UpstartED is a Canadian education non-profit that seeks to cultivate a future where every student and educator are equipped to make meaningful and lasting contributions to their communities and beyond.
We empower educators with free culturally-responsive programs, resources and practices that foster young people's development of identity, belonging and agency, which ultimately allows them to own their future and stay on positive paths along each stage of life’s journey (see our changemaker framework).
Our Mission
Our Story Began in 2016
UpstartED began in 2016 as a local, volunteer-based initiative catering to the needs of Montreal's urban youth. From day one, we were driven by these fundamental questions: 1) who is it that we want to serve; 2) what needs are not being met and why; and 3) how do we best serve them? Our ability to adapt to the needs of our communities - and society as a whole - has allowed us to bloom into who we are today: an education nonprofit serving equity-deserving students, educators and communities in five Canadian provinces.
All children have infinite potential.
We offer equitable access to programs that allow that potential to bloom.
UpstartED was born out of the need to give young people equitable access to transformative learning experiences that will better prepare them for the future. We prioritize serving federally and provincially funded schools, learning centers and community centers, focusing first and foremost on historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities. Through our work, we contribute to the following Global Goals: Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Partnership for the Goals.
Our commitment to social impact
Our Impact
2016 - 2017
MTL Upstarts Bootcamp
2018 - 2019
2017 - 2018
Youth2Tech Conference
Impact report
2019 - 2020
upGen Workshops
upGen Bootcamp
upGen Accelerator
2020 - 2021
You(th) Explore
upGen Workshops
upGen Accelerator
Since UpstartED's inception in 2016, our organization has gone through several important transformations. We invite you to take a look at our events and programs over the years to see how our programs have evolved. Click on the links below each academic year to access our Impact Reports and see our evolution over time:
Our programs have evolved over the years
2021 - 2022
You(th) Explore
2022 - 2023
You(th) Explore
Seasons of You
2023 - 2024
You(th) Explore
Educators National Survey
5.5K+
- Impact by the numbers -
students and
educators served
- Our reach -
60+
schools and centers
- Community engagement -
400+
volunteers
Our work is made possible thanks to funding partners who share our values and vision
Cindy Fagen, Managing Director - Labs Canada at SAP
Our programs are currently live in Québec, British Columbia and the Yukon Territory
