Licensed to Learn
23 Lesmill Rd. Suite 300 M9B 6K2 Toronto, ON, Canada

Mary Ann Camberton Shadd Cary was an educator, publisher, and abolitionist. She was born on 9 October 1823 in Wilmington, Delaware; died 5 June 1893 in Washington, DC. As a young woman her abolitionist father moved her family to Canada as an attempt to avoid the Fugitive Act which came into effect in America. Mary Ann Shadd later became the first Black female newspaper publisher in Canada. Based on her activism as an abolitionist Shadd founded and edited The Provincial Freem...an, a weekly anti-slavery newspaper. She also established a racially integrated school for Black refugees in Windsor, Canada West. She advocated for the rights of women and black people. She would tour North America to promote the newspaper and solicit support. For more information on her story visit: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca//art/mary-ann-shadd #didyouknow #BlackHistoryMonthCanada #bhm

Students across Canada are riding the L2L wave and stepping up to help their peers! Sibyl is one of many student tutors doing great work at her school through #mentalhealth #advocacy We asked what drives her. Here's what she had to say: "Due to the pandemic, I noticed that a lot of students were struggling with their mental health and dealing with isolation from their friends. I joined the L2L program because I wanted to make a difference in my school. I wanted to be able to... gain more leadership experience and help others. At first, the tutees relied on me heavily, but as time went on they gained more confidence. I liked seeing them believe in themselves. The advice I would give younger youth is that you should always find a healthy balance between school and other activities. Make sure to take me time when needed and do not stress too much." Sibyl, Grade 12 student at Northern Secondary School

Do you remember the reading buddy system in school and the excitement you got working on literacy with your peers? The L2L program is based on the foundation that peer-tutoring works. It also fosters leadership and lasting academic success. So what sets our program apart from other academic support services? ... Not every family has access to the extra resources needed to supplement their learning in the classroom. As a free service L2L works to create greater equity in education. We do this in two simple steps. Step #1 - Our licensed educators train student leaders in each school to become peer-tutors and mentors. Step #2 - The student leaders tutor their peers by helping them develop learning strategies and skills to overcome the challenges they experience. With the help of a school liaison, we work with each school to adapt the program around their needs and students. Are you one of our L2L schools? If not visit our website at www.L2L.ca and join our network today!

* Upcoming Scholarship Alert * This week’s #scholarship feature is by Find Your Path" (FYP Canada) Are you a #Black #youth or a first-generation #student headed to #postsecondary?... Find Your Path is a student-run non-profit organization that aims to help Black youth and first-generation students realize their academic potential. The FYP Scholarship Program is awarded to individuals that have demonstrated resiliency in their life and have been accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution. Think you qualify? Check out their website for more details: http://www.fypcanada.com/application/ FYP Scholarship Deadline: TUES. APRIL 6TH, 2021 #college #scholarships #highschool #education #collegebound #supportcreativity #bhm #blackhistorymonth

The Licensed to Learn (L2L) program continues to support youth through our leadership training, peer tutor program, and leadership conferences. We want to highlight one of our amazing community partners, @JACentre4Girls This program partnership could not have been successful without the ongoing support of Rachel Ressor, Program Coordinator. Rachel Ressor is passionate about social justice and the empowerment of youth. ... Learn more about Rachel’s involvement with the L2L program below: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we struggled with converting our in-person programs to online. It was a huge adjustment and learning curve for all of us at J.A.C. The L2L program allows our older girls (ages 12-17) to have the opportunity to become certified and add to their experiences on their resumes. Many of our older girls are interested in opportunities that heighten their skills and experience. L2L is the perfect opportunity for our older girls to obtain volunteer hours and become certified in a new skill! L2L has allowed many of our younger girls to feel comfortable in a subject that they often struggled in. By having one on one time with their tutor they begin to feel more confident about themselves and they have the opportunity to ask questions and learn in a judgment-free zone.

Did you know? In 2013, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario recognized Lincoln Alexander’s life as an example of service, determination and humility. Always fighting for equal rights for all races in our society, and doing so without malice, he changed attitudes and contributed greatly to the inclusiveness and tolerance of Canada today. Licensed 2 Learn would like to thank the Lincoln Alexander Memorial Committee, esteemed leaders who continue that legacy in their community... work, and who have been instrumental in recognizing Lincoln Alexander. Zanana Akande Juan Arellano Alvin Curling O.Ont Frances Delsol Zeib Jeeva O.Ont Rosemary Sadlier O.Ont Dianne Wellman To support the installation of a memorial bust for Lincoln Alexander, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/l2l-lincoln #BHM

Congratulations to the over 80 @TDSB students who completed their L2L Tutor Training last week. These student leaders at the TDSB Secondary Virtual School are providing vital support to peers, helping them overcome academic challenges and becoming mentors and allies. #L2L #YouthHelpingYouth Thank you to the dedicated staff, administrators and #teachers at the @TDSB for all your time, and energy, we couldn't run the L2L Program without your support! Learn how to bring the L2L Program to your school at www.L2L.ca/Schools.

Are your New Year's Resolutions SMART? L2L Tutors work with their Peers to create SMART goals that address the academic challenges their Peers may be facing. SMART goals help them focus their efforts, recognize their progress and makes them more likely to succeed! SMART Goals... Specific - Your goal should be clearly defined and focused on what you need to accomplish, how you will do it, and why. Measurable - You need to be able to assess and track your progress. For example include how much of x you will complete. Achievable - Your goal needs to be realistic and attainable given constraints like time availability, skill level, and resources. If your goal is unrealistic you could get discouraged. Relevant - Your goal needs to be important and worthwhile to you. Time-bound: Your goal needs to have a specific target date or deadline. Having a set deadline helps you plan and prioritize the activities around your goal appropriately. Are your New Year's Resolutions SMART? Learn more about L2L Tutor Training at www.L2Lca/Students

When Lara came to Canada from Turkey she knew very little English. In three years, she grasped the language, excelled academically and built a strong reputation at her school and in the community as a youth leader, and change maker. Lara built one of L2L’s most engaged and active youth-led programs at her Toronto high school. Read Lara's Story: https://l2l.ca/2020/07/15/laras_story/

My name is George and I am a Grade 12 student at Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School. I have been part of the Licensed to Learn (#L2L) Program as a tutor since the 9th grade. When I started high school, I realized I enjoyed math/science-based subjects and was in need of some volunteer hours. L2L seemed to be the perfect solution; a place where I could follow my interests by #teaching others and also get my hours out of the way. Read George's story: https://l2l.ca/2016/01/03/georges_story

From the Licensed to Learn team, Happy New Year to everyone! We hope you ring in the new year with celebrations (at home!) and may this year be filled with beneficial opportunities, hope and learning! #2021 #happynewyear #celebrations