Britannia Community Services Centre Society
This free, culturally-safe basketball program eliminates barriers for urban Indigenous youth, providing weekly practices, meals, transportation, and mentorship alongside skill-building and leadership development through community engagement and cultural sessions.
Britannia Support Society
Britannia Support Society operates two buses serving five schools and non-profits, enabling over 25 trips monthly for field trips, sports, arts, and community events. By covering transportation costs, the program allows schools to redirect limited budgets toward educational experiences and student needs.
The Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Society
This free, 8-week program empowers grades 8-12 students with essential life skills including communication, teamwork, and mental health awareness. Delivered in collaboration with BC Filipino Therapists, it provides culturally responsive wrap-around supports and a safe community space, particularly for newcomers and underserved youth.
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
Kiwassa's free, full-day Spring Break Camp removes barriers for 30 inner-city children ages 5–12, offering safe supervision, nutritious meals, and enriching programming in arts, literacy, sports, and community engagement. By prioritizing low-income families, the program enables children to thrive while supporting working parents during school closures.
VSB: Graham Bruce Elementary School
This engaging program fosters a love of reading through Battle of the Books competitions and Literacy Week activities, featuring diverse, inclusive stories that help all students see themselves in literature. Interactive events, peer presentations, and community chalk poetry celebrations ensure every learner experiences reading success and belonging.
VSB: Lord Strathcona Elemetary School (Indigenous Education Program)
This transformative program empowers Indigenous students at Lord Strathcona Elementary to reclaim cultural identity by creating traditional regalia under elder guidance. Participants develop leadership skills, artistic capacity, and community connections while preparing meaningful graduation regalia rooted in their heritage.
VSB: Britannia Secondary School
The CanSAT Design Challenge empowers Canadian students to design and launch satellite prototypes while developing critical STEM and project management skills. Britannia's teams have earned national recognition, with recent winners advancing to the European Space Agency program—accessible only through community funding support.
VSB: Books for Snacks
Books for Snacks pairs Grade 5-6 at-risk learners with caring mentors for twice-weekly, individualized reading sessions featuring levelled books and nutritious snacks. This innovative program simultaneously addresses literacy gaps and food insecurity, fostering reading confidence and social skills in a safe, supportive community environment.
Vancouver Hawks Field Hockey Club
The Vancouver Hawks Elementary Schools Program brings free, high-quality field hockey instruction directly into Vancouver schools, removing barriers of cost and access. With coaches who are elite female athletes, the program prioritizes inclusion for underrepresented groups, reaching 5,000 students annually while building confidence and fostering belonging.
VSB: John Henderson Elementary
Evans Lake offers Grade 7 students transformative outdoor learning through activities like canoeing, archery, and wilderness skills. This program builds essential life skills—communication, teamwork, and confidence—while fostering environmental stewardship. Henderson Elementary ensures equitable access for all families, removing financial barriers to this impactful educational experience.
Thrive Youth Development Canada
Learn Create Explore is a free, in-school arts leadership program for children aged 9-13 in under-resourced Vancouver communities. Through five weekly 90-minute workshops featuring diverse artistic disciplines, students build confidence, communication skills, and leadership potential while strengthening peer connections—reaching students who might otherwise lack access to enrichment opportunities.
The Dance Centre
Power of Dance brings free, professional-led dance workshops directly into Vancouver's inner-city schools, eliminating barriers to arts access for economically disadvantaged children. Through movement integrated with curriculum, students build physical skills, emotional resilience, and confidence while experiencing belonging and cultural appreciation in a safe, inclusive environment.
Stephanie DiGiacomo
This program removes barriers to winter sports by providing Grade 7 students with affordable, accessible instruction they couldn't otherwise experience. Small group lessons help students progress through skill levels, fostering confidence and opening new recreational opportunities for underserved community members.
United for Literacy
United for Literacy delivers free, community-partnered literacy and numeracy programs—including homework clubs, summer camps, and tutoring—designed for underserved youth. With proven results (94% reading improvement), the program builds essential skills while fostering confidence and empowerment in low-income, newcomer, and racialized communities.
VSB: Britannia Secondary
Robotics Club offers free, hands-on robotics and coding workshops led by high school students for elementary participants in Vancouver. Using accessible LEGO-based platforms and flexible coding options, the program removes financial barriers while building essential STEM skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork in an inclusive, engaging environment.
