What Teachers Are Saying About Beat the Streets Programs
Each year, we ask educators to share their thoughts on our youth programs, and this year's feedback was absolutely heartwarming. Thanks to our supporters, the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Cristina Marie Hendrie Foundation, the MLSE Foundation, National Bank and Royal Bank of Canada, we were able to continue delivering our core programs: Wrestle 4 Fun After-School, Open Mats, Level Up, You Grow Girl and Work It Girl.
From physical literacy to leadership skills, our programs make a tangible difference in classrooms and communities. Here's what teachers had to say in their own words.
5-Star Ratings Across the Board
Every teacher submitting a response rated our programs 5 out of 5 stars.
Here’s what they loved most:
High student engagement
Supportive and safe program environments
Strong, positive relationships between staff and students
Measurable improvements in confidence, leadership, and teamwork
“Absolutely phenomenal program, administration and the leaders are second to none.”
Why This Matters
Teachers are on the front lines. They see what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, how students respond. So when we receive feedback like this, we know we're on the right track.
What We Heard
You Grow Girl
You Grow Girl is a combat sports and resiliency-building program for low-income girls. This program empowers girls through team-based activities and skill-building.
Teachers noted:
Increased confidence and teamwork
Enhanced leadership among participants
A desire to see the program run more frequently
“Well received by all participants. Would love to have this again.”
Level Up
Level Up is a co-ed combat sports and resiliency-building program for low-income youth ages 13-18. Designed to engage youth through dynamic physical literacy and social development.
Teachers observed:
Improved participation among previously disengaged students
Positive relationships and ongoing student excitement
A strong call to run the program every semester!
“It has been an absolute honour to have the Level Up Program run here.”
Work It Girl
A transformative fusion of combat sports and employment empowerment for young women.
Teacher's observed:
The unique combination of physical confidence and life skills
How it creates space for voice, identity, and personal growth
“The content of this program is great and the girls found the skill building very useful it simply covers a good deal of some of the things we aim to address in student leadership.”
Wrestle 4 Fun After-School Program
An inclusive and engaging after-school wrestling and skill-building program to keep students active and connected.
Teachers said:
Engagement levels were high
Students were enthusiastic and committed
“We have students that have credited wrestling with helping to save their lives… We have seen a huge improvement in students with challenges that have participated in the program.”
Principal Griffith’s words speak volumes. What started as a fledgling program without a coach became a source of transformation, pride, and belonging for students who needed it most.
“On behalf of our entire school community, I wish to say thank you to all of the organizers, donors, and coaches who made this possible.”
Thank You to Our Educators
Thank you to every teacher who shared feedback. Your insights help us grow and improve, and keep doing what we do best: helping youth thrive.
And to our future supporters: this is the kind of impact your contributions make possible.
Let’s keep building something amazing.
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.
