ProsperUs launches Cradle to Career solution

ProsperUs, a collective of Windsor-Essex community partners, is launching Ignite Academy, a new out-of-school solution designed to improve math and literacy skills for children between grades 2 and 7, while providing wrap-around support for families.

A large gathering of community partners celebrated the long-awaited announcement at General Brock Public School on May 31.

“We know math and literacy skills are critical indicators of future success, including having more students graduate high school, and having more graduates move on to post-secondary education,” says Jessica Sartori, ProsperUs Leadership Council Co-Chair and CEO of John McGivney Children’s Centre.

This locally designed solution will support 360 students at six program sites starting in September.

Ignite Academy will be hosted within neighbourhood school communities in both Leamington and Windsor, including St. Louis, Queen Elizabeth, General Brock, Begley, Immaculate Conception and St. James elementary schools.

Ignite Academy will provide structured academic supports that align with school curriculum. It will provide daily program delivery that includes nutrition, recreation and cultural activities. There will be mentorship, mental wellness programming, family success coaches, parent engagement and support for the diverse cultural needs of the communities of Windsor-Essex.

Community partners involved in this project include Advocating Young Minds, Arts Can Teach, Big Brothers Big Sß∑isters of Windsor Essex, Community Partnership, Family Services Windsor Essex, Greater Essex County District School Board, Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, South Essex Community Council, United Way/ Centrade Windsor-Essex and Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.

Other Ignite Academy goals include helping students and families improve school attendance, increase self-esteem and build stronger relationships with peers. The service also looks to encourage more children to be physically active, to inspire more parents to be engaged with community partners and staff, and to help build parent awareness of community supports.

The ProsperUs Cradle to Career strategy aims to give every young person in Windsor-Essex County the opportunity and support to succeed – from the time they’re born until they find meaningful employment as a young adult.