With a grant of up to $1,000 from United Way, educators can bring hands-on, student-led projects to life — turning classroom ideas into real community impact. Sign your class up to participate by September 25, 2026!
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At United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, we believe that when young people understand the power of empathy, teamwork, and social action, they don’t just grow, they lead. Make Your Mark is a grant-funded program that helps Kindergarten to grade 12 educators across the Alberta Capital Region inspire students to become leaders in their schools and communities. With up to $1,000 per project, students can develop and lead their own hands-on initiatives — projects that address real social challenges while developing skills that last a lifetime.
Anyone, regardless of age or experience, can make a difference. And together, we can create long-lasting change in our community.
When kids dive into community-building early on, they become the changemakers of the future.
Make Your Mark promotes equity and respect, helping every student in the classroom feel valued.
Students get to flex their imaginative muscles thinking of ways to help neighbours in need.
Through their community project, students learn cooperation, communication, and problem-solving — essential life skills!
Students get a chance to practice literacy and research skills as they explore local social issues.
Budgeting and math skills? Check! Students get to apply those in real-world scenarios.
From planning to execution, kids learn about time management, adaptability, critical thinking, and more!
Make Your Mark helps kids learn how to take charge and tackle real-life challenges.
Giving back inspires more than warm fuzzies — it boosts self-worth, self-efficacy, and self-confidence.
“It has been such a pleasure working with United Way over the years. The opportunities for our students to come up with sustainable projects that impact so many others has been a highlight of my last five years of teaching. It is so amazing to see the growth of our students during this process and the lasting impact on the students and schools that receive these projects.“
Teacher Participant
Over 130 schools have already participated. Are you next? Whether you're teaching Kindergarten or Grade 12, your class can take part in a transformative experience rooted in empathy, equity, and impact. Applications are open until September 25, 2026.
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Explore the full program timeline, key deadlines, and everything you need to know to bring Make Your Mark into your classroom.
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Check out past student projects and the educators who helped guide them. Discover what’s possible when young people lead with purpose.
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Every donation to Make Your Mark helps more classrooms bring meaningful projects to life.
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We don’t usually think of $1,000 as a life-changing amount of money, but two teachers and their students might just persuade you to shift your thinking once you hear how they used a $1,000 Make Your Mark grant from United Way to make our community a better place.
United Way’s Make Your Mark initiative empowers students to learn more about social issues facing our community, and how anyone can be a changemaker at any age.
Make your Mark equips students with the skills, knowledge, and empathy necessary to make a difference in their classrooms, communities, and the world.
This program would not be possible without the ongoing support of corporate sponsors committed to making an impact in our community. Interested in supporting? Get in touch today!
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