Embark Student Foundation investment in EmpowerAbility poised for success Advancing Career Readiness for Students with Disabilities at York University

TORONTO, June 1, 2026 — Embark Student Foundation’s recent $500,000 grant will support in a new workforce readiness and career transition program for students with disabilities is building momentum under the direction of recently appointed Manager, EmpowerAbility Program, Lisa Cohen, located within   York University’s Co-op & Career Centre.

Students with disabilities face nearly double the unemployment rate of their peers and earn median wages on average 5.5 per cent lower, challenges of which are compounded by a lack of tailored career supports. EmpowerAbility commits to addressing this gap with students and employers by offering personalized career guidance, mentorship, skills development, and access to essential tools and employment opportunities that support successful transitions from post-secondary education into meaningful careers.

The EmpowerAbility Program is focused on building connections between students and employers, creating new talent pipelines and supporting employers to become more disability confident — recognizing the value of disability-inclusive hiring and strengthening their ability to recruit, retain, and support employees with disabilities.

“This program is a gamechanger,” said Andrew Lo, President and CEO, Embark. “By taking a 360-degree approach, we have the potential to drive lasting social impact and foster more accessible and inclusive workplaces.”

Co-designed with people who have lived experience and informed by students with disabilities, the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequality.

“We’ve taken tangible first steps toward our goal of empowering students,” said Lisa Cohen, Manager, EmpowerAbility. “By adhering to our core design principles, we are committed to cultivating disability confident employers and supporting student transitions to meaningful employment.”

“We are thrilled to partner with an organization like Embark that is so dedicated to making a positive change by advancing post-secondary career supports and inclusivity,” said Bob Eichvald, Director, Career Centre. “As a leader and innovator in promoting accessibility, York University is expertly positioned to create and direct program design to address these distinct needs.”

Launched in 2023, the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program provides funding for innovative programs, initiatives or services that support student success before, during and beyond their post-secondary years. Through this grant program, Embark wishes to partner with post-secondary educational institutions in their efforts to advance access, agency and innovation that will empower students to take hold of their future.

Embark Student Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation and owner of Embark Student Corp., a proud Canadian resource for education savings and planning.

Andrew Lo, President and CEO, Embark (centre left), Bob Eichvald, Director, Career Centre, York University (centre) and representatives of the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program meet with the inspiring Co-Op & Career Centre team at York University.