REALTORS® Invest in Next Generation of Community Builders through OnePoint Foundations for the Future Scholarship

Regional initiative supports skilled trades, youth and housing through hands-on learning experiences, scholarships and community partnerships across Ontario.

ONTARIO, CANADA, June 2026 — Strong communities do not happen by chance. They are built by people who care, invest, and create opportunities for others to succeed. At the OnePoint Association of REALTORS®, our Members believe that supporting young people today helps build stronger communities tomorrow.

This year, OnePoint REALTOR® Members will contribute a total regional investment of $146,000 to support youth, skilled trades, and housing initiatives across Ontario via Foundations for the Future. A youth-focused initiative that connects affordable housing efforts with skilled trades development. Through scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities, and support for housing initiatives, the program reflects OnePoint's commitment to investing in both people and communities. 

“Foundations for the Future reflects our belief that strong communities are built when we invest in people. By supporting students who are exploring careers in the skilled trades and housing-related fields, we are helping to develop the next generation of builders, creators, and community leaders who will shape Ontario’s future." said Jennifer Morley, President of OnePoint Association of REALTORS® "We are also deeply grateful to our REALTOR® Members whose generous contributions fully fund this initiative, making this investment in youth and our communities possible.” 

Supporting Future Skilled Trades Workforce

A key component of the program is the OnePoint Association of REALTORS®  Foundations for the Future Scholarship. This year, OnePoint will award 51 scholarships to graduating students across its region, representing an investment of $25,500. One scholarship will be presented at each secondary school within OnePoint's jurisdiction this month at the schools' commencement ceremonies.

These scholarships recognize students who have actively pursued opportunities related to building trades and architectural studies during high school. If no suitable candidate is identified, consideration is given to students pursuing skilled trades, followed by those interested in real estate and business studies. School staff select recipients based on the scholarship criteria, ensuring that each award recognizes a deserving student who has demonstrated commitment, interest, and potential in these important fields.

To celebrate the recipients, OnePoint REALTOR® Members will attend commencement ceremonies throughout the region this month to personally present the scholarships at their local schools. These presentations are a meaningful connection between local students and OnePoint REALTORS® who are investing in their future success.

Furthermore, the program also commits $120,000 this year to provide secondary school students with hands-on learning experiences in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Five learning experiences were completed this spring, with 7 more planned for the fall.

This will result in more than 200 students participating across the region. The initiative is designed to help prepare young people and build awareness of skilled trades career pathways. Read more here.

Why Skilled Trades Matter

Foundations for the Future was created in response to the growing challenges facing both the housing sector and skilled trades workforce. Across Ontario, demand for housing continues to rise. The provincial government has committed to building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031. Achieving this will require a strong workforce capable of designing, building, renovating, and maintaining homes across the province.

At the same time, many skilled trades occupations are experiencing labour shortages. Industry forecasts show that many skilled trades workers will retire over the coming years, creating a significant demand for new workers entering the field.

In Ontario, approximately one in three workers holding an apprenticeship or trade certificate was age 55 or older in 2021, highlighting the need for the next generation to step forward. Looking ahead, one in five new job openings is expected to be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2028.

Careers in the skilled trades offer meaningful work, strong earning potential, and the chance to make a visible difference in our communities. They are also essential to addressing Ontario’s housing needs. By encouraging students to explore these pathways, Foundations for the Future helps create awareness of rewarding careers while supporting the long-term health of Ontario’s housing sector.

Connection Between Education and Housing

Foundations for the Future bridges the gap between education, employment, and housing. 

Across Ontario, nearly 85,000 people experienced homelessness in 2025, a figure that has increased significantly in recent years. Research also shows that educational outcomes can play a major role in long-term housing stability. National studies have found that more than half of youth experiencing homelessness had not completed high school. At the same time, homeownership has become increasingly difficult for younger Canadians. Between 2011 and 2021, homeownership rates declined among Canadians aged 25 to 34. 

By investing in students pursuing careers in the skilled trades and related fields, the program helps open doors to future opportunities while supporting the workforce needed to build stronger communities. 

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About OnePoint Association of REALTORS®

OnePoint Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit organization representing over 2700 real estate professionals across the regions of Wellington, Huron, Perth, Grey, Bruce, Simcoe, Parry Sound, Haliburton and Muskoka. As a regional association, its coverage area includes 51 Ontario secondary schools and six Habitat for Humanity affiliates. 

Advocacy and community involvement remain central to OnePoint's mission. We advocate on behalf of our Members at the local, provincial, and federal levels. Our goal is to help ensure that the dream of property ownership remains fair, accessible, and achievable for everyone.