SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 1: No Poverty
TMU is dedicated to supporting efforts to eradicate poverty both locally and globally. Through partnerships with community organizations, student initiatives, and interdisciplinary research, the university works to address economic and social challenges. By providing resources, advocacy, and direct support to those in need, TMU fosters a more inclusive and equitable society and promotes access to education.
Our goals in action
TMU offers programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge to support individuals facing poverty and related social challenges. From community service work to social policy development, these programs prepare graduates to drive meaningful change. Hands-on learning opportunities, including field placements and community partnerships, ensure students gain real-world experience in addressing social inequality.
- The School of Social Work at TMU seeks to help build a more equitable and inclusive society through economic, political, and cultural change. The school’s programs include a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, both of which are accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.
- TMU’s Faculty of Community Services offers a BA Child and Youth Care program accredited by the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada. Students learn to design and implement developmental, preventative and therapeutic programs and explore policy areas, research and advocacy options. Small interactive classes, local and international internships, mentoring opportunities and an independent research project will prepare graduates to promote the participation of children and youth in society.
- TMU’s Chang School of Continuing Education offers a certificate program in Canadian Social Work Practice. This innovative, award-winning program is designed to assist internationally educated social work professionals in gaining employment in the social service/human service sector in Ontario at levels that match their knowledge and experience. Since the program began in 2005, 89 percent of certificate program graduates have been hired into positions in the social work field within one year of graduation.
TMU faculty members are conducting research that examines poverty from economic, political, and social perspectives. Their work explores income inequality, affordable housing, access to education, and systemic barriers that contribute to poverty. By generating data-driven insights and policy recommendations, TMU researchers help shape solutions that create lasting social impact.
- The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration (CERC Migration) was the first ever CERC awarded to Toronto Metropolitan University, and is led by Professor Anna Triandafyllidou. The program is producing innovative and actionable knowledge on the links between migration and post-migration processes, forced and voluntary mobility, internal and international migration, and the role of countries of origin and transit. CERC Migration pays special attention to Canadian realities while also engaging in comparative research with and among other countries in various global regions.
The federal Canada Excellence Research Chairs program is among the most prestigious and generous programs available globally, enabling universities to build on Canada's growing reputation as a leader in research and innovation. The program recognizes and supports world-renowned researchers and their teams with up to $10 million over seven years to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities.
- The Launching Economic Achievement Program (LEAP) supports women’s empowerment for sustainable economic growth in Jordan through the development of a business incubator for women and an entrepreneurial module training program, and the delivery of a Leaders and Entrepreneurs Program to girls throughout Jordan. The project is led by a consortium with TMU, the Canadian Bureau for International Education and Injaz, a Jordanian NGO.
TMU is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of education. Through scholarships, bursaries, and emergency financial aid, the university supports students from all backgrounds in accessing and completing their studies. Additional programs, such as work-study opportunities and financial literacy resources, help students manage their expenses and build a stable future.
- TMU supports students’ access to education through the provision of financial assistance. This includes providing information to support students’ access to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), and access to various scholarships, awards, bursaries and other financial supports.
- TMU offers a tuition bursary for students who grew up in extended society care (previously known as Crown Wards) in Canada and are currently enrolled in an OSAP approved program at the institution. The tuition bursary will cover 50% of a student's tuition and ancillary costs. The program offers educational opportunities for young people who may otherwise struggle to access higher education.
- The Spanning the Gaps – Transition Foundations Program at TMU helps individuals transition into post-secondary education, even if they haven’t finished high school or have been out of school for an extended period. The program can be completed in as little as a year and a half; it’s completely online and coursework can be scheduled around learners’ other obligations
TMU offers tuition subsidies through the program, making it completely free for eligible learners. You can also complete the programs online so you can work it into your schedule and finish it from anywhere in Canada.
Learners who complete the program receive a recognition of completion from The Chang School of Continuing Education, which opens up opportunities to apply to an undergraduate program at Toronto Metropolitan University, take more continuing-education courses, register for a certificate program through The Chang School, or apply to another post-secondary institution.
TMU actively supports local communities through fundraising initiatives, free services, and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing poverty. The university collaborates with local organizations to provide essential resources, including food programs, financial assistance, and employment support. These initiatives strengthen social infrastructure and empower individuals and families in need.
- TMU is a long-standing supporter of United Way Greater Toronto. Since 2015 we have raised over $1 million for local United Way agencies through our annual giving campaign. Contributions to the campaign fund a GTA-wide network of community agencies that work locally to provide everything from food and mental health counselling to shelter and vital outreach services.
- The Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s student legal clinic launched in September 2023, offering free legal services to community members. As caseworkers, students will work on legal matters, including both supervised direct services to clients and community-centered projects.
