Programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.