Back on Track

Back on Track

Program Description

Back on Track is built on the belief that all youth deserve compassion, respect and equitable access to support, regardless of what they are facing at school. The program transforms suspension into a supportive, restorative learning opportunity that strengthens resilience, belonging and a positive connection to education.

Ongoing
Free
One-on-One
Y Membership Required: No
Back on Track
Program overview

Taking a Step Back to Encourage Academic Perseverance? Yes! Back on Track is a 3- to 5-day out-of-school program that takes a preventive approach. It is open to youth aged 12 to 17 who are dealing with personal, academic and social difficulties and who often get suspended from school.

It takes the risk of suspension or a cycle of repeated suspensions and transforms it into a positive and restorative experience—one that includes lots of support, reflection on personal growth and autonomy and a structured return to school.

In partnership with School Districts, the program offers wrap around care for students in grades 7 to 12, focusing on self reflection, academic continuity and wellbeing. Youth workers create a culturally safe, inclusive environment where every young person is encouraged to learn, grow and return to school with confidence.

The Back on Track program aims to prevent school dropout in three steps:

  1. Cool down: Students find themselves in a new, structured environment, putting a stop to the downward spiral
  2. Reflection: The program encourages students to reflect in one-on-one meetings and group workshops
  3. Commitment: The program motivates students to make changes that will have a positive impact on their school environment

The program participants have registered:

  • decrease in problematic behaviour
  • keeping up with school work
  • decrease in disciplinary measures
  • translated improvement into the home

Please visit the program website to learn more.

Program benefits
  • Academic and Routine Support
    • Helps youth rebuild daily structure and healthy routines
    • Supports re-engagement with school expectations
    • Provides personalized strategies to improve attendance and motivation
  • Emotional and Social Well-Being
    • Builds confidence through consistent encouragement and check-ins
    • Teaches coping skills to manage stress, overwhelm and school-related anxiety
    • Offers a safe, judgment-free space to talk about challenges
  • Youth-Centered Goal Setting
    • One-on-one support to set realistic, strengths-based goals
    • Helps youth break down larger challenges into manageable steps
    • Encourages accountability while celebrating progress
  • Collaborative School and Family Support
    • Works closely with teachers, counsellors, and families
    • Ensures coordinated support across school and home
    • Provides regular updates and shared strategies to help youth stay on track
Program eligibility
  • Youth ages 12 to 17
  • Referred by school with parent or guardian consent
  • Program available in Prince George
Program schedule
  • Runs as needed: each student’s schedule is personalized based on school timelines and individual needs
  • Currently, YCMA BC provides this program in Prince George and Abbotsford
    • Prince George: You can call us on 250-617-8005 or email on pg.backontrack@bc.ymca.ca
    • Abbotsford: Please email ygv.backontrack@bc.ymca.ca to find out more
  • You can also visit the program website to find a centre near you
Register for
Back on Track
Register for this program in your region

Our youth support and development programs are offered in the regions listed below. Select a region below to learn more and receive next steps.

Greater Vancouver Programs

Find a program in the Greater Vancouver Region

Northern BC Programs

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Program FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our program below.

How are students reffered to the program?

Refferal is made through the student's school. Parent/guardian permission is required. Program staff work collaboratively with the school and parents/guardians.

What does the student's time in the program look like?

Back on Track combines one-on-one support, group workshops, and follow-ups with the school. Each student�s time in the program is personalized based on their situation and needs. The goal is to get students to cool down, reflect, and commit to their studies.

How does Back on Track encourage academic perserverence?

Back on Track takes a preventive approach. It takes the risk of suspension or a cycle of repeated suspensions and transforms it into a positive and restorative experience�one that includes lots of support, reflection on personal growth and autonomy, and a structured return to school.

How does Back on Track support equity for students?

The program ensures students who face challenges are not left behind. The program replaces punitive experiences with restorative, supportive learning that strengthens wellbeing and maintains academic connection.

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