Community coming together for students
When students feel prepared and engaged, their sense of belonging and confidence emerge. The need was great in 2024 to give essentials that many take for granted: backpacks and winter outerwear. When students receive these items, they receive a heartfelt message that they belong, are cared for, and are deeply valued. These resources are shown to foster confidence and ultimately to learning and achievement.
Backpack and school supplies drive
Last year’s Backpack and School Supplies Drive provided 2,812 students at 109 schools with new backpacks filled with school supplies. Support from the community amounted to $19,057 in monetary donations and $121,940 in in-kind donations. Since the start of the campaign in 2021, 6,567 students have been supported.
TDSB staff work to fill backpacks as part of backpack donations drive.
Winter outerwear drive
Last year’s Winter Outerwear Drive saw 1,535 students across 22 schools receive a new coat to keep warm in what was a cold winter. We received $16,000 in monetary donations and $72,541 in in-kind donations. The campaign began in 2020 and has made a difference in the lives of more than 17,960 students.
Expanding the Student Nutrition Program
The TDSB will be launching a universal morning meal program in all schools by September, 2026 in collaboration with the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and City of Toronto. This fall, 34 additional schools entered the program, with an additional approximately 60 entering in February and the remainder by September of 2026.
Community grants supporting schools
Another way schools can further enhance programs and learning experiences for their students is through community grants. These grants offered by businesses and foundations provide an opportunity for schools to access funds that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to receive nor fundraise for. Grants may have a focus on technology,
environmental sustainability, literacy, physical education and Indigenous Education. In 2024, the Educational and Business Partnerships office supported 14 schools with grants that totalled $412,300.
Partner programs that elevate student voice
Finally, Educational Partners are invaluable in elevating student voice and leadership. Community partners bring unique contributions, knowledge, expertise, and culturally-relevant programming to our diverse student population. Through programs, workshops, presentations, and field placements, our community members – individuals, grassroots organizations, corporations, businesses, and government institutions – contribute to students and school-communities’ sense of belonging, engagement, and connectedness.
In the 2024-25 school year, 640 educational partners provided learning sessions to almost every school. Over 4,730 programs were booked from a range of topics that included students' mental health and well-being, identity, inclusion, and academic improvement. While 59% of those partnerships included a fee, 41% of partners offered these programs for free, eliminating barriers to accessing learning opportunities.