About Us
Our Story
Canada SCORES is a registered Canadian charity founded in Burnaby, British Columbia. Our journey began in June 2013 delivering our unique after-school programming at no cost to families in January 2014 with 45 students in 3 Burnaby elementary schools. Today, we have grown to support over 200 students, grades 4-7, through partnerships with 14 schools from Burnaby, Surrey, New Westminster and Vancouver. In 2024, Canada SCORES is expanding to the Greater Toronto Area under the banner of Canada SCORES Toronto.
Our Mission
Canada SCORES envisions a world where all youth find their voice, achieve their goals and reach their full potential. We inspire urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. Our goal is to provide a safe and motivating space for youth to gain the confidence to make a change in not only themselves, but their communities.
Why Are We Needed?
Poverty
One in four children in Canada are living in poverty.
Literacy
Approximately 25 per cent of Grade 3 children in Canada are not reading at their grade level. Canada scores 18th in a global ranking of Grade 4 readers.
Health
More than half of Canadian children and youth are not active enough for optimal growth and development.
Only 9% of Canadian kids aged 5 to 17 get the 60 minutes of activity they need each day.
Crime
On weekdays youth crime peaks (20%) in the late afternoon between the end of the school day and supper-time
Our Impact
Social and Emotional Development
Our participants experience improved self-esteem, empathy, conflict resolution and teamwork
Academic Engagement & Achievement
Attitudes and engagements towards school are improved by our participants as well as their writing and speaking skills.
Physical Health &
Well-being
Canada SCORES participants develop better physical fitness, have improved attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle and demonstrate more healthy habits
Connectedness
As a result of our unique program, our poet-athletes demonstrate an increased sense of connection with their community.
Testimonials
"From day one I have seen my child grow and develop. In my opinion I see a strong overall improvement in his self-esteem and in his interactions with other children.
The small group settings and encouraging environment does miracles for the children."
Jennifer - A Proud Parent
“I have seen a number of students develop new friendships within the program, both within their own
school and with students from other schools.
There is a genuine sense of inclusiveness that develops from the beginning to the end of the program that makes every student feel like they are part of a team.”
A Canada SCORES Coach
“Our students look forward to Canada Scores and are excited to participate in the program.
The staff are friendly and go out of their way to make children feel included! It has been a wonderful program for students at our school.”
A Partner School