7.0 Conclusions

The second phase of the pilot of Bridging the Gap was intended to test whether the model could be replicated in other zones, other types of employment partners and with other CLNs.

The formative evaluation took an active part of the 14 month Pilot as this report documents. The evaluation has presented many points of view and many recommendations on how to further improve the model.

There is no doubt Bridging the Gap was a success in all 5 sites. The proof of the success is in the results:

• The majority of clients were employed directly with the employment partner,
• All clients improved their self–esteem and academic abilities,
• Community Learning Networks were created to focus on community, economic and social development
• The communities themselves got a moral and economic boost
• Employment Partners have a pool of well trained employees from which to draw
• Funding and supporting government agencies made a positive impact on the clients and the communities

In addition the benefits of the program far outweigh the costs, from the perspective of all the participants in the process: clients, funding agencies, and communities.

There were many improvements made to the Bridging the Gap model and supports during this offering of the program. Future initiatives of Bridging the Gap can be improved by the consideration and integration of many of the recommendations provided in this document.

The type of approach and model underpinning Bridging the Gap ensures there will always be room for improvement, but that does not take away from it's success as a program which bridges the gap between employment and education in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.