A national dance program called Outside Looking In is helping to motivate Indigenous youth to finish high school. Students in Outside Looking In learn hip hop and Indigenous cultural dance through in-person and remote visits from choreographers. The program culminates in a dance camp that prepares students to perform in Toronto. 96% of participating students reportedly go on to graduate high school, thanks to the program’s minimum grades and attendance requirements. The program includes a Future Leader mentorship program which supports students as they transition from high school to postsecondary education or careers. “One of the biggest issues facing Indigenous youth in our communities – in all Indigenous communities – is getting the kids to come back through the doors of school and to stay consistently,” said Outside Looking In CEO Hope Sanderson.