EYA Environmental Youth Alliance Society
Nature Stewards empowers 200 inner-city youth ages 14-18 through free, land-based education in ecological restoration, plant medicine, and Indigenous knowledge. Participants develop leadership skills, environmental stewardship, and cultural connection while restoring East Vancouver habitats—all with full support removing barriers to access.
Growing Chefs
Growing Chefs Society's LunchLAB empowers students in Vancouver's inner-city schools with food literacy and culinary skills while ensuring equitable access to nourishing meals. Through chef mentorship and hands-on cooking, the program builds confidence and belonging while nourishing over 600 students across five school communities.
The University of British Columbia
UBC CampOUT! is a fully-funded, four-day outdoor leadership camp for Two-Spirit, queer, and trans youth ages 14-21 across BC and Yukon. Through decolonizing, anti-racist programming and peer connection, participants develop essential leadership and wellness skills while accessing safe community and resources addressing systemic barriers.
VSB: Thunderbird School
Tennis XL brings expert instruction and equipment directly to Thunderbird School, offering all students daily lessons across one week. This grassroots program breaks down financial barriers, providing first-hand exposure to tennis while fostering physical literacy, mutual respect, and positive competition among diverse learners.
VSB: Gladstone Secondary
PREP Gladstone provides specialized support for students with diverse learning needs, enabling them to earn their high school diploma in a smaller, nurturing environment while developing essential job skills and real work experience to launch successful careers.
VSB: Captain James Cook Elementary School
Takaya Tours offers Grade 7 students an immersive, land-based learning experience led by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Students explore traditional waterways by canoe, engage with Indigenous stories and songs, then discover local ecosystems through guided rainforest walks—fostering cultural understanding and environmental stewardship.
Amy Weeks
The Strathcona Backpack Program removes food insecurity barriers for 135 families, delivering $75-$100 in fresh, nutritious groceries weekly to support child development and academic success. Beyond nutrition, the program fosters community connection and youth engagement through cultural celebrations and active participation in local initiatives.
Theatre Replacement Society
PantoLand and PantoTown are five-day summer workshops where kids aged 5-13 collaborate with professional performers and accredited teachers to explore theatre, dance, music, and creative character-building. Rooted in Theatre Replacement's beloved East Van Panto tradition, these affordable, accessible camps foster young artists' confidence and creative expression while featuring world-class local guest instructors.
VSB: Admiral Seymour Elementary
Hope & Health combines soccer training with Indigenous teachings to build physical literacy and emotional wellness in underserved youth. Led by local Indigenous coaches, each session weaves mindfulness and cultural values into dynamic skill-building, creating a holistic, inclusive athletic experience free to all participants.
Eastside Family Place Society
Jump Into Music is an interactive, professionally-led program that builds school-readiness for children under 5 through music, movement, and storytelling alongside their parents. Offered weekly at Eastside Family Place, it strengthens early literacy, physical development, and parental engagement while celebrating diverse cultural traditions.
Kiwassa Variety Club Daycare
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House offers an inclusive, play-based daycare program for children ages 2.5-5 years in the inner city. Through engaging activities, children develop essential skills in arts, sports, literacy, and social interaction, while financial assistance ensures the program remains accessible to all families in the community.
The Gladstone After School Tutorial Program offers vital academic support through dedicated teacher volunteers and peer tutors, ensuring all students have access to quality educational assistance regardless of financial circumstances. With a 15-year track record of success, this program creates opportunities for academic achievement in an inclusive, supportive environment.
Miscellaneous Productions Society
MISCELLANEOUS Productions' innovative co-creation project combines hip hop, contemporary dance, theatre, and photography to amplify student voices through culturally-rooted storytelling. Free to Grade 5/6 students at Lord Strathcona Elementary, this multi-disciplinary program builds artistic skills while creating a safe, inclusive creative environment led by professional artists and specially-trained staff.
VSB: Lord Strathcona Elementary
This enriching program provides inner-city students from Vancouver's Downtown East Side with unique field-trip opportunities to explore Indigenous heritage, natural sciences, and physics through hands-on experiences. By removing financial barriers, students can engage with local Indigenous knowledge-keepers, visit cultural sites, and discover the natural world around them.
