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Graduating high school sets a strong foundation for a successful and stable future — but too many families experience barriers that make it harder to stay in school. That’s why All in for Youth (AIFY) unites local services to provide students with the resources and support they need to stay in school, graduate, and build successful futures.

Success in school is about more than good grades. Healthy relationships with family and friends, secure food and housing, and mental health resources are vital in supporting students on their educational journey.

Led by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, AIFY works directly with schools, families, and community organizations to offer integrated, school-based services that help students overcome challenges related to mental health, academic success, and family stability. Our goal is to remove barriers so that every student can thrive.

This coordinated, community-driven approach is helping to create lasting change by ensuring that vulnerable youth receive the support they need—right where they need it most.

“We are able to interrupt the cycle of poverty, the cycle of trauma, and the cycle of violence…we can now start to build the strategies and skills for kiddos to start to thrive.”

(School Administrator)

Students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 are supported by this school-based, wraparound model that offers several unique advantages by tailoring six key services to the individual needs of children and families, helping them reach their full potential.

Nutrition Support: It’s hard to concentrate on school with an empty stomach. Nutritious snacks and meals are provided to AIFY students to give them fuel for the day.

Mentoring: Students connect with peer, community, or corporate mentors (e.g., from University of Alberta Law, Intact Insurance, Enbridge, EPCOR, and Tales and Talents) and receive mentoring and positive role modelling focused on building relationships and life skills.

Out of School Programming: After-school programming that is tailored to the needs and age of the students at each school and includes arts and culture activities, academic support and tutoring, health and physical activities, and games and leisure activities. Spring break and summer programming are also offered at some AIFY schools.

Success Coaching: Provides personalized learning plans, study skills development, emotional and relational skills development, and mentorship to help students stay on track to meet both academic and personal goals.

Mental Health Therapy: Therapy for students and their families focused on skill-building related to emotions, behaviours, relationships, and mental health concerns.

Roots and Wings Family Support: In-home support for parents focused on building relationships, parenting skills, and navigating and accessing other essential services (e.g., food, clothing, financial assistance, and mental health support) in order to promote healthy families.

All in for Youth is made possible through the dedication of community partners, school divisions and funders who are collectively committed to AIFY students and families.

Originally a five-year pilot program implemented in five schools, AIFY is now in its ninth year and has evolved to include eight schools, providing supports and services to more than 3,000 students and their families annually.

Ongoing review and third-party evaluation of this program confirms that AIFY is helping to create positive change in the lives of students and families, including increased high school graduation rates.

Support AIFY, Attend an Open House

Interested in learning more about this life changing program, or wondering how you can get involved? United Way’s All in for Youth Open House gives attendees a better sense of the true impact community support has on youth in our region, and the positive ripple effect that support has on our community.

Join us at St. Alphonsus School on Wednesday, June 4 to hear powerful stories of change from school staff and students. Register for a 60 minute tour and help build a stronger future for our community.

For more information on the All in for Youth program, contact Amber Petersen, Director, Corporate Partnerships – apetersen@myunitedway.ca