United Way brings together social agencies, schools, organizations, and governments to make a meaningful difference in the community through local programs and services that empower people to improve their lives. By working together, we create lasting change and build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
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Home / Programs / Children and Youth / Make Your Mark
Educators across the Alberta Capital Region can get help inspiring their students to become community leaders. With the help of a $1,000 grant from United Way’s Make Your Mark program, together, we can empower kids to make a real difference through hands-on, student-led community and social justice projects. Registration for the 2024-25 school year is now closed, but sign-ups are being accepted for next fall's intake. Sign up today!
Anyone, regardless of age or experience, can make a difference. And together, we can create long-lasting change in our community.
Since 2016, the Make Your Mark program has helped teachers at 140+ schools across the Alberta Capital Region educate students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 about social issues, the opportunities in community, and how students can become changemakers.
Receive Grant Funding of up to $1,000
Get funding of up to $1,000 per Make Your Mark project from United Way to carry out student-led initiatives aimed at creating a resilient, connected, thriving community where no one is left behind.
Access Program Resources & Support to Ensure Your Success
Instantly access Make Your Mark resources to support the success of you and your students in creating classroom projects, through virtual program information sessions, online curriculum and age-appropriate resources, digital workbooks, and support from United Way staff.
Provide Hands-On Opportunities for Your Students
Guide your students as they lead their own Make Your Mark projects and learn about some of the social issues people face, how to use their unique talents to help others, and the importance of working together to make a difference.
Connected to the Alberta Curriculum of Study
Strengthen learning in your classroom around empathy, equity, community-building, project planning and management, and leadership.
“The number one leadership quality learned throughout this project is that of empathy. We had guests [from the community] who really opened their hearts and shared with the students their story, their struggles. This helped the students take down any barriers that existed and helped them develop a true understanding… The conversations were amazing, and the students really developed a greater understanding of how taking the time to better get to know someone can completely change their views. Beautiful!”
“We are united because of this project! Bringing all these students together was eventful and created many memories. The students, staff, families, and everyone involved in this project will carry on the many lessons learned forever!”
“It has been such a pleasure working with United Way over the years. The opportunities for our students to come up with sustainable projects that impact so many others has been a highlight of my last five years of teaching. It is so amazing to see the growth of our students during this process and the lasting impact on the students and schools that receive these projects. “
Register your class to participate in Make Your Mark before the registration deadline on September 27, 2024.
Learn about the program, hear from past-participating teachers on their experiences, ask questions, and explore current areas of need in our community.
Help your students develop, refine, and plan their Make Your Mark projects with United Way’s resources and support. October – November 2024
Submit your project plan and budget to United Way by the deadline. Successful applicants will receive grants of up to $1,000 to launch their projects. Application deadline: November 6, 2024
Use your grant funding to bring your students’ project to life! Measure the impact and reflect on how this project made a difference in our community. Some teams may be selected to share their project on the local news! November 2024 – March 2025
Celebrate your students’ hard work with an event arranged by United Way! Plus, select projects will be honoured with an Award of Distinction at our Red Tie Gala on April 3, 2025. Award nomination deadline: February 21, 2025 | Final report deadline: April 14, 2025 | Student and teacher recognition: May 2025
Grade 4 students at Hazeldean School worked together to collect hand warmers, foot warmers, and toques to support more than 300 unhoused people during Edmonton’s winter months. “As a teacher, seeing the students come together and work collectively towards one common goal is just absolutely incredible.” - Paige Van Horne, Teacher, Hazeldean School
Grade 9 students at St. Clement School decided to focus on breaking the cycle of period poverty. They researched the cost of menstrual products and created a budget with the goal to help women in shelters and raise awareness. “(Make Your Mark) definitely helped our leadership skills a lot, our confidence, and being able to speak out against injustice.” – Grade 9 students Adeel, Isabelle, and Mika
Grade 12 students at M.E. Lazerte High School hosted a Winter Carnival to create a space where families could relax and have fun during what might be a financially difficult time. “The students have the power to make the change. They want to, and they know they should.” - Michelle Sabourin, Student Leadership Supervisor, M.E. LaZerte High School
Registration for the current school year may be closed, but you can pre-register for next fall and we'll keep you in the loop about all things Make Your Mark in the meantime. Give your students the opportunity to lead their very own Make Your Mark project and do local good for their community in 2025-26. Sign up today!
This program would not be possible without the ongoing support of local businesses committed to making an impact in our community. Interested in supporting?
