Toronto-based Fidelity Investments Canada ULC and Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada are celebrating 10 years of partnership supporting children in their development of academic skills and positive attitudes towards learning and school.

The Power Up! Academic Enhancement Program, launched in 2003 and supported by Fidelity Investments, is a national academic program designed to assist children in realizing their academic potential and encouraging a life-long passion for learning. The program provides them with the tools and supports they need to set and achieve their academic goals. On average, over the past 10 years, 90% of participating children achieved their Power Up! learning goals and were rewarded with certificates of achievement.

“At Fidelity, we understand the importance of long-term investing — and there is no greater long-term investment than the children and youth of this country. Fidelity is proud to have initiated the Power Up! program, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada to engage and assist young Canadians in realizing their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,” explains Phil McDowell, chief financial officer, Fidelity Investments, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada board member.

Since the program’s inception in 2003, Fidelity’s contribution has enabled more than 10,000 children to improve their academic performance at school. “Just this past year, Fidelity provided Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada with additional funding to develop fresh resources for the program. Clubs now have access to a Power Up! Leaders Guide and Activity Guide, helping make their after-school programming even more effective,” says Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

In addition, every year Fidelity hosts approximately 500 Boys and Girls Clubs members from the Greater Toronto Area clubs to attend events such as Toronto Blue Jays games, Toronto Raptors games, and Canada’s Wonderland. These experiences have provided a wonderful opportunity for children and youth to step away from the issues they face and to get out with their friends and family.