Helping Youth Level Up in Scarborough: A Look at Impact from Joseph Brant Public School

Did You Know?

Joseph Brant Public School is located in Scarborough, one of Toronto’s most underserved and under-resourced communities. The school ranks high on the Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) — a tool used by the Toronto District School Board to measure external challenges that may impact student success, such as income, education level, and access to resources.

With a high LOI score, Joseph Brant serves a population of students who face systemic barriers, making programs like Level Up not just beneficial but essential. These students often have fewer extracurricular options, limited access to mentorship, and less exposure to safe and structured sports environments.

By bringing Level Up to Joseph Brant, ivari’s support helped break down barriers to opportunity and delivered programming directly to youth who needed it most.

Thanks to Ivari’s Healthy Steps Program, five Level Up programs reached 100 students in Grades 7–8 at Joseph Brant Public School this spring.

Thanks to the generous support of Ivari’s Healthy Steps Program, 100 students (59 boys and 41 girls) from Grades 7–8 at Joseph Brant Public School participated in our Level Up program this spring.

Blending physical activity, mentorship, and social-emotional learning, Level Up offers students the opportunity to build confidence, have fun, and grow into the best version of themselves, both on and off the mat.

But don’t take it from us. Here’s what the students had to say. 

Growth & Self-Awareness

“Realizing I need to take my personal goal seriously and go through with it.”
“They taught me a very good lesson of discipline and recognizing my goal.”

From goal-setting and curiosity to discipline and reflection, many students shared how Level Up helped them see themselves in a new light. It wasn’t just about learning new skills; it was about discovering motivation and building emotional intelligence.

Why it matters: These skills are foundational for healthy decision-making and long-term success. For funders like Ivari, this reflects a deep investment in youth resilience, mental well-being, and leadership development.

Mentorship & Support

“Though they are very stern, they are also very nice and supportive.”
“The coaches were nice… supportive and dedicated.”
"I learned that if I calculate my goals in a more organized way, I can track them more easier."

Time and time again, youth emphasized how much they valued the coaches. Kind, firm, and deeply committed, Paul and Kenny’s leadership left a lasting impression. Their presence made students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to try.

Why it matters: In underserved communities, having trusted adults outside the family can be a game-changer. Mentorship is a key protective factor and a cornerstone of the Level Up approach.

Fun, Play & Participation

“Playing fun games and laughing.”
“Thanks for making it fun.”

Students participate in a team-building activity during Level Up.

Joy matters. Overwhelmingly, students described the program as fun, energizing, and inclusive. Games like Four Corners and brain teasers weren't just icebreakers; they were tools that built community and confidence.

Why it matters: For many students, especially those who haven’t felt at home in traditional gym or team settings, enjoyment is the gateway to engagement. When youth associate movement with fun, they're more likely to stay active and keep coming back.

Confidence Through Physical Activity

“I had a great time learning about boxing.”
“Boxing with my friend… helped me release stress.”
“It was fun and improved my skills.”
"It made me feel better about myself and confident about my future."

Boxing and wrestling were clear favourites, offering an outlet for energy, emotion, and personal achievement. Students didn’t just move their bodies; they gained self-belief.

Why it matters: Programs like Level Up provide accessible, non-traditional entry points into sport, especially for youth who may not connect with mainstream team athletics. They offer a different way to belong.

Teacher Perspective: Why Level Up Matters in the Classroom

While most of our feedback comes from students, we also heard from a teacher who witnessed Level Up in action. Here’s what they had to say:

“It was very engaging, fun, interesting and informative. I enjoyed being a student myself again.”
“Paul has a very clear and insightful way of teaching… He breaks things down so that all kids can take the info and apply it. Transferable skills too, at that.”
“I sincerely hope they will be able to expand their program and be supported with further opportunities to reach even more students.”

For educators, Level Up isn’t just a break from routine, t’s a powerful complement to classroom learning. Programs like these support curriculum goals while giving students space to explore discipline, goal-setting, and self-expression.

Program Results at a Glance

• 100 students participated

• Average rating: 8.3 / 10

• 80% of youth said they would sign up again

• Top themes: Fun, mentorship, confidence, personal growth

From Words to Impact

Youth testimonials tell a powerful story:

“They encouraged you throughout the whole thing.”
“It helped me release stress.”
“I wish it were longer.”
“I had a great time learning about boxing.”
“Said my Macarena was bomb.”

These aren’t just thank-you notes, they’re proof of transformation, confidence, and joy. This is what happens when youth are given the chance to move, reflect, and grow in a safe, supported space

Thank You, Ivari

This impact was made possible by the Healthy Steps Program from Ivari.
Your support didn’t just fund programs. It empowered students, built confidence, and created moments of joy that will stay with these young people for years to come.

Thank you for helping youth Level Up — one goal, one game, one story at a time.

 

About Beat the Streets: 

At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique wrestling, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work it Girl, After-School and Open Mat Sessions programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success. 

Join us in our mission to impact youth:

Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.