The Impact

Start2Finish's programs don't just feel good — they work. Our outcomes are backed by independent research, third-party evaluation, and over 26 years of data from the communities we serve.

Many school-based after-school initiatives prioritize custodial care over developmental enrichment, leaving a gap in learning and well-being support.  In contrast, Start2Finish’s evidence-based curriculum integrates physical, mental and academic wellness as an essential equity infrastructure for children facing barriers.

Headline Results

85%

of participants demonstrate measurable literacy gains

89%

of participants improve their core social-emotional learning competencies

60%

increase in vigorous physical activity among participants

80%

decrease in youth crime in some of the most at-risk communities

82%

of participants felt a sense of accomplishment for completing the program

Research: What the Evidence Shows

Start2Finish programs have been the subject of multiple independent research studies. Here is what the evidence demonstrates:

Physical & Behavioural Outcomes

STUDY BY: John Cairney, PhD; Jeffrey Graham, PhD; Emily Bremer, PhD

  • Hyperactivity problems and conduct problems significantly decreased

  • Levels of intrinsic motivation to engage in physical activity significantly increased

  • Physical activity self-efficacy and sports self-efficacy also significantly increased

  • Peer relations and physical activity levels increased

  • Perceptions of mastery, reading self-efficacy, active play self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, and trait self-control increased

  • The total score on the Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ) questionnaire decreased, suggesting a reduction in problematic behaviours over time

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

STUDY BY: Hello Insight

89% of participants succeeded in expanding their core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies and met the National SEL Benchmark. Specifically, there was a:

  • 42% improvement in Self-Management

  • 56% improvement in Mastery Orientation — a young person's desire to learn and increase their overall competence

  • 63% improvement in Social Skills

  • 63% improvement in Academic Self-Efficacy — a young person's motivation and perceived mastery over their own learning and academic potential

Executive Function

STUDY BY: John Cairney, PhD; Jeffrey Graham, PhD; Emily Bremer, PhD

Children's participation in just 15 minutes of running led to measurable improvements in executive functioning:

  • Learning — increases in executive functioning associated with academic performance

  • Focus — improved inhibition (self-control), helping children remain focused during reading time

  • Memory — improved cognitive flexibility and working memory, enabling children to switch between concepts and retain more during the literacy portion

Literacy

STUDY BY: Gabrielle Monique, M.ED., PhD Candidate

Start2Finish's evidence-based literacy curriculum is built on 5 fundamentals of literacy development: Phonological Awareness, Vocabulary, Spelling, Comprehension, and Writing Skills.

Program participants showed significant improvement in:

  • Reading confidence and enjoyment

  • The view that reading is "fun"

  • Reading habits — consistency and frequency

  • Understanding and comprehension of books

  • Goals and motivation to read

  • Talking to others about books they have read

  • Using strategies to help with difficult texts

  • Belief that they can teach someone else to read

What Educators Are Saying

  • "Start2Finish has helped students build confidence and connections outside of their usual circles. As a special education teacher, I've seen some of my students connect with peers in mainstream classrooms who they may not have naturally connected with during the regular school day. Through running, reading, and encouraging one another, they are sharing the same space in a really positive way. For some students, that sense of belonging has carried into the school day."

    Special Education Teacher,
    R&R Club+ Champion Educator

  • "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

  • "Students have shared that the reading component is helping them feel more prepared for EQAO. Others have expressed that the running portion is helping them build endurance and confidence for cross country. There is a growing sense of pride among participants, with students acknowledging that 'all this training is helping us,' both physically and academically."

    Teacher, R&R Club+ Champion Educator

Donor Perspective

"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

Download Impact Report (PDF)
View Our Case for Support (PDF)