By working together, we can create a stronger and more equitable society. The Desjardins Foundation supports the Hooked on School Days initiative to raise awareness of the importance of helping young people reach their full potential. “What we do today shapes the future,” says Nancy Lee, Executive Director of the Desjardins Foundation. “Everything we do revolve around young people.”
Making dreams come true
The Desjardins Foundation, a charitable organization improving local communities since 1970, created the Desjardins Foundation Prizes program to support young people throughout their education. The program provides up to $3,000 in financial support for projects that motivate youth. It’s all about empowering people who work in schools and the community to make a difference. The Desjardins Foundation Prizes have supported a wide variety of projects, inspiring young people to set up a student-run food service, learn to crochet blankets for villagers in a seniors’ residence—and more. Other examples include LEGO building clubs, landscaping projects to revitalize playgrounds, slam poetry workshops and youth entrepreneurship initiatives. There’s one thing these projects have in common: they all started with an inspiring idea that made young people want to go to school.
“The Desjardins Foundation encourages young people to stay in school by enabling initiatives that help every student to reach their full potential. Small, meaningful steps can go a long way when it comes to making school more enjoyable and enabling our youth to grow and believe in themselves. Every little bit helps,” explains Nancy Lee.
Since 2016, more than 678,000 elementary and high school students have taken part in one of the 3,800 projects supported. The application period to submit projects for the 10th annual Desjardins Foundation Prizes will be open from October 1 to 31, 2025.
Check out this video to discover an initiative supported by the Desjardins Foundation Prizes.
Working together for greater impact
- The Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec, through its Biblio-Jeux (In French only) that develop spoken and written language skills, enabling children to learn through fun experiences that spark curiosity and inspire a love of reading. Giving children a helping hand in the early years sets the stage for success throughout their education.
- The Foundation also supports Alloprof Parents, which provides resources to parents so they can help their children turn challenges into successes.
- The Youth in Mind Foundation, which works to prevent anxiety and depression among 11- to 18-year-olds. Its tools for youth, parents and school staff encourage dialogue and empower them with resources to promote mental health.
Want to learn more about the Desjardins Foundation and its partners? Visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter.