River Institute Celebrates Ontario Trillium Grant
November 29, 2025Cornwall Ontario – On Friday, the team at the River Institute gathered to celebrate a $49,900 Seed grant they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The grant supported the piloting of a program to help youth gain confidence, build skills, and make professional connections to prepare for careers in the water sector and related fields. The new program took advantage of the organization’s facilities, inspiring team of scientists and technicians, and extensive network of partners to help upper year secondary school students prepare for the future, with a focus on environmental fields, including “blue economy” jobs in the water sector.
“It is critical that youth in our community get the hands-on learning experiences needed to thrive in their future careers and meaningfully contribute to our local economy,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “Through this investment, young people in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry received invaluable training to prepare them for good jobs in the water and environmental sectors.”
The pilot initiative was delivered in partnership with the SOI Foundation’s Blue Futures Pathways program, an initiative that connects youth and young professionals with learning resources, employment and funding opportunities in the emerging Sustainable Blue Economy. Blue Futures Pathways supported the program with unique learning materials, soft skills training, and additional professional development opportunities. The pilot also benefited from a partnership with Water Canada’s Downstream networking events, which bring together current and future generations of water industry professionals to cultivate and inclusive, diverse and thriving water sector.
“Over the last few years, many students in our region lost critical classroom time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in subjects requiring hands-on learning like science,” said River Institute Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Ridal. “This Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation offered a valuable opportunity to help secondary school students overcome challenges and better prepare for the future by piloting a new initiative that includes skill-building, experiential learning, mentorship, and professional networking”.
About the River Institute
The St Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences (River Institute) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization established in partnership with the Mohawks of Akwesasne and other community and local government partners to address Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River ecosystem concerns through research, education, and community outreach.
About the Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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