A number of colleges reported that they could not distinguish (or felt they should not distinguish) Ontario Works from other students. There were many more, however, that echoed the above comments from networks.

Comments from colleges:

• Some students are very motivated (especially to get their GED) while others are very needy (behavioural problems in the classroom never experienced before).
• Ontario Works students learners have little employment experience and poor work ethic. They have little or no motivation.
• Majority of students are living below the poverty line. Many are not getting the basic necessities of life.
• They seem to have more barriers to address than groups in the past.
• Previous participants were more willing as individuals – they could negotiate with their funding agencies.
• Increased numbers of students who have recently enrolled in the LBS program have arrived with many different learning disabilities and more severe personal issues such as housing, financial problems, and legal issues.
• More people are being forced to go to school. They are lower academically compared to before.
• They operate in a crisis reaction cycle. If consequences are not immediate, there is no motivation to change.
• Clients are harder to serve and have been out of work longer.
• People who have money tend to do better. They need support of some type.
• Higher percent of new Ontario Works Native students. Their success rate is very low and we don't have the resources to meet their needs.
• There is a significant difference in motivation. Ontario Works students are less motivated than before. School is not voluntary.
• Younger Ontario Works students seem to lack the social skills.

Ontario Works case co-ordinators remarked:

• My clients are becoming much harder to serve.
• The clients are hard to serve (with low academics and less experience).