The Britannia Tour Band offers students an immersive musical experience, culminating in participation at the prestigious Con Brio Whistler Music Festival alongside 1,200 international musicians. This fully-equipped program provides instruments, training, and performance opportunities at no cost, helping East Vancouver youth develop musical excellence while building lasting connections in the global music community.
The Writers' Exchange Society
The Writers' Exchange Dinner Club combines literacy enrichment, life skills development, and community building for grades 7-12 students through bi-weekly gatherings. Youth engage in creative writing, homework support, and collaborative meal planning while forming lasting connections with peers and mentors—all in a supportive environment that addresses both educational and nutritional needs.
VSB: Britannia Elementary
youthLEADarts transforms young lives through immersive arts-based leadership programs, focusing on underserved communities at no cost to participants. Professional artists and cultural leaders guide students through photography, writing, and public speaking projects, helping them develop confidence, marketable skills, and a strong voice while making meaningful contributions to their community.
VSB: Kristen Quesnelle
The All Nations Room Support program creates an inclusive space where Indigenous students and families can connect, learn, and thrive. Through daily student programming and monthly family meetings, participants develop essential skills while receiving practical supports like transportation assistance. This culturally safe environment helps foster academic success and community belonging.
This immersive farm experience at Southlands Heritage Farm offers inner-city students from Strathcona Elementary hands-on learning through direct interaction with animals, gardening, and farm activities. Students develop environmental stewardship and caring skills while exploring a safe, well-maintained heritage farm setting, making agriculture accessible to urban youth.
VSB: G.T. Cunningham Elementary
Killarney Ice Arena offers an inclusive skating program that introduces inner-city students to ice skating while promoting physical activity and community engagement. This fully-funded initiative ensures that students from Cunningham Elementary, regardless of economic background, can experience the joy of skating and access local recreational facilities.
VSB: Thunderbird šxʷəxʷaʔəs Elementary School
Family Learning Night brings together students, parents, and educators for an engaging evening of hands-on learning activities, cultural presentations, and take-home resources. This free program features interactive literacy and numeracy stations, traditional games, and family-friendly dinner, empowering parents to support their children's education while strengthening school-home connections.
VSB: Vancouver Alternate Secondary Schools
This unique outdoor education program combines Indigenous perspectives with adventure-based learning, offering youth the chance to earn credits while developing leadership skills in nature. Through a partnership with Outward Bound Canada, students explore environmental science and First Nations studies while building confidence through hands-on outdoor experiences.
VSB: Lord Beaconsfield Elementary- Vancouver School Board
Beaconsfield Elementary offers inclusive after-school sports programs that make athletics accessible to all students in grades 4-7, regardless of financial means or skill level. Through soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more, students develop teamwork skills and confidence in a supportive environment while building healthy, active lifestyles.
VSB: Mona Francis
Growing Chefs brings professional chefs into the classroom to guide students through the complete journey of food production - from planting seeds to preparing meals. This hands-on program empowers students of all abilities to grow their own vegetables, learn essential culinary skills, and develop a meaningful connection to healthy food choices through direct experience.
East Van Inner-City Golf breaks down financial barriers by introducing underprivileged youth to the sport of golf through comprehensive lessons and course access. Students develop valuable athletic abilities and leadership skills while experiencing a sport typically beyond their reach, opening new doors for personal growth and achievement.
A.S.T.C. Science World Society
Super Science Club provides free, hands-on STEAM education to 750 inner-city elementary students annually through weekly after-school sessions at 20+ Vancouver locations. This award-winning program removes barriers to science learning by providing materials, snacks, and family Science World memberships, helping spark curiosity and build confidence in young scientists from high-need communities.
VSB: John Oliver Secondary School
John Oliver Secondary's Music Program offers students a transformative 6-day journey through Alberta, combining musical performance opportunities, cultural exploration, and hands-on learning. This district-approved trip features workshops at the University of Calgary, performances across multiple cities, and visits to world-class institutions, while ensuring accessibility for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Britannia Graduation Ceremony celebrates student achievement while ensuring accessibility for all graduates from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside community. Through financial assistance and a convenient location, this meaningful event enables every student to share their academic, athletic, and community service accomplishments with family members, regardless of economic circumstances.
The Robotics Club offers students hands-on experience building and programming robots while developing crucial STEM skills through team-based projects and competitions. This free, accessible program removes financial barriers to robotics education, enabling participants to create everything from RC cars to electronic cranes while fostering problem-solving abilities and creativity.
