All in for students, STEM and building strong communities

Imperial has supported the United Way’s All In for Youth program, which provides free tutoring through the YMCA Calgary’s Tutoring Table, for more than a decade.
Imperial provided the funding that enabled the program to expand from math tutoring into the sciences in the 2025-26 academic year.
The program helps students improve their grades, school attendance and confidence.

Article

3 min read

• Sept. 25, 2026

For some students, a tough math problem is just a tough math problem.

For others, falling behind can mean losing confidence, worrying about graduation or questioning whether the future they imagined is still within reach.

Academic support can make a big difference far beyond the classroom.

That’s why Imperial supports the United Way’s All In for Youth program, which provides free tutoring through YMCA Calgary’s Tutoring Table. While the program has been providing free math tutoring for years, the need to expand into science was clear – this expansion was made possible by a donation from Imperial and science tutoring started in the 2025-26 academic year.

Building confidence, unlocking opportunities

Support in STEM subjects like biology, physics, chemistry and math can help students build confidence in the courses that open doors to post-secondary education, skilled trades, technology, energy and other career pathways.

“Our partnership with United Way’s All In for Youth program reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said James Kusie, Vice-President of Public and Government Affairs, Imperial. “We’re proud to support a program that inspires youth to explore science and the technologies of tomorrow to imagine what’s possible. Together, we’re helping students gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.”

For one Physics 20 student, the course material initially felt overwhelming, and asking questions did not come easily. However, with steady support from a tutor, they began working through challenging problems, participating more actively and building the confidence to keep going in a subject that once felt out of reach.

Results that reach beyond grades

The results from the 2025-26 academic year show 70 percent of participating students improved in math, while 51 percent reported better school attendance.

And the gains extend beyond academics: 79 percent developed a more positive attitude toward themselves, and 72 percent felt more confident achieving their goals.

A parent saw the difference firsthand:

“We have noticed a significant improvement in his math marks. I am truly grateful for all the help you have provided.”

For one student at the Shawnessy YMCA, the encouragement mattered just as much as the tutoring:

“There were moments when I doubted myself, but your encouragement gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.”

For the United Way, this program supports its commitment to helping Calgary’s children and youth thrive:

“At the heart of All In for Youth is the belief that young people thrive when they are surrounded by the right supports and positive adult relationships,” said Monique Blough, Director, Children and Youth Initiatives at United Way of Calgary and Area. “Through partnerships with organizations like YMCA Calgary and donors like Imperial, we can help more students access the encouragement, academic support and opportunities they need to stay connected to school and plan for their futures.”

Students can learn more about and access the program by visiting www.ymcacalgary.org. Individuals interested in volunteering as tutors can email volunteer@ymcacalgary.org.

Background:

Tutoring through All In for Youth is available at 11 Calgary locations and online and offered to youth ages 14-21.
Since its inception, All In for Youth has supported more than 7,500 students with tutoring.
In 2025–26, 490 students were supported with science, including 156 in chemistry, 122 in biology, 85 in physics and 127 in general science.
In 2025-26, 840 students accessed math help through the program.
Imperial has invested more than $40M in the United Way of Calgary and Area over the lifetime of its partnership, including supporting All In for Youth since the initiative began in 2012.