Park Street Education Launches “BeSeen” to Support Youth in Child Welfare Systems

New partnership with Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada and supported by an investment from the Northpine Foundation will deliver consistent, relationship-based learning for youth facing educational instability.​

Toronto, ON - May 18, 2026 — Park Street Education, is proud to announce the launch of BeSeen, a new 15-month initiative designed to support youth in the child welfare system through consistent, trauma-informed academic and social-emotional programming. Developed in partnership with Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC) and supported by an investment from the Northpine Foundation, BeSeen reflects a shared commitment to improving educational outcomes for young people experiencing instability in their learning journeys.​

Youth in care face persistent and systemic barriers to education. Frequent transitions between homes and schools disrupt learning continuity, weaken relationships with educators and peers, and limit access to consistent academic support. These challenges, combined with reduced confidence and sense of belonging, often lead to disengagement from school over time. BeSeen has been designed to address this gap directly.​

BeSeen builds on Park Street Education’s Whole Child approach, delivering a more intensive model of support tailored to the needs of youth in care in Grades 6–9.​ Participants will receive:​

• Weekly individualized 1:1 tutoring ​

• Peer-to-peer sessions focused on wellbeing, connection, and resilience ​

• Small group academic support in core subjects ​

  
  

All programming is delivered virtually to ensure accessibility, with students remaining with the same educators and peer cohort over the full 15-month period. This consistency is central to the model, creating a stable and trusted environment where students can rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning.

"Too often, educational outcomes for young people in care are shaped by instability rather than potential. BeSeen represents the kind of innovative, relational, trauma-informed approach needed to change that. Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada invests in promising models like this, building evidence on what helps young people stay engaged, build confidence as learners, and experience success at school. We’re proud to partner with Park Street Education on this pilot, supported by an investment from the Northpine Foundation, with real potential to drive lasting change", said Tabish Surani, Impact Director for Northpine Foundation Youth in Care Portfolio, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada​.

"Park Street Education’s model is grounded in the understanding that confidence is a critical driver of academic success. For students who have experienced disruption, rebuilding confidence is often the first step toward increased participation, sustained engagement, and improved academic outcomes. Through consistent relationships and structured support, BeSeen aims to help students strengthen their connection to learning and to school" said Karen Stern, Executive Director, Park Street Education.​

Founded in 2020, Park Street Education has grown from a responsive academic support program into a relationship-driven model supporting underserved youth across Canada. The launch of BeSeen represents a significant evolution in this work, shifting from short-term programming to long-term, continuity-based support for students facing the greatest barriers. By focusing on stability, relationships, and sustained engagement, Park Street Education is working to create meaningful, lasting change in how education is experienced by youth in the child welfare system.​

About Park Street Education​

Park Street Education is a registered Canadian charity providing free, trauma-informed virtual after-school programming for underserved youth in Grades 4–12. Founded in 2020, the organization supports students whose access to education has been shaped by systemic barriers, including poverty, housing instability, and disrupted schooling. Through a Whole Child approach, Park Street Education integrates academic support with social-emotional learning, mentorship, and peer connection. Its programs are designed to help students build confidence, stay engaged in learning, and develop a strong sense of belonging, ensuring they not only succeed in school, but feel they belong there.​

About Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada​

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada is our country’s leading foundation dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system. With our donors, child-protection agencies, community organizations, and lived experts, we remove barriers that limit children and youth's potential and improve their outcomes by providing access to resources that help them succeed and thrive.​​​

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