Leaky Heaven Performance Society
"The Chase" is an innovative film and performance program that empowers children from Stamps Place Public Housing Complex through creative collaboration with professional artists. Through hands-on workshops in filmmaking, performance, and art-making, participants create their own silent film while developing valuable skills and confidence in a supportive community environment.
The Kiwassa Swim/Bike Club offers free, professional swimming lessons and bicycle training for children ages 5-12, removing financial barriers to essential life skills. This comprehensive program combines certified instruction, all necessary equipment, and dedicated supervision to ensure every child has the opportunity to master swimming and cycling in a safe, supportive environment.
This innovative performing arts program offers free dance and theatre workshops to students at Lord Strathcona Elementary, with a focus on serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. Through professionally-led sessions, participants develop artistic skills, build confidence, and engage in creative collaboration while learning in a safe, supportive environment.
Kiwassa's Nest Summer Break Camp provides free, full-day programming for inner-city children aged 5-12, offering a safe, enriching environment where kids can thrive through arts, sports, cooking, and educational activities. This comprehensive program serves working families by combining essential care with dynamic learning experiences, all delivered by certified professionals in an accessible community setting.
VSB: χpey̓ Elementary School
Studio 101 brings professional artists directly to Vancouver Eastside youth through immersive, hands-on workshops in real artist studios and classrooms. This free program reaches 240+ students annually, providing unique opportunities for creative exploration while building artistic confidence and skills under expert guidance—often marking students' first interaction with professional artists.
VSB: Grandview/¿UUQINAK’UUH Elementary
Through hands-on drum and rattle making, this cultural program immerses 6th and 7th grade students in authentic Indigenous traditions. Guided by Indigenous staff, students create their own traditional instruments while learning about Indigenous culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation in an inclusive, supportive environment.
Vancouver Moving Theatre Society
Roots & Rhythms connects Downtown Eastside youth with Indigenous artists, elders, and cultural carriers through interactive workshops, performances, and storytelling sessions. This free program creates accessible spaces for elementary students to experience traditional drumming, dancing, and cultural teachings while building meaningful connections with Indigenous community leaders and traditions.
Elevate is a comprehensive year-round mentorship program that supports boys in grades 7-9 through their critical transition to high school. Led by trusted community mentors, the program combines leadership development, life skills training, and community engagement to help youth build confidence, capability, and resilience while creating pathways to success.
Mom2Mom Child Poverty Initiative Society
Happy Healthy Children removes financial barriers for children of single mothers living in poverty to participate in vital extracurricular activities like sports, arts, and tutoring. By covering 100% of program costs and offering streamlined, low-barrier access, we help children develop essential life skills while supporting their mental and physical wellbeing.
Vancouver Choral Arts Society
The Vancouver Youth Choir Bursary and Subsidy Program provides accessible, high-quality music education to young singers aged 5-24, regardless of financial circumstances. Through strategic rehearsal locations and comprehensive financial support, this transformative program ensures every child has the opportunity to develop musical excellence while building confidence and community connections.
AIRS Program Society
AIRS brings professional artists into under-served Vancouver elementary schools for year-long residencies, creating dedicated studio spaces where students explore diverse art forms and express themselves creatively. Through hands-on, culturally inclusive programming, AIRS helps over 4,000 students build confidence, process emotions, and develop artistic skills that might otherwise be inaccessible to them.
VSB: Britannia Secondary - Outreach Alternative Program
The Outreach Alternative Program provides Indigenous and non-Indigenous students with a culturally-responsive learning environment that breaks down educational barriers through innovative programming. This unique district-wide initiative combines traditional academic instruction with transformative experiences like wilderness education, fostering both personal growth and academic success.
Theatre Replacement
PantoLand + PantoTown offers transformative 5-day theatre workshops where kids and tweens (ages 5-13) learn from professional artists while creating their own Panto-inspired performances. Led by experienced educators and featuring guest instructors in music, dance, and drag, these affordable camps provide a unique blend of theatrical training and creative expression in an inclusive environment.
Red Fox Healthy Living Society
Red Fox Healthy Living Society offers free, culturally-enriched programs that empower Indigenous and newcomer youth through traditional drum groups and active play activities. Led by Indigenous staff and trained youth leaders, these accessible programs foster essential life skills, cultural pride, and community connections while creating safe, supportive spaces for participants to thrive.
