School Readiness Program

Empowerment Squared’s School Readiness Program helps Hamilton’s racialized and newcomer children and youth navigate through and succeed in Hamilton’s education system. These youth may be dealing with issues of racial discrimination, culture differences, language barriers, pre- and post-migration trauma, inter-generational trauma, mental health difficulties, and other hurdles that make their educational journey more challenging.

After completing an intensive 2 years of research in partnership with the Social Planning Research Council of Hamilton, the School Readiness Program launched a pilot program in August 2022. More information will be shared at a later date as we continue to research, plan, design and implement the program to meet the needs of the community that we serve. If you would like to read the findings of the Social Planning Research Council of Hamilton, click here to view the full report.

School Readiness Program – September  2022 – June 2023

The School Readiness Program provides culturally appropriate services for students in their local community school to ensure academic success and successful integration:

Continued Support 

Empowerment Squared staff works with students and staff to provide tutoring support, organize presentations for parents, understand and address cultural concerns, support at-risk students, and support ELL Learning (English-language learners). This support is available for students previously enrolled in the Orientation Week and/or newcomer students that the school has identified as needing additional help.

Parent Engagement

Empowerment Squared holds workshops to teach parents about the Canadian school system, strategies to be involved in their children’s education, and parenting within the Canadian context.

Connect Students to Empowerment Squared Academic Mentoring, Sports and Recreation Programs, and other community support.
These programs include:

• Academic Mentoring (tutoring)
• Digital Literacy (computer skills)
• Soccer
• Basketball

School Readiness Program: Orientation

The School Readiness Orientation program was held from August 22, 2022 – September 2, 2022 and offered a series of activities to support students’ successful transition into school in Canada and reduce the feelings of isolation and anxiety associated with beginning in a new school. Activities included:

• Cultural literacy – What does it mean to be a student in a Canadian classroom?
• Essential English language skills (for non-native English speakers)
• Peer mentorship
• Recreational activities
• Social-emotional coping strategies

Registration is open for Lake Avenue students.

If you would like to know more about the School Readiness Program, please call (905) 393-5370 or email info@empowermentsquared.org.