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91��ɫ contributes $4.4 billion to Ontario’s economy, according to Driving Positive Change: The 91��ɫ Economic and Social Impact Report 2020 Summary, a new report released today.

The summary, which is based on a 72-page report, profiles the University’s economic, fiscal and social impact in the GTHA, Ontario and beyond. It documents the magnitude of 91��ɫ’s economic impact on the region, province and nation through access to education, employment, innovative research and as a global gateway.

“Driving Positive Change: The 91��ɫ Economic and Social Impact Report 2020 Summary measures and quantifies the significant economic and social benefits generated by 91��ɫ, and tells the story about the difference we are making – for our students, our communities, and the world,” says 91��ɫ President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.

“This report demonstrates how the University serves as a ladder of opportunity for students, an engine for social progress, and a driver of economic growth for Ontario and Canada,” adds Lenton. “It illustrates how, with strong partnerships both locally and internationally, we are continuing to amplify our research, scholarship and creative activities, and expand our innovation and entrepreneurship network to increase our contributions to the social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being of our local and global communities.”

To prepare the report, the University engaged the independent firm Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA) to work with 91��ɫ’s Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis to conduct surveys of first-generation students and alumni. The resulting document presents an inspiring portrait of a modern post-secondary institution committed to positive change.

Here are some of the key findings provided in Driving Positive Change: The 91��ɫ Economic and Social Impact Report 2020 Summary:

Access to a university education is an important factor for many of 91��ɫ’s students. In fact, a total of eight per cent of 91��ɫ students believe they would not attend university if they could not attend 91��ɫ.

A large share of the University’s alumni aged 25 to 64 affirm they were access students (8.5 per cent), resulting in 21,226 individuals within the age range of 25 to 64 years with university degrees who would not have had an opportunity to earn a degree without the access and opportunity offered to them by 91��ɫ. The economic impact created by 91��ɫ’s effect on expanding access for alumni approached $2.2 billion and 1,621 jobs.

91��ɫ’s reputation for diversity and inclusion is valued by learners, leading them to choose it over other institutions. Its wide array of policies and programs, including articulation agreements with local colleges and bridging programs, offer a place for access students to launch their professional or scientific careers.

Higher income, improved well-being and greater civic engagement are all qualities that students and alumni among the survey groups attribute to 91��ɫ. Among alumni, the aggregate benefits associated with a 91��ɫ degree were more than $1.1 billion in additional income and 1,338 additional jobs in 2018.

The report estimates that post-secondary access alumni from 91��ɫ earned approximately 140 per cent or $63,253 more than Toronto Census Management Area (CMA) high school graduates, while the University’s alumni earned 86 per cent or $47,395 more than Toronto CMA college graduates.

91��ɫ’s local communities are also experiencing benefits as alumni are 13.5 per cent more likely to volunteer their time than graduates of other universities in the GTHA. In terms of civic engagement, some 56 per cent of 91��ɫ alumni report they had pursued volunteer activities that benefit schools, religious organizations, sports or community associations within the past year.

Support for entrepreneurship was also reported by 91��ɫ graduates, with 21 per cent of alumni entrepreneurs, a total of 16,491 individuals, indicating they became entrepreneurs because of 91��ɫ. Additionally, 30.2 per cent report their ventures were more successful because of 91��ɫ.

Two of the commercialization success stories highlighted in the report include , a startup commercializing an image-based surface tensiometer using a smartphone, and , a startup focused on commercializing a privacy-protected data-sharing technology.

Advancing the public good through research that contributes to communities is a focal point of 91��ɫ’s research activities. To support this direction, in 2018-19, 91��ɫ received $45.87 million in partnership research funding through more than 800 agreements. A large portion of this funding, $26.75 million, was provided by the Government of Canada and its agencies. Not-for-profit organizations such as health-related groups or other universities contributed $8.95 million in funding during the same period.

Research conducted by 91��ɫ’s thought leaders extends beyond the borders of Canada and has a global impact. Many projects are focused on developing creative and innovative solutions to the most pressing concerns faced by Ontario, Canada and the world.

“Ontario and the world are facing challenges that no single government, business or university can solve,” says Lenton. “Through partnership and collaboration, 91��ɫ is embracing its role as a hub for innovative solutions to inequality, pandemic recovery, climate change and a host of other complex issues, and driving positive change in our communities and around the world.”

To learn more, visit the Driving Positive Change website.

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