What was the initiative?

Courtney’s Pathy Project was developing and implementing an extra-curricular program for female-identifying youth in a rural, public high school. With the aim of helping girls build fulfilling and well-rounded lives, the group spent the year enhancing self-confidence, discussing the realities of how women navigate the world, and developing soft skills that would translate to their current and future professional and academic pursuits and successes. The group met on a weekly basis and engaged with activities and resources designed specifically for the program, based on the learning goals set by participants and revisited over the course of the year.

What was the community connection?

Courtney was born and raised in Lachute and attended the local public high school which she partnered with before moving to Montreal to pursue higher education. She had kept in touch with the community in the years since her graduation, returned periodically in volunteer and mentorship capacities, and maintained an understanding of the school culture and the community’s priorities.

How was it innovative?

Between Us Girls opened pathways to knowledge and experience that students were seeking access to but that could not be easily built into the school curriculum, while eliminating barriers to access by integrating the programming into the school space and schedule. The program was also built and modified over the course of the year based on participants’ interests, and focused on existing assets and the pursuit of desired assets established by the group.

What is Courtney doing now?

Upon completion of her Fellowship, Courtney continued with the program as the Pathy Foundation Fellowship Program Assistant. She is also studying part-time at McGill University, completing a thesis in a Master of Arts, Education and Society, focusing on feminist asset-based community development.