As students head back to school, demand for academic support is growing. Through United Way’s All In for Youth initiative and longstanding support from Imperial, we are helping more Calgary students get the help and confidence they need to keep going.
For some students, a tough math problem is just a tough math problem.
For others, falling behind can mean losing confidence, worrying about graduation or questioning whether the future they imagined is still within reach.
Academic support can make a big difference far beyond the classroom.
Through its continued support of All In for Youth, Imperial has helped expand access to free tutoring through YMCA Calgary’s Tutoring Table, including support in biology, physics and chemistry.
And more students are asking for help.
In 2025–26, 1,129 students participated in tutoring, that’s a 31 percent increase from the previous year. But demand outpaced capacity: 1,918 students applied and 522 were waitlisted.
The message is clear: the need is growing.
More support, where students need it.
Support in STEM subjects like biology, physics, chemistry and math can help students build confidence in the courses that open doors to post-secondary education, skilled trades, technology, energy and other career pathways.
With free small-group tutoring available at 11 Calgary locations and online, more students can get support in a way that works for their lives, reducing barriers like transportation, scheduling and affordability.
In 2025–26, 490 students were supported with science, including 156 in chemistry, 122 in biology, 85 in physics and 127 in general science.
For one Physics 20 student, the course material initially felt overwhelming, and asking questions did not come easily. However, with steady support from a tutor, they began working through challenging problems, participating more actively and building the confidence to keep going in a subject that once felt out of reach.
For a Chemistry 30 student balancing school and work, tutoring offered consistent encouragement at a time when staying engaged was not always easy. A tutor helped her make the most of each session, maintain strong grades and feel supported as she pushed through a demanding course.
Math remains another critical area of support, with 840 students accessing help in 2025–26.
Through All In for Youth, YMCA Calgary delivers targeted math supports, including three-week Diploma Prep courses twice a year and summer programming for students taking summer school or preparing for high school math.
But the real impact isn’t just better grades.
The latest results show 70 percent of participating students improved in math, while 51 percent reported better school attendance.
And the gains extend beyond academics: 79 percent developed a more positive attitude toward themselves, and 72 percent felt more confident achieving their goals.
A parent saw the difference firsthand:
“We have noticed a significant improvement in his math marks. I am truly grateful for all the help you have provided.”
For one student at the Shawnessy YMCA, the encouragement mattered just as much as the tutoring:
“There were moments when I doubted myself, but your encouragement gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.”
That’s at the heart of All In for Youth.
Because sometimes what a young person needs most is someone in their corner, someone who can help them understand the work, believe in themselves and keep going when things get hard.
“At the heart of All In for Youth is the belief that young people thrive when they are surrounded by the right supports and positive adult relationships,” said Monique Blough, Director, Children and Youth Initiatives at United Way of Calgary and Area. “Through partnerships with organizations like YMCA Calgary and donors like Imperial, we can help more students access the encouragement, academic support and opportunities they need to stay connected to school and plan for their futures.”
When a community shows up, possibilities grow.
It takes a community to make this support possible.
United Way brings partners together. YMCA Calgary delivers the tutoring. Volunteers share their time and expertise. And donors like Imperial help expand proven supports so more students can access them.
“Our partnership with United Way’s All In for Youth program reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said James Kusie, Vice-President of Public and Government Affairs, Imperial. “We’re proud to support a program that inspires youth to explore science and the technologies of tomorrow to imagine what’s possible. Together, we’re helping students gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.”
For a student, that investment might mean finally understanding chemistry, feeling prepared for a diploma exam or finding the confidence to tackle a course that once felt impossible.
It can mean something even bigger: believing they can succeed and seeing a future worth working toward.
Because falling behind shouldn’t decide what comes next.
Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow and build a future.
But when support is out of reach, a difficult course can become a much bigger barrier.
As a new school year begins, All In for Youth is helping more Calgary students stay on track.
The demand is growing. So is the opportunity to make a difference.
Learn more about All In for Youth and the donors, partners and volunteers helping Calgary youth stay connected to school and their futures.