MLSE Foundation supports Work It Girl: Empowering low-income girls through fitness and career growth
Thank you, MLSE Foundation:
Neal Ewers, Executive Director of Beat the Streets smiles and poses with other MLSE Foundation Girl-focused grant recipients at MLSE Foundation Headquarters
Beat the Streets (BTS) is thrilled to announce a significant development in our commitment to empowering low-income girls in the Greater Toronto Area. With the generous support of the MLSE Foundation, we have received a $50,000 Girl-focused grant to launch the Work It Girl Program over the next two years. This initiative combines fitness, career development, and experiential learning to empower active and healthy girls with essential skills and opportunities.
In addition to awarding us the grant, MLSE graciously invited us to their launch event which was an amazing opportunity to meet MLSE staff like Chloe Cornacchiato and connect with like-minded organizations in the GTA working to empower girls through sports and skill-building initiatives.
Combining combat sports and experiential learning:
You Grow Girl participants at West Humber Collegiate learning to wrestle
Work It Girl is a fitness and career development program for low-income girls. It promotes physical literacy, confidence, employment readiness, and leadership skills. The program integrates combat sports like wrestling, kickboxing, and boxing with experiential learning workshops covering goal-setting, self-assessment, communication and self-marketing, job search and interview skills, and financial literacy.
Developing a gender-focused curriculum:
With the support of the MLSE Foundation, we will develop a work-based, experiential learning curriculum tailored to the unique needs of girls. This gender-focused approach will create a supportive and empowering environment that addresses young girls' specific challenges and aspirations in our community.
Creating opportunities and empowering girls:
“BTS helped changed my mindset, allowed me to gain a sense of what working in a work environment is like and helped me obtain transferable skills for future job opportunities.”
Over the next two years, we will deliver four programs, each consisting of 16 one-hour classes. Additionally, we will provide employment opportunities for four participants who will play a vital role in Work It Girl's development, promotion, and evaluation. This immersive experience will enhance their employment and fitness skills. With the support of the MLSE Foundation, our goal is to empower 80 low-income girls between the ages of 13 and 18, equipping them with the physical, emotional, and 21st-century skills needed to thrive.
Unifying two programs:
From left: Norah, Hafsa & Moni improve their employment skills in our Volunteer Coop Program
We are excited about this opportunity as it combines three of our flagship programs: You Grow Girl, our sports-based resiliency-building program, and Work It, our Summer Jobs program and our Volunteer Coop Program. By leveraging the strengths of these initiatives, we provide a holistic experience that addresses personal growth and employment readiness for the girls we serve.
Why support from the MLSE Foundation is needed to address the needs of low-income girls:
“I truly loved everything about this program, the teasers, the games, the actual practice, warm-ups, and so much more! you are amazing!”
Addressing the specific needs of low-income girls is crucial to promoting equality and providing opportunities for their holistic development. Low-income girls often face multiple barriers, including limited access to resources and role models. Programs like Work It Girl can significantly impact by offering a combination of sports, career development, and experiential learning. We aim to break the cycle of limited opportunities and empower these girls to overcome obstacles. By investing in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being and equipping them with the skills needed to navigate a competitive job market, we can create an inclusive society where every girl, regardless of her socio-economic background, has the chance to thrive and succeed.
About the MLSE Foundation:
The MLSE Foundation has been instrumental in supporting communities across Ontario since its launch in December 2009. With a vision to change lives through the spirit and power of sport, they have invested over $45 million in various initiatives. Their mission is to improve the lives of youth by building facilities, supporting sustainable programs, and empowering young individuals through sport and recreation.
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique sports, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work It (Summer Jobs), and Volunteer programs, providing them opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
