Learn2Earn
Building pathways from education to employment
A 20-month pilot program equipping individuals with disabilities for meaningful, sustainable careers in the social services sector - and inviting community partners to make it happen
16
Participants
20
Months
2
Cohorts
44
Weeks / Cohort
What is Learn 2 Earn?
Many individuals with disabilities complete post-secondary education with genuine passion and capability - yet face significant systemic barriers when entering the workforce. Learn2Earn was created to address this gap directly
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Delivered through Resilient Hearts, the initiative is a structured 44-week pathway per cohort that combines classroom learning, job shadowing, supervised work placements, and indivizualized coaching - designed for individuals with disabilities who are ready to pursue careers in the social services sector.
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Over 20 months, two cohorts will move through each phase, supported by experienced staff and community partners. The program aims to support 16 participants in achieving meaningful, sustainable employment.
Classroom Training
12 weeks of structured, skills-based instruction including industry certifications and workplace readiness,
Job Shadowing
4 weeks of guided workplace observation with Resilient Hearts staff and community partners.
Supervised Work Placement
8 weeks of hands-on, matched placement with families and partner organizations.
Retention Coaching
16 weeks of individualized coaching support to ensure participants thrive and stay employed
Program Objectives
What Learn2Earn sets out to achieve
Enhance Employment Readiness
Equip participants with practical knowledge, workplace skills, and the confidence to pursue careers in social services.
Build Workforce Capacity
Develop a pipeline of qualified, passionate individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to the social services sector.
Provide Meaningful Experience
Offer structured job shadowing and hands-on placements that allow participants to apply skills in real-world settings.
Promote Inclusive Employment
Demonstrate to employers the value, talent, and contributions that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce.
Improve Employment Outcomes
Support participants in obtaining and maintaining employment through structured coaching and job retention support.
Increase Long-Term Stability
Provide extended coaching and retention support to ensure participants transition into sustainable, lasting careers.
A Structured 44-Week Pathway
Each cohort follows the same five-phase journey, carefully sequenced to build skills, confidence, and real-world experience progressively
Phase 1
12 weeks
Employment Readiness & Skill Development
Structured classroom training covering industry certifications, job readiness, professional communication, and workplace skills. Participants develop the knowledge base required to enter the social services workforce with confidence.
Phase 2
4 weeks
Workplace Exposure & Job Shadowing
Participants shadow Resilient Hearts staff and, where available, community partners. Guided observation and structured reflection activities help translate classroom learning into real-world understanding.
Phase 3
8 weeks
Supervised Work Experience Placement
Participants are matched with families and partner organizations for supervised placements through Resilient Hearts' Engage Program. Placements align each participant's unique skills, interests, and support needs with host requirements.
Phase 4
16 weeks
Job Retention & Follow-Up Support
Individualized coaching is provided on a tapering schedule — weekly for the first four weeks, biweekly for the next eight, and monthly for the final four — ensuring participants are supported through the critical early stages of employment.
Phase 5
4 weeks
Outcomes Tracking & Stakeholder Feedback
The final phase connects with all stakeholders — participants, host employers, families, and community partners — to capture feedback, document success stories, and measure outcomes against program objectives.
Partner With Us to Create Real Change
Learn2Earn depends on the commitment and generosity of community partners. There are several meaningful ways your organization can get involved.
Workplace Placement Host
Open your organization to a Learn 2 Earn participant for an 8-week supervised work placement. Resilient Hearts coordinates the match, provides ongoing support, and ensures a positive experience for both parties — an opportunity to contribute directly to inclusive employment in Calgary.
Job Shadowing Partner
Offer participants a window into your organization during the 4-week job shadowing phase. Hosting a job shadow requires minimal commitment but makes a significant impact — participants gain invaluable real-world insight that shapes their professional development.
Funder or Community Supporter
Help sustain the program through direct funding, donation of resources, or connecting us with other potential partners. Whether large or small, your support makes Learn 2 Earn possible for more participants across Calgary.
Ready to Partner With Us?
We would love to connect and explore how your organization can be part of the Learn2Earn journey.
Two-Cohort Timeline Overview
The initiative runs across 20 months with two sequential cohorts, ensuring lessons from Cohort 1 inform and strengthen the delivery of Cohort 2.
Period
Cohort 1
Cohort 2
Dec 2026 - Feb 2027
March 2027
April - May 2027
June - Sep 2027
October 2027
Nov 2027-Jan 2028
February 2028
March - April 2028
May - Aug 2028
September 2028
Phase 1 - Classroom Training
Phase 2 - Job Shadowing
Phase 3 - Work Placement
Phase 4 - Retention Coaching
Phase 5 - Outcomes Tracking
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Phase 1 - Classroom Training
Phase 2 - Job Shadowing
Phase 3 - Work Placement
Phase 4 - Retention Coaching
Phase 5 - Outcomes Tracking