ARC announces partnership with award-winning Classroom Champions program to support youth in operating communities
ARC is proud to announce our three-year partnership with Classroom Champions to bring the award-winning educational program to more than 40 schools in communities across Western Canada. Through mentorship and ongoing engagement with athlete role models, Classroom Champions teaches students the power of perseverance and how to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
“Supporting healthy, skilled, and future-prepared youth is a key focus area of our giving program,” said Terry Anderson, ARC President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to partner with Classroom Champions to provide equitable access to this innovative program for youth in the communities where we operate. Everyone deserves a champion they can look up to.”
Classroom Champions is a non-profit organization that has helped more than a million students since its inception. The program matches each school with Olympic, Paralympic, or professional athletes as a direct classroom mentor to work with the students for the duration of the school year. Through positive interactions with athlete mentors, students learn important skills including goal-setting, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork. The unique program also prioritizes partnerships with Indigenous athletes, communities, and Knowledge Keepers to support a customized Social Emotional Learning curriculum.
ARC joins the initiative as part of the ‘Energizing Communities Collective,’ a group of more than 20 energy companies working collaboratively to bring Classroom Champions to schools across Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. At the Champion Chats launch event earlier this summer, the Energy Collective partners were recognized for our partnership with a custom Blackfoot beadwork medallion made by Lucille Wright of the Siksika Nation.
“Thanks to ARC and The Collective, we are humbled to continue to be a trusted resource to help kids, support teachers, and engage families,” said Steve Mesler, Olympic gold medalist, co-founder and CEO of Classroom Champions. “ARC’s commitment is inspiring and critically important to the strengthening of the communities we serve. Tens of thousands of kids across our provinces, including those on First Nations Reserves, and on Métis Settlements, will have the chance to learn with Canada’s best for years to come.”
According to Classroom Champions’ ongoing research, teachers have seen an increase in student engagement, improved grades, and improved attendance when implementing the program. Learning healthy habits and skills at a young age can help enhance leadership development and emotional intelligence, leading to lower rates of depression and anxiety.
“Supporting healthy, skilled, and future-prepared youth is a key focus area of our giving program. We’re proud to partner with Classroom Champions to provide equitable access to this innovative program for youth in the communities where we operate. Everyone deserves a champion they can look up to.”
The Classroom Champions program will begin in September 2023. We look forward to being part of this impactful initiative and creating lasting positive benefits for youth in our operating communities in the years to come.
Learn more about ARC’s community investment.