VSB: Strathcona Elementary School
Strathcona's Annual Pride Parade unites local schools in a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion, culminating in a festive gathering at Maclean Park with music, activities, and treats. This meaningful community event creates a supportive space for underprivileged students while fostering understanding and acceptance among all participants.
The Landing Youth Centre (Formerly: Face Of Today Foundation)
The Vault Studio Program empowers at-risk youth through free, professional music production and audio engineering training in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Led by experienced mentors, participants develop creative, technical, and life skills while accessing state-of-the-art equipment in a safe, supportive environment. The program is expanding in 2025 to offer enhanced multimedia opportunities.
EYA Environmental Youth Alliance
Land Guardians is a transformative program connecting urban Indigenous and equity-denied youth with traditional ecological knowledge and hands-on environmental leadership skills. Through guidance from Indigenous Elders and BIPOC educators, participants engage in land-based learning, native plant cultivation, and cultural teachings while developing confidence and community connections in a supportive environment.
VSB: Thunderbird Elementary School
The Thunderbird Library Summer Reading Club empowers students to build their personal libraries by selecting up to five books to take home over summer break. This innovative program removes access barriers to reading materials while fostering literacy skills and a love of reading through peer book-sharing, setting students up for greater academic success.
The Writers' Exchange
The Writers' Exchange Summer Literacy Programs transform learning for under-resourced youth ages 6-18 through creative, interest-driven literacy activities that make reading and writing fun. Participants develop confidence and skills while connecting with mentors, enjoying nutritious meals, and becoming published authors—all in a safe, supportive environment that celebrates their unique voices and stories.
Strathcona Community Centre Association
The Strathcona Backpack Program provides weekly nutritious food hampers to 160 local families with school-aged children, helping eliminate hunger as a barrier to education and community participation. Beyond food security, this culturally-responsive program creates valuable community connections through shared celebrations and youth engagement activities in a welcoming environment.
Leave Out Violence (LOVE) Society BC
The Media Arts Program empowers youth aged 13-18 through free, weekly after-school sessions focused on photography, video production, and digital storytelling. In a safe, supportive environment, participants develop creative skills while building confidence, reducing isolation, and improving mental wellness through hands-on projects and collaborative learning opportunities.
Some Assembly Arts Society
The Roundhouse Youth Theatre Action Group (RHYTAG) empowers diverse inner-city youth to create and perform original theatre addressing critical social issues. Through this 10-month program, participants work alongside professional artists to develop valuable life skills while producing powerful performances that spark community dialogue. Free to join, the program provides mentorship, support services, and honoraria for participants.
Little Sprouts connects young children and their caregivers with nature through hands-on gardening experiences at Britannia Secondary's community garden. Through guided activities, guest speakers, and creative projects, families learn about growing food, environmental stewardship, and natural sciences while building community connections in an engaging outdoor setting.
YMCA BC
The YMCA Lord Roberts Kids Club Food Program provides vulnerable children with hearty, nutritious after-school meals in a safe, supportive environment. This innovative program tackles food insecurity while enabling children to fully engage in homework help and physical activities, ensuring they have the energy and focus needed to thrive academically and socially.
VSB: Queen Alexandra Elementary School
Camp Jubilee offers inner-city Grade 7 students a transformative three-day outdoor experience, combining adventure activities like kayaking and wilderness skills with valuable leadership development. This fully-supported program breaks down financial barriers, allowing students to build confidence and independence while experiencing nature in a safe, structured environment—often for the first time.
VSB: Britannia Community Secondary
Britannia's Grad 2025 Dinner and Dance provides an inclusive celebration for graduating students, ensuring all can participate regardless of financial circumstances. Through community support, this signature event reduces ticket costs and offers full sponsorships, making this milestone celebration accessible to every graduating student.
COLLINGWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE SOCIETY
Kids Kitchen empowers youth to develop culinary skills while building community, as participants work together to prepare meals for over 100 peers during weekend programs. This hands-on experience combines practical cooking education with leadership development in a safe, supportive environment that fosters belonging and positive relationship-building.
Growing Chefs empowers students with hands-on experience in growing their own food and transforming it into delicious meals. Through expert-led sessions at schools, children learn the complete journey from seed to table, developing essential gardening and culinary skills while fostering a deeper connection to healthy, sustainable food choices.