Ontario: About SSE-O

The School for Social Entrepreneurs – Ontario contributes to transformational social change by providing action-based and practical learning for social entrepreneurs in Canada.

SSE-O's untraditional and unique educational model places the emphasis on students as self-directed learners. By nurturing community-based social entrepreneurs, SSE-O supports the exploration of new ideas and innovative approaches to the evolving and complex challenges faced by communities throughout Ontario.

SSE-O is a proud member of an international network of schools located across the UK and Australia.

Our Vision

A socially just, environmentally sustainable, and economically prosperous Ontario, one built upon strong, empowered, and resilient communities.

Our Mission

To catalyze social change and empower communities through the development of transformational community leaders and social ventures that produce tangible, visible, meaningful, and positive impact for all members of the community.

History of SSE

The School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) was founded in 1997 by Michael Young, a distinguished and passionate serial social entrepreneur. The School’s mission is to address inequality and social exclusion by supporting social entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. SSE helps these leaders create sustainable solutions to poverty, social injustice, and environmental stress.

Through the use of action-based programs of personal and organizational development, students of SSE learn to establish, scale, and sustain social ventures.

Collaborative

SSE-O is a collaborative initiative led by Housing Services Corporation, MaRS, ACCESS Community Capital Fund, and Toronto Centre for Community Learning and Development.

SSE-O is generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.