EDUCATION
The Education Department supports newcomer youth from grades 1 to 12 and their families in building self confidence and school readiness for positive engagement in the education system. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work alongside program participants to put them on pathways to success and access post-secondary education through mentoring, tutoring, assisting with assignments and homework, and empowering students with the necessary tools to strengthen their resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
All programs are free for all participants. For more information please call (905) 393-5370 or email info@empowermentsquared.org.
Visit our Registration Portal for current and upcoming programs.
Education
Homework Circle
Ages: 6 — 18 (Grades 1 —12)
Get the support you need to succeed in school!
Empowerment Squared’s Homework Circle is here for newcomer youth in Grades 1 to 12 who want extra support with schoolwork and learning. In this after-school program, you’ll work with dedicated volunteers who will help you complete homework, build study skills, grow your confidence in school, and always provide you with a snack.
Through tutoring and mentoring, you’ll learn how to problem-solve, stay motivated, and prepare for future opportunities—including post-secondary education. We’ll work closely with you and your family to support your learning.
📌 Please note: We’ll ask for your most recent report card during registration to help us understand how to best support your learning.
Education
Career Discovery (In-School Program)
Ages: 14—18 (Grades 9—12)
Empowerment Squared is partnering with your Careers class at Westdale Secondary School to support you in building important career skills—especially around networking and setting meaningful goals. Together with your teacher, our team will help you explore different career interests and pathways that match your passions. You’ll also have a chance to connect with other Empowerment Squared programs and local organizations that can support you along the way.
Education
Career Discovery (Co-Op Placement)
Ages: 6 — 18 (Grades 1 —12)
Get ready to turn your learning into real-world experience!
Empowerment Squared’s High School Co-op Placement gives you the opportunity to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive, community-focused environment. You’ll work directly with our team at one of our Hamilton locations, where you’ll help plan and deliver programs for youth and adults, and learn how nonprofit organizations operate. Throughout your placement, you’ll explore potential career paths, build your professional skill set, and learn through a lens of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. With one-on-one support from the Career Discovery team, this is your chance to grow and contribute in a meaningful way.
Education
SCHOOL READINESS
Ages: 9—13 (Grades 4—8)
Lake Avenue School
Get ready to shine at school!
Empowerment Squared’s School Readiness Program is designed for recent newcomer youth who want to feel confident and prepared for school life in Canada. With the support of mentors who share meaningful lived experiences, you’ll take part in fun, interactive activities that help you:
- Build your English language skills
- Improve reading and writing
- Learn about different cultures
- Strengthen your social skills
This program is a welcoming space where you can make friends, grow your confidence, and get ready to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
This program is accessible to students of Lake Ave. Elementary School only.
Education
CAREER DISCOVERY
Ages: 12 — 20
The Career Discovery Initiative, launched in January 2024, seeks to empower newcomer youth aged 12 to 20 with the support needed to explore potential long-term career pathways; forge community connections; and identify and develop integral soft skills needed for the professional workplace. The initiative highlights the importance of self-discovery in the process of Career Exploration and strives to provide culturally relevant support. This support will empower participants to make decisions and plan successful career pathways through group programming, individualized support, and connections to potential careers.
VOLUNTEER
Our volunteers work with program participants to put them on pathways to access post-secondary education through mentoring and tutoring for academic success. This includes helping them complete their assignments and homework, and teaching them the necessary skills to develop resilience and problem-solving skills as they engage with the education system.
Academic Mentors
Our volunteers work with program participants to put them on pathways to access post-secondary education through mentoring and tutoring for academic success. This includes helping them complete their assignments and homework, and teaching them the necessary skills to develop resilience and problem-solving skills as they engage with the education system.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Empowerment Squared provides newcomer and marginalized youth with a diverse scope of programming that helps them to succeed in their academic and personal pursuits, build their confidence, and empower them to make safe and healthy decisions in their day to day life. All youth programs offered by Empowerment Squared are free of charge.