Pinball Clemons Foundation and Pathways to Education to back underrepresented students in communities is funded through American Express’ Backing Equal Futures community giving pillar—which provides skills and pathways to prepare them for long-term success and the future of work; and advocates to support education and workforce development in underrepresented communities—will back 600 students as they transition from high school. 

The grants will support Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), newcomer, and 2SLGBTQ+ students, and those experiencing generational poverty by providing them with the financial, educational, professional, and personal skills needed to thrive in their future.

Pinball Clemons Foundation provides marginalized youth with resources and support to help them successfully enter the workforce and gain employment in careers they desire. To address some of the barriers preventing marginalized youth from succeeding in a postsecondary environment, the grant will provide access to mentorship opportunities for program participants covering finance, career guidance and academic support, as well as scholarship opportunities to 100 students in Canada pursuing postsecondary education.

“It is certainly a generous thought to ponder the opportunity to change one life while we’re here on earth,” said Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, founder of Pinball Clemons

Foundation. “We’re thankful that the American Express Foundation has committed $500,000 to changing the lives of 100 marginalized youth”

Pathways to Education currently serves over 6,000 students living in low-income communities in Canada. The award-winning Pathways Program helps youth graduate from high school and transition to post-secondary education, training, or employment. With an investment of $500K over the next three years, the grant will support Pathways programming—including Indigenous-focused programming—and will enable 500 Pathways students in their final years of high school to overcome barriers to education and build the foundation for a successful future.

“Pathways to Education is grateful to the American Express Foundation for its commitment to supporting BIPOC youth in Canada to graduate from high school and transition to postsecondary education, training, and employment,” said Quinn Bingham, Acting CEO, Pathways to Education Canada. “At a time when the education gap for youth living in low-income communities has only increased, focus on our future workforce to help fuel economic growth is critical.” 

The Pinball Clemons Foundation provides marginalized youth with educational resources and options to integrate into the mainstream of society. With the implementation of a customized mentorship

program and financial support, we are removing the barriers that often hinder success. The ultimate goal is not a diploma or degree but to see youth successfully enter the workforce, gainfully employed in careers they desire. See pinballfoundation.ca.