information on current and future programming, please email us at info@theminaproject.ca.
We want to help you reach your full potential.
The MINA Project wants to expose you to a variety of different opportunities to expand your depth of experiences. Contact us to see what we can offer you.
The MINA Project will provide you with coaching and mentorship opportunities, not just with industry leaders with several years of experience, but mentors that are still in university, graduate studies or are just starting their careers. Our NextGEN Council is made up of 20 and 30 year olds that are not far removed from where you are today. They remember what it is like to be in your shoes and are able to answer your questions and provide guidance from a perspective of just having gone through it.
Our Steering Committee and corporate partners comprise of leaders within various industries with a wealth of knowledge and expertise who may have similar backgrounds. We are here to guide and support you in a capacity that is most comfortable for you.
Throughout our after school programs we won’t just be meeting once a month (either at an experiential learning or soft skills virtual workshop) we will be touching base regularly to ensure you have the support needed to become more self aware, to become more confident in different situations, and to communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals.
It also doesn’t end at the end of the program. You will be invited to be part of our Alumni Network and Advisory Council which is made up of key stakeholders. You will be able to continue to provide feedback and thought leadership to help the next generation of students, and continue to expand your own social and professional networks. Building a network or social capital is increasingly important as 85% of all jobs are filled via networking (The Adler Group).
The three main program components that resulted from our research and consultations.
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Workshops | Experiential Learning
Providing more workshops so some students have a bit of experience if they don't have access to taking co-op or have volunteer experience would help make the transition to work easier. - student response
The MINA Project aims to provide experiential learning opportunities in various corporate environments over the course of the program. These workshops will be located in different corporate settings in downtown Toronto so you get to experience different places of work and hear from diverse leaders within those organizations. These opportunities will take place on a PA Day during the school year. Program participants will be provided with TTC tickets and an appropriate meal/snack.
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[Soft]Skills Required in the Workplace
Almost two thirds of students that responded to our survey indicated that understanding and gaining the skills required in the workplace would make them feel more prepared for work.
The MINA Project will be providing soft skills certification every other month. These skills have been highlighted as “critical elements” for employee hiring and retention. Certification will be done online at your own pace over approximately four weeks, culminating in a virtual workshop to ensure you solidify the skills. Some soft skills indicated by employers as being necessary for the workplace include: communication, teamwork, and critical thinking & problem solving.
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Internships & Networking
Over 80% of students that responded to the survey stated that “doing and trying various work, jobs and roles” would help increase their knowledge of career paths available to them. In turn, by increasing their knowledge of career paths open to them, 100% of respondents indicated they would be more confident about setting goals for the future.
By working with corporate partners in various industries, The MINA Project aims to provide general paid summer internships to those in our program. Through these opportunities, students will gain valuable “on the job” experience, expand their knowledge of different career paths and build professional social networks, which will all help with future career planning and goal setting.
This project is for you.
If you are a BIPOC high school student that wants to learn more about career opportunities available to you,
As well as learn the skills required to be successful in any workplace,
And gain hands-on experience in a corporate environment while building your professional network.
The MINA Project wants you, if you can make the commitment to
Participating in experiential learning opportunities
Earning your soft skills certifications every other month
Preparing for a summer work experience