Photo of a LiftED program participant at a desk with markers and smiling at the camera

Unlocking Potential

LiftED is an organization that empowers local youth in senior kindergarten to Grade 12 by providing enriched and free literacy and leadership development programs after school and during the summer.

Our Programs

Our programs run in underserved Toronto communities with higher rates of child poverty and unemployment: St. James Town, Scarborough, Jane and Driftwood, and Thorncliffe Park.

Photo of four LEAP into Literacy Summer Day Camp program participants and one volunteer standing in a park and smiling at the camera

The LiftED Literacy Programs

These literacy programs encourage an enjoyment and love of reading. They help students to become strong readers, writers, and communicators.

Photo of Take the LEAD program participants sitting around a large debate table equipped with microphones

The LiftED Leadership Programs

These leadership programs help youth build confidence and develop teamwork, time-management, goal-setting, and communication skills.

Photo of two LiftED program participants drawing at a desk

Photo of a group of LiftED program participants standing in a gym and holding hands in a circle

The LiftED Literacy Programs

Literacy levels are directly connected to the most pressing social and economic issues, including unemployment, poverty, homelessness, health, rates of incarceration, social assistance, and child well-being. Research has shown that children with strong early literacy skills are less likely to rely on social assistance and will have higher employment rates, contributing positively to the economy. Individuals with low literacy skills are disproportionately represented in correctional facilities and public health systems.

Students who struggle with reading by Grade 3 are more likely to face ongoing academic challenges and are at higher risk for not completing high school.

Early literacy plays a critical role in improving graduation rates and reducing dropout risks, particularly for youth from low-income communities.

Sources

The LiftED Literacy Programs help contribute to an overall positive impact on students’ grades, academic achievements, and self-esteem.

All programs are offered free of charge for students from our Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board partner schools: Brookview Middle School, Driftwood Public School, Firgrove Public School, Gosford Public School, Heather Heights Jr. Public School & Ben Heppner Vocal Music Academy, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Rose Avenue Jr. Public School, Shoreham Public School, St. Thomas More Catholic School, Thorncliffe Park Public School, Valley Park Middle School, Winchester Jr. Public School, and Woburn Jr. Public School.

JUMP Math LEAP into Literacy Summer Day Camp March Break Math Literacy Reading Buddies Saturday Morning Literacy Club

Photo of eight Take the LEAD program participants standing in a classroom and holding up program completion certificates

The LiftED Leadership Programs

Leadership capabilities enable positive growth and life-skills learning that youth will pass on to their peers and other members of their communities.

“I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was young. Take the LEAD has inspired me to take risks and be brave. I also now want to give back. Once I become a lawyer, I’ll have another organization to help a community in need. If there’s a community that’s really in need, I want to give back all the skills I’ve learned such as creativity, trust, and teamwork to create initiatives and be professional as a lawyer.”

Abubakar

LiftED Program Participant (2023–Present)

“I wanted to come back as a volunteer because last year, there was a volunteer who worked with our group and helped us so much. I really looked up to him and wanted to do the same now that I am in high school. When I participated in Take the LEAD last year, I learned a lot about leadership and communication. It’s an educational program where you can learn and also have fun and work with others. I highly recommend this program to students; it’s a great place to learn and grow. I can’t wait to volunteer again next year!”

Sandilimaravan

LiftED Program Participant (2022–Present)

“I can remember when I first joined the Take the LEAD program, I was a very quiet kid. I didn’t know anyone at the time, and it was difficult for me to get out of my comfort zone. However, with some time and the amazing leaders in my class, I was able to open up, and I gained quite the social skills. I felt comfortable in the program to speak up, which gave me a push, allowing me to open up to new opportunities such as public speaking. Without that push, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Pireetha

LiftED Program Participant (2018–2019)

“I joined Take the LEAD in Grade 7 and have been a part of this program for three years now. As my first time volunteering for this program, I have witnessed a great deal of growth from the students and dedication towards their passion in making a change in their community. I will not be surprised that they will embody great leaders in the future. Take the LEAD has helped me in a variety of ways. As a student, I was extremely passionate about my Community Action Project. We worked on it for two consecutive years during Take the LEAD, and the program was online. This year, as a volunteer, I was able to mentor current Take the LEAD students and get to experience what the program is like in person. I was able to help the students plan, share challenges I had faced, and give them feedback on their presentations. I appreciate this opportunity to continue developing my leadership skills as a volunteer and contribute to making a change in our community.”

Oswald

LiftED Program Participant (2019–2023)

Watch our videos on how we are Changing Futures By LEADing and Unlocking Potential Through Outdoor Leadership.

Environmental LEADERS Take the LEAD – a Community Action Club