Tackling high school drop out rates in Montreal

    MONTREAL, March 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Youth Fusion is thrilled to collaborate
with the Social Development Society of Ville-Marie (SDSVM) and Concordia
University to develop seven activities at two of Montreal's most disadvantaged
high schools: Pierre-Dupuy and James Lyng.
    High school drop out rates are a daunting social reality and this
innovative project has already inspired hundreds of high school students to
get involved in concrete activities, and feel motivated at school.
    To address the realities of the Ville-Marie and St-Henri boroughs, where
the percentage of drop out rates is alarming, Youth Fusion established
partnerships with Concordia University, James Lyng and Pierre-Dupuy. Through
these partnerships, seven student interns from Concordia have been given the
opportunity to work as community involvement coordinators at these two schools
to motivate the high school students to spend their time in more creative and
productive ways.
    The following seven activities will continue until May 30th 2009: an
environmental "green team," a young entrepreneurs club, a student newspaper,
an end-of-year musical concert, a science fair, a recreation team, and a
student government.
    These seven activities are already encouraging the students at
Pierre-Dupuy and James Lyng to work together towards a common goal, thus
strengthening their school spirit and sense of belonging. Moreover, these
three-month internships offer invaluable professional work experience to
Concordia students.

    Youth Fusion, a non-profit organization, seeks to promote creative youth
empowerment, contribute to the development of socially conscious citizens, and
encourage Quebec's youth to get involved in their communities and succeed
academically. Ultimately, Youth Fusion seeks to increase high school retention
rates among youth.
    Please visit our Website for regular updates: www.youthfusionquebec.org

For further information: Gabriel Bran Lopez, Founder and General
Manager, Youth Fusion, [phone] ext. 5136, Cell: 514.662.2183,
[e-mail]