Building a Foundation for Calgary’s Future

The Cause

We are applying to Field Law to request funding for 270 Junior High students in the community of Ogden of Calgary to participate in the Heroes, Heroes 2 and Heroes are Warriors programs. The Heroes program suite, developed by the Calgary-based non-profit: Impact Society, empowers youth to uncover their unique gifts and abilities, enabling them to positively transform their own lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Specifically, this program takes youth on a journey to build confidence, character, integrity and discover their purpose. This program fosters student engagement through meaningful conversations while helping build a sense of community among peers.

The future of Calgary resides with those learning within the 4 walls of a classroom. The demand for leaders in the workforce continues to increase. The Heroes suite of programs aims to address this by supporting students on a journey of self-discovery and resilience building. Students coming out of the program with strong self-confidence, empathy, and communication skills will be ready, able and willing to answer this call.

The Heroes programs take approximately 12 health and wellness classes to complete. This provides scaffolding learning opportunities that achieve curriculum outcomes and allows educators to identify at-risk students who may need additional support to reach their potential. Over 15,000 students across Canada completed a Heroes program, with over 10,000 in Alberta during the 2023/2024 school year. With program enrollment experiencing consistent year-over-year growth, Impact Society remains driven to support schools in securing funding to cover the costs. As of this year, there are 270 students in the city of Calgary who have recently registered to take part in the Heroes Program who were unable to secure funding.

Educators in schools are trained by Heroes program staff and have autonomy of the program's delivery cadence. Programs will be made available for the start of the Second Semester (Late January 2025/ early February) and will be completed by June 30, 2025.

We believe the Heroes program aligns with Field Law's community giving priorities by supporting education, youth mental health, at-risk youth, and promoting diversity, equity, and positive community impact. This initiative also reflects the Heroes mission to "empower youth and transform communities," making it a strong fit for your support.

Who Will it Benefit?

Students: By garnering support from Field Law, the Heroes program will empower a diverse range of students, including those from LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC communities. This program engages all students in grades 7-9 in an immersive journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It helps them not only identify their unique strengths but also equips them to live confidently from a place of empowerment, benefiting both themselves and their communities. The program’s proven ability to increase long-term resiliency by 45% means that students will be better equipped to handle life’s challenges, fostering a generation of resilient, confident, and capable individuals.

Educators: Educator burnout is at an all-time high due to factors such as class sizes and limited resources available. One of the greatest advantages for educators teaching this program is its alignment with up to 76% of Health and Wellness Curriculum outcomes. It serves as a plug-and-play resource, significantly reducing prep time. Given that the Heroes suite is research-backed and proven to show notable enhancements, it provides reassurance to educators knowing that they are adding value and acting as a key stakeholder in creating positive change among youth. Additionally, each educator is matched with a Program Coordinator and is invited to participate in our Heroes Community for ongoing support.

Calgary and the Community of Ogden: The broader community of Ogden will benefit from the positive changes in its youth. As students develop greater resilience and confidence, they are more likely to engage in community activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles. This creates a more vibrant, supportive, and cohesive community. The Heroes program’s focus on personal strengths and healthy risk-taking fosters a culture of kindness, respect, and mutual support, which can lead to long-term societal benefits that will be reflected throughout the entirety of the city.