Building 21st Century Skills: Thank You to the Tippet Foundation
Thanks to the generous support of the Tippet Foundation, Beat the Streets will be delivering two Work It Girl programs in Toronto this year, reaching more high school girls with a bold, empowering model that builds career confidence, communication skills, and real-world readiness.
As employers, educators, and communities adapt to a rapidly changing world, one thing is clear: girls need more than just good grades; they need the tools to speak up, lead, and thrive in uncertain times. That’s exactly what Work It Girl delivers.
About the Program
Work It Girl is an after-school development program for girls aged 13–18, fusing employment skills training with the physical and mental empowerment of combat sports. From resume-building and mock interviews to public speaking and boxing drills, the 16-session program equips girls with the skills and confidence to own their voice and their future.
Delivered free of charge in trusted high school environments, Work It Girl creates a safe space where girls can explore career pathways, build leadership skills, and strengthen their sense of self, all while having fun and trying something new.
What Girls Are Gaining: Voices from the Program
Through four programs already delivered in Toronto, girls are telling us what this program is really giving them, not just skills, but a new mindset.
“I used to hate public speaking. Now I can actually stand in front of people and share my ideas.”
“The elevator pitch helped me focus — I can actually explain who I am now.”
“Boxing showed me I’m stronger than I thought, inside and out.”
“I was proud of myself for doing five pushups. It seems small, but I never could before.”
When surveyed:
100% of participants said they’d recommend Work It Girl to a friend
The average program rating was 7/10, with many asking for it to run longer!
Why This Matters: Closing the 21st Century Skills Gap
In today’s economy, half of all jobs will require significantly different skills within the next 10 years, yet most classrooms still focus on academic performance alone. Girls in low-income communities face an even steeper climb, with limited access to career-building opportunities or mentorship.
Work It Girl fills this gap.
The program is built around four essential development areas identified by McKinsey, RBC, and other future-of-work experts:
Personal Growth
Communication
Professional Branding
Job Preparedness
By fusing these competencies with hands-on activities and physical movement, girls not only learn, but they also live the skills.
A Meaningful Partnership with the Tippet Foundation
The Tippet Foundation has a proud legacy of investing in equity, inclusion, and bold ideas that create long-term change. We’re honoured to have their support as we help more Toronto girls prepare for a future that demands courage, clarity, and adaptability.
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.
