Why talk about school/work balance?
School/work balance is more and more prevalent as a socio-economic issue that is not likely to disappear. In 2008, 72% of CEGEP students worked an average of 17 hours per week at a paid job during the school year. This percentage was 69% in 2004, 34% in 1988, and 17% in 1977.1
This growing phenomenon is also present at high school and university.

Who is targeted by the Program?
The goal of the School/Work Balance Program is to develop public awareness of the issue and promote the involvement of all stakeholders with a potential impact on educational perseverance. More precisely, this means focusing on concerted social action involving employers, educational institutions, and the Eastern Townships public, so that everyone contributes to the educational success of our up-and-coming generations and helps ensure a qualified labour force.

What are the Program’s basic criteria?
The Program is based on two criteria essential for an ideal balance:

• Providing a work schedule adapted to the reality of student employees.
  This is a shared responsibility between students and employers.
• Encouraging the pursuit of studies and graduation.
  This is a shared responsibility among parents, educational institutions, and certified employers.

Where did the Program in Estrie originate?
The Program arose from a desire among partners (economic, educational, and social) to develop a regional, Townships-based definition of school/work balance, with a firm plan to implement the Program in each MRC, and ensure it is adapted to the local realities within each MRC. The Program was inspired by the experience of the Sherbrooke Program.*

The Partners for Educational Success EstrieProject acts as the region’s resource and authority in the development of the School/Work Balance Program.

* Sherbrooke School/Work Balance Program, which gave rise to the School/Work Balance Program in Estrie.

1 Source: “Les collégiens et le travail rémunéré pendant les études : portrait d’un phénomène en pleine expansion,” Pédagogie collégiale, Vol. 22, No. 2, Winter 2009, based on Roy. J. et al., “La conciliation entre le travail et les études chez les cégépiens : un paradigme en évolution.” PAREA research report, June 2008.