Shaping leaders and communities by empowering Edmonton’s youth

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. 

Local students in the Edmonton region are making a tangible difference in the lives of others, while fostering their own empowerment and leadership skills, through the Make Your Mark program, presented by Dentons. 

With United Way of the Alberta Capital Region’s guidance and financial support of up to $1,000 for each project, Make Your Mark equips teachers with the tools and resources necessary to illuminate social issues, highlight the significance of non-profits, and inspire students to become proactive agents of change.  

Make Your Mark is more than just a curriculum; it’s a movement that fosters empathy, equity, and leadership with practical experiences.  

Here are highlights from four of the 50+ Make Your Mark projects that students across the Alberta Capital Region led this academic year. 

Hazeldean School students in Edmonton sort warm winter wear as part of their Make Your Mark project, made possible through a $1,000 grant from United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.

Hazeldean School: Battling the Winter Season

Grade 4 students at Hazeldean School decided to focus on the winter season with their Make Your Mark project after a collective vote. ‘Battling The Winter Season’ involved students working together to collect hand warmers, foot warmers, and toques. Students also held a school-wide hot chocolate sale to raise more money for supplies. The donations supported more than 300 unhoused people during Edmonton’s harsh winter months.

The project is seen as a fun and rewarding way to make a positive impact on the community.

“To all the other students out there, Make Your Mark is an incredible, awesome project, and it feels really good to help people.”

– Beatrice, a Hazeldean student and Make Your Mark participant.

A key aspect of Make Your Mark is the cultivation of empathy among students. It provides them with an opportunity to understand and relate to the struggles of others. Taking part in Make Your Mark has helped students to understand the importance of social responsibility.

“As a teacher, seeing the students come together and work collectively towards one common goal is just absolutely incredible. This Make Your Mark project has really allowed my students to be leaders. They’re working with each other collaboratively on one common goal,” shares Paige Van Horne, a Grade 4 teacher at Hazeldean School.

Students from St. Clement School used their Make Your Mark project to bring awareness to the issue of period poverty while also buying menstrual products for people in need. Make Your Mark.

St. Clement School: EmpowerHER: Breaking the Cycle of Period Poverty

After St. Clement students found out that one in six people who menstruate experience period poverty, they decided to use their Make Your Mark project to make a difference.

“Periods are something that need to be talked about. We believe very strongly that every woman deserves a comfortable period,” share Grade 9 students Adeel, Isabelle, and Mika.

As part of their International Baccalaureate (IB) school’s approach to learning skills, the students develop research and communication skills. They researched the cost of menstrual products and created a budget, demonstrating initiative and a desire to speak out against inequality.

“It was so awesome to see them really take that initiative, worry about being prepared, and just wanting to contribute and make our world a better place,” describes Meaghan Jenny, the IB Coordinator at St. Clement.

As they started working on the project, Adeel, Isabelle, and Mika started to better understand the challenges faced by vulnerable women who lack access to washrooms and menstrual products. While their immediate goal was to help women in shelters, they want to continue to raise awareness about period poverty.

“(Make Your Mark) definitely helped our leadership skills a lot, our confidence, and being able to speak out against injustice.
We want to spread awareness about this issue and let others know that they can help. If three teenage girls can do it, they can do it too!”

– Grade 9 students Adeel, Isabelle, and Mika

M.E. LaZerte High School: Joy for the Winter Carnival

Students at M.E. LaZerte High School wanted to support their peers who were experiencing poverty. The project aimed to host a Winter Carnival, creating a space where families can relax and have fun during these potentially difficult times in the colder season when parents may be stressed.

“I think all the people that we made happy during the winter carnival was worth it.
Going through the hallways, you’re able to see so many children laugh and have fun, (with) a bunch of different activities going on.”

– Jessica, a Grade 12 student at M.E. LaZerte who was part of the Make Your Mark project team.

Students at M.E. LaZerte High School have participated in Make Your Mark over the last three years, and while the project is led by the student leadership team, the entire school community rallies behind the students and supports their initiative.

“The students have the power to make the change. They want to, and they know they should. They know it’s possible that everything they see, they can make a difference. And I think that’s what I learn every time I do Make Your Mark,” explains Michelle Sabourin, the student leadership supervisor at M.E. LeZerte High School.

Empowering students to make real change, right now

By supporting more than 50 projects, this United Way of the Alberta Capital Region initiative is shaping resilient, inclusive communities.

These Make Your Mark projects provide a platform for students to apply their unique talents and to understand and address the complex challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

Make Your Mark is a testament to the power of collective action and the belief that anyone, regardless of age or background, can contribute to creating a better world for all.