Our History

Did you know that Grand Erie has a lower proportion of people with diplomas, degrees or certificates than the Ontario average?
Did you know that Grand Erie has a lower percentage of university-educated people than the rest of the province?

It was these statistics, from the Canadian census, that led to the formation of the Education Works Alliance

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie started the Education Works Alliance in 2010, after the community identified a need for a regional education strategy.

Spring 2011: the Alliance developed a strategic plan and terms of reference, focused on creating a culture of learning and improving education rates for adults in Grand Erie.

September 2011: the Alliance hosted the first Lifelong Learning Week in Grand Erie.

February 2012: the first Education Works Champions newspaper section was published.

April 2012: Education Works Alliance received financial support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for two years.

September 2012: the second Lifelong Learning Week was held.

February 2013: the second Education Champions newspaper section was published.

June 2013: the Education Works website goes live.

September 2013: the third Lifelong Learning Week was held.

January 2014: the third Education Champions newspaper section was published.

September 2014: the fourth Lifelong Learning Week was held.

Fall 2014: funding received to conduct Adult Learning Study in Grand Erie.

February 2015: the fourth Education Champions newspaper section was published.

June 2015: Adult Learning Study published.

September 2015: the fifth Lifelong Learning Week was held.

February 2016: the fifth Education Champions newspaper section was published.

June 2016: the Education Works Alliance holds strategic planning session, updates Terms of Reference.

The Workforce Planning Board continues to facilitate the Alliance. The Alliance continues to promote education, training and lifelong learning in Grand Erie through our various campaigns.