For many Calgary students, finishing high school can be an uphill climb—but programs like All In for Youth (AIFY) are helping them reach the top.
In this episode of Hope in Action, United Way Campaign Co-Chair Linda Olsen sits down with Aiden Starr, a recent graduate of Jack James High School, and his AIFY Success Coach Christian Garcia. Together, they share how mentorship and wrap-around support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Aiden is a talented graphic artist who redesigned his school’s logo and recently earned the Burns Legacy Scholarship to study Visual Effects and 3D Animation at Bow Valley College. Through AIFY, he was connected to mentorship and job opportunities that have helped him take the next step toward his goals.
“Chris and All In for Youth have been a big part of the application process. They’ve also helped me a lot with my literacy as well.” – Aiden Starr on how All In for Youth and United Way have helped support his academic development.
AIFY is one of United Way’s signature initiatives, helping students overcome barriers to high school completion and transition into adulthood. In partnership with the Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District, YMCA Calgary, Trellis Society and more, AIFY offers tutoring, mental health supports and financial assistance to remove barriers. By connecting youth with mentors, success coaches and other caring adults, the program fosters healthy adult youth connections that build brighter futures.
A key part of this support comes through Barrier Removal Funds—a cornerstone of AIFY—directly addressing urgent needs like food, transportation, medical costs and school supplies for vulnerable students. These funds provide essentials like food, winter clothing, technology and even safety equipment for apprenticeships, making a tangible difference in students’ lives so that they can stay focused on school and on track to graduate. In 2024–2025 alone, $172,150 was administered across 48 Calgary schools, removing thousands of barriers for youth. Since 2013, over $760,000 has removed more than 32,900 barriers for high school and junior high students.
Your support helps ensure more students like Aiden have the chance to reach their potential—with the right help at the right time.
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