We explore how EducationMatters helps Calgary students show up, engage, and graduate with momentum through three pillars: Essentials for Learning, Extraordinary Experiences, and Preparing for the Future. Executive Director Stephanie Washbrook shares stories of impact, from 2,000 backpacks to dual credit pathways and $1.1M in awards.
• Essentials for Learning: food, clothing, transit, and backpacks identified by schools
• student well‑being: action teams, belonging projects, and suicide prevention training
• Extraordinary Experiences: field trips, on‑site activities, and technology support
• Preparing for the Future: Unique Pathways dual credit, and exploratory programs, and skills competitions like Skills Alberta
• scholarships and bursaries: $1.1m distributed, including $100k awards
• access and equity: removing cost and stigma barriers
• community partners: matching supports to each school’s needs
• how to help: donate, volunteer for awards, and spread awareness
• related orgs: Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids, Edmonton Public Schools Foundation and Kids’ Literacy Collective
About Our Guest
Stephanie Washbrook is an avid supporter of public education, the proud daughter of an award-winning Kindergarten teacher, and has four children in various stages of their Calgary Board of Education journeys. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy Studies from the University of Waterloo and multiple Not-for-Profit Certifications from CPA Canada. She started her career with Ernst & Young, working in the Toronto, Cayman Islands, New York FSO, and Calgary offices, gaining expertise in audit of financial services clients before moving to learning and development, resource management and recruiting. Stephanie gained significant not-for-profit industry experience through private consulting on strategic planning, operational efficiencies, governance, stakeholder engagement, and social enterprise feasibility studies. She joined EducationMatters as Executive Director in 2025, after having managed the Palix Foundation and Alberta Family Wellness Initiative.
What is Give Amplify Connect?
There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.
Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com
Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun
