Maximizing the Cadet Program’s Potential
Revitalizing Phase 2 is about providing guidance to CCO stakeholders on strengthening the moderate rate of growth we are experiencing to retain more Cadets in each corps / squadron every year. It is designed to build on what has proven to be successful and other ideas we are hearing that should help invigorate this success.
We are confident that people across the organization have done a great job at attracting Cadets each year; in fact we almost reached 30,000 new Cadets this past year alone. However, upwards of 27,000 Cadets have left the program each year over the last five years and only 6.8% of these Cadets left because they aged-out. That is not so good when you compare it to the roughly 52,000 we have in the program. This is why we want to focus efforts across the organization to keep a greater number of Cadets in the program and for a longer period of time.
We know many corps / squadrons are working extremely hard and trying different things to keep Cadets involved in the program. In fact, 141 units / individuals have already been recognized as a result of their efforts through the CPGI Success Awards. These efforts are certainly paying off since we have grown the Cadet population by 5.3% in the past two years alone. This equates to 2,613 more Cadets that are experiencing our great program.
Revitalizing Phase 2 of the CPGI is really about building on the successes that have been realized during the past two years while focusing in on those specific measures that will generate greater momentum toward retaining more Cadets. The cornerstone of our success moving forward is to share and learn from our collective experiences. This is why we are focused on building our capacity to use social media as a platform to engage all Cadet Program stakeholders in this important initiative. As you continue to consider how your specific corps / squadron is doing in terms of the CPGI overall and the Top Ten List in particular, be sure to share your ideas and continue to celebrate your successes. Your efforts in Maximizing the Cadet Program's Potential for more and more Canadian youth are appreciated and already paying off!