Research summary
Several hundred thousand young adults in Canada lack high school diplomas. Educational gaps established early in adulthood are major drivers of long-lasting economic and health inequities. They can also fuel feelings of resentment among members of this group toward society, which can weaken institutions and contribute to social fractures. But with the right support, young people in vulnerable situations can fulfill their potential to the benefit of all.
As Canada Research Chair in the Transition to Adulthood, Dr. Véronique Dupéré is studying young people who enter adulthood without a high school diploma to learn how best to support them. Through interviews, she and her research team aim to deepen their understanding of the barriers faced by this group as well as the factors that boost their resilience. The knowledge they uncover will translate into new ideas for supporting young adults, particularly those at risk of becoming stranded in undesirable situations.