Every $1 creates $27 of social value
An independent Social Return on Investment study measured the lasting value of our programs: better jobs, better mental health, and stronger communities.
Every $1 creates $27 of social value
An independent Social Return on Investment study measured the lasting value of our programs: better jobs, better mental health, and stronger communities.
What is a Social Return on Investment?
Social Return on Investment (SROI) puts a dollar value on the good a program does, like better health, education, and stronger communities. Developed in 1999 by the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, it helps show the long-term value of each donation, including future savings for governments.
Our SROI framework was developed by Boston Consulting Group, and the study was carried out by Community Seed Consulting.
It looked at our programs where youth teach adults and seniors, and the short- and long-term outcomes for both the youth and the learners, using established research.
Where the value comes from
The study found value in three areas. Each outcome pairs what research says it's worth with what YEP participants achieve.
Employment
Improved academic outcomes for youth
Better grades early in school make university more likely, and a degree adds more than $13,000 a year in earnings.
Our impact: 85% of youth in our programs improved their grades.
Improved language proficiency among adults
Speaking English helps newcomer adults find better jobs, raising their earnings by more than $12,000 a year.
Our impact: 100% of adults in our programs reported better English.
Improved digital literacy among adults
Digital skills make workplaces more productive, worth about $1,600 per worker nationally.
Our impact: 100% of adults in our technology programs reported better digital skills.
Mental health and well-being
Reduced parentification among youth
When parents don't speak English, children often take on adult tasks: translating at the doctor or bank, reading mail, and filling out forms. These youth face more anxiety and depression, are more likely to drop out of school, and earn nearly $7,500 less a year as adults.
Our impact: 100% of youth whose parents joined YEP now do fewer adult tasks for their family.
Increased self-esteem among youth
Youth in low-income communities who build high self-esteem earn $7,000 more a year as adults.
Our impact: 92% of youth grew more confident in their abilities.
Better language skills and less isolation among adults
Not speaking English or using technology often leads to isolation and anxiety. Canada spends more than $7,000 a year per person with an anxiety disorder.
Our impact: 93% of seniors felt less isolated and reported better mental health.
Better communities
Youth more likely to volunteer again
Youth who volunteer are more likely to volunteer as adults, and each volunteer brings more than $3,500 of value to their community each year.
Our impact: 98% of youth want to volunteer again.
More efficient spending of donated funds
Youth who volunteer are about half as likely to get into trouble (7% vs. 13%). Programs for at-risk youth cost an average of $3,740 per youth.
Our impact: We spend about $250 per youth.
Every $1 donated to YEP = $27 in social benefit
Questions about our SROI study, or want to get involved as a volunteer, donor, or partner? Get in touch.
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