WHAT WE DO

About UpStart

UpStart began in 1998, when United Way of Calgary and Area realized more effort was needed to ensure every child has a chance to grow up great. The initiative, then known as the Calgary Children’s Initiative, has grown into a community-based movement that works to support children from cradle to career-readiness.

UpStart bring together community leaders from the justice system, health care, social services, education and youth-serving organizations. By collaborating with these community partners, the organization can work to create the change that no single organization could achieve on its own. The goal is to ensure that all kids have access to the experiences and supports they need to succeed.

Priority Areas

There are clearly identified milestones during childhood and adolescence where supports must be in place. UpStart focuses on four distinct priority areas:

• Early Years/School Readiness focuses on ensuring all children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed. The foundation for lifetime success is built in early childhood. A child’s experience in the early years impacts language, behaviour, mental and physical health and life-long learning.
• School Community Collaboration focuses on ensuring equal access to quality after-school recreational programs. This is critical for children and youth. Those with access to programming during the period of 3 to 6 pm do better in school and avoid risky behaviours.
• High School Completion supports a long-term vision that will see all Alberta youth complete high school. Research shows a direct correlation between high school completion and the investment made in youth long before high school.
• The Aboriginal Youth & Education Strategy is developing Full Circle, a holistic model of service delivery, to influence change for Aboriginal youth by ensuring they stay in school, do well in school and compelte high school.

For more detailed information about UpStart and its partners, strategies and results visit: www.upstartchampions.ca