At Ignite Academy, the mission is simple but powerful: help kids be kids. With four locations (two in Leamington and two in Windsor,) this after-school program offers far more than just homework help. It’s a place where students, parents, and staff come together to create an environment focused on learning, care, and community.
Learning can’t happen if basic needs aren’t met
Operating Monday through Thursday during after-school hours (2:30 / 3:30 – 5:30 / 6:30 depending on the location), each site supports upwards of 20 students. The main focus is literacy and numeracy. The team at Ignite Academy begins by assessing each child’s academic level, then provides tailored assistance to help them improve and feel confident in their skills. “It’s about giving them the right tools to succeed and building confidence along the way,” says Rebecca Rafca Saad, Education Program Manager with the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County.
But education isn’t the only priority. Ignite Academy understands that learning can’t happen if basic needs aren’t met. Staff members often encounter students who arrive hungry. “A child can’t focus if they’re hungry, so we give them food so they can learn at their best,” says Saad. Food security is deeply ingrained into the care they provide, so is emotional support.

Ignite Academy students hold up their TELUS Wise Llama critters after the safety presentation.
“Helping parents equals less stress for kids”
In addition to the academic help, each staff member carries caseloads of families, connecting with them daily to ease burdens for both parents and kids. “Helping parents equals less stress for kids,” Saad explains. Many parents are unaware of available local services, so Ignite Academy plays an active role in bridging the gap, offering everything from transportation and food gift cards to essentials for expecting mothers, such as formula, diapers, wipes, and baby clothes.
Ignite Academy is also a key piece of United Way’s Cradle to Career (C2C) strategy, which supports children in grades 2–7 in West Windsor, Downtown Windsor, and Leamington — areas where families face higher rates of housing and food insecurity, unemployment, and language barriers. In these neighborhood’s, only half of residents have some form of postsecondary education, which limits access to opportunities for the next generation. 36% of children are below the provincial standard in both reading and writing, while 58% are behind in math. Over a third of food bank users in the region are children, and food insecurity has been shown to negatively affect cognitive development and academic achievement.
“Parents simply don’t know the digital risks of giving their kid the iPad with no supervision or limitations”
C2C is designed to address these challenges accordingly. Through Ignite Academy, participating children have access to qualified teachers who help them meet provincial standards in math and literacy outside of school hours, along with regular, preventative mental wellness sessions to support their emotional well-being. Social workers connect families to community resources, while culturally appropriate and multilingual services help break down language barriers. Students benefit from individual and group social mentoring and recreational activities, all to ensure students have a well-rounded experience outside of the classroom. Importantly, parents are also engaged through opportunities to participate in their child’s learning journey, helping to create a community-wide approach to education and growth.
Left: Ignite Academy students and staff listen as Aislyn Laurent facilitates a TELUS Wise workshop on online safety and cybersecurity. Right: Laura McCabe hands out TELUS Wise Llama critters to students after the presentation.
One of the program’s most meaningful collaborations has been with Connecting Windsor-Essex and TELUS Wise, bringing digital safety education into both classrooms and homes. At a recent TELUS Wise parent session, families walked away more informed and better equipped to protect their children online. “Parents simply don’t know the digital risks of giving their kid the iPad with no supervision or limitations,” says Saad.
“They realize some of the things they do online are dangerous”
This message was echoed in TELUS Wise presentations for children, where students learned how to recognize online dangers. “When you offer a presentation that teaches them, they realize some of the things they do online are dangerous,” Saad adds.
During one of these sessions, led by presenter Aislyn Laurent, students eagerly participated in fun, engaging conversations about internet safety. When asked why it’s important to treat people with respect and kindness online, one child replied, “So they don’t feel sad.” It was a small but powerful moment, proof that when children feel heard, and valued, they carry those lessons into the wider world.

Aislyn Laurent asks Ignite Academy students a question during a TELUS Wise cyber hygiene workshop.
Working to create a future where every child has the tools to thrive
By combining academic support, food security and mental wellness resources, Ignite Academy is helping to close the opportunity gap. The program is not just about grades it’s about building a foundation for lifelong success.
Through care and connection, Ignite Academy ensures that children and families are supported both inside and outside the classroom. As part of United Way’s Cradle to Career vision, it’s working to create a future where every child has the tools, resources, and confidence they need to thrive. In doing so, it’s delivering on that powerful mission: helping kids be kids, and giving them the chance to dream bigger.
Let us help support your community by keeping them safe! TELUS Wise workshops are free to book and available for all ages. Schedule your next session by reaching out to our team today.