START2FINISH
Success Starts Here
What We Do
Start2Finish Canada is an Architect of Change in after-school learning, dedicated to bridging the literacy and well-being gap for Canadian children living in poverty.
Celebrating 26 years of building cycles of success, Start2Finish has graduated over 250,000 children from our innovative, evidence-based programs, now operating in over 100 communities from coast to coast.
By integrating physical activity, social-emotional learning and literacy, Start2Finish has built an essential equity infrastructure for children who would otherwise be unable to access the support they need.
Who We Serve
Across Canada, thousands of children live in conditions of poverty and deprivation and experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Children facing multiple ACEs are 2–3× more likely to struggle with reading proficiency, attendance, and well-being.
25% of Grade 3 children in Canada are not reading proficiently, making them 4x more likely to drop out of school
Only one-third of children in low-income households have consistent access to structured afterschool programs.
Existing afterschool “care” models often focus on supervision, not enrichment—leaving critical literacy and wellness gaps unaddressed.
Over 1 million Canadian children live at or below the poverty line. 25% of children are not reading at grade level, making them 4x more likely to drop out of school.
With a $307 billion lifetime loss of earning potential for high school dropouts in Canada, Start2Finish's innovative, evidence-based programs are a critical solution to bridge literacy and well-being gaps and empower children to achieve their potential.
The Issue
Start2Finish's evidence-based approach has demonstrated measurable results over more than two decades, helping to reduce child poverty rates and improve literacy outcomes nationwide. Through our “whole-child” approach, culturally responsive programming and expert-developed curriculum, we are effectively addressing the social determinants of children's health and education.
In recognition of our contributions to literacy in Canada, Start2Finish was honoured as a finalist — out of 100+ global nominations — for the World Literacy Award at the 2025 World Literacy Summit in Oxford, UK.
Our Impact
At the heart of everything we do is the conviction that literacy, mentorship, and active living are the building blocks for lifelong success – and that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and academically.
Our out-of-school programs and curriculum-embeddable resources go beyond custodial support to integrate physical, academic and social-emotional wellness as an essential equity infrastructure for children facing barriers to success.
Our Programs
Our Results
85%
of program participants
show measurable literacy improvement
89%
develop critical
social-emotional learning competencies
60%
increase in regular
physical activity among program participants
Our Policy Goal
To provide literacy enrichment and well-being
supports to 70% of children in marginalized communities
over the next decade, increasing access by 50%.
"Start2Finish is more than a club. It is a space where students are encouraged, seen, and celebrated. I first volunteered with the program as a university student — being able to come back now as a teacher and Champion Educator has been a full circle moment. It has reminded me why this work matters."
— Special Education Teacher & Former S2F Volunteer
"I have met kids who grew up to become successful adults who, in turn, became contributing members in their own communities. I saw the cycle of success: children coming to S2F at age 7 or 8, then graduating from high school, going on to post-secondary school and then coming back to volunteer with Start2Finish and begin the cycle again. This organization is a powerful social change-maker creating huge impact in communities of complexity."
— Shevawn Adams, Major Donor and Past Chair of the Board
"Some kids come to school to learn. Others come to school to be loved." As a Start2Finish volunteer coach, that truth hits close to home.
Jack came to the Running & Reading Club every week — but always reluctant, down on himself, and we knew this was his only outlet for physical and social activity. He refused to run. Then one coach quietly asked, "Can I walk with you?" He said okay. And just like that, a connection was made.
Week after week, he walked with her. When the year-end 5 km race arrived, he agreed to participate — and started off walking, as usual. But when the finish line came into view, something shifted. He bolted. His teammates erupted in cheers, and Jack crossed the finish line in tears — overwhelmed by what he'd accomplished and by the fact that others genuinely cared.
That moment captured everything this program stands for: real impact, in every aspect of a child's life — physical, mental, and social.
— Coach Leanna, R&R Club+ Volunteer
