How ECEs Can Enhance Education Access through Wealthsimple Foundation
Anisha Grossett • December 18, 2023
Wealthsimple Foundation
is on a meaningful mission to make post-secondary education more affordable and inclusive for all. We know you've got questions, so read on to discover everything educators need to know about how WSF enhances education access in Canada.
Tell us about Wealthsimple Foundation and the work you do:
At Wealthsimple Foundation, our mission is to break down the barriers to education for everyone living in Canada. We do this in three ways: education savings promotion, accessible personal finance education, and bursary programs for modest- income students. We believe that everyone deserves access to education, regardless of background or income level.
What types of programs do you offer, and who do they help?
We design our programs with simplicity and impact in mind. They include:
1. Education Savings Promotion: This includes helping families access government grants, specifically the Canada Learning Bond,
a $500 - $2000 per child benefit, and open Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs).
2. Financial Literacy: Delivered in partnership with community organizations across Canada.
3. Bursaries: Low-barrier bursaries for modest-income students.
4. Career Support: Innovative future-focused programming for young people.
What work has WSF completed or on a mission to complete for the education community?
Wealthsimple Foundation is committed to making post-secondary education accessible for all. To date, we have helped over 12,000 people across Canada access $7M in Canada Learning Bond payments - a $500 - $2000 contribution free benefit that ~⅔ of young people are eligible for - helped 4,863 people access personal finance education through community partners, and provided $136,000 in bursary funding to students to help them attend post-secondary.
What is Financial Literacy Month?
Financial Literacy Month is a dedicated period to shine a spotlight on the importance of financial literacy. It’s a time for organizations, educators, and financial experts to come together, share resources, and educate the public on how to achieve financial well-being.
Why is financial literacy critical? How does it connect to early childhood education?
Financial literacy is foundational—it equips individuals with the skills to make smart financial decisions, paving the way for a stable and secure future.
For early childhood educators, it’s about planting the seeds of financial awareness that can lead to well-informed financial decisions in adulthood.
We also believe that when educators are financially empowered, this extends to the children, families, and communities they serve.
Early childhood educators play a key role in our communities by shaping young minds and connecting families with the tools and resources they need. Imagine ECEs equipped with robust financial education—this knowledge doesn’t just stay within the walls of the classroom. It has a positive ripple effect, extending into their communities. Through their interactions, ECEs can weave financial literacy into everyday learning. They are in a powerful position to impact generations, turning lessons into legacies.
What tools and resources do you have for early childhood educators?***
1.
RESP calculator:
Our
online tool
helps families figure out how much they could save and earn for their education goals.
2.
Website resources:
We provide a wealth of information on our
website, including guides on opening a RESP, understanding government grants, and a number of financial know-hows.
3.
1:1 RESP onboarding support:
Our team is available to answer any questions you may have about
opening an RESP
for your own family or your students' families.
4.
Host events in their community:
We can work with early childhood educators to host financial literacy events in their communities, helping parents and caregivers understand the importance of saving for post-secondary education.
How can early educators get involved to support families and children?
Early educators hold a special key to unlocking a brighter future for families and children, and there are several impactful ways they can get involved:
1.
Get to know the education savings incentives available,
like the Canada Learning Bond (CLB), a $500-$2000 benefit for modest-income families to kickstart their children’s post-secondary education savings without personal contributions.
2.
Share the knowledge:
With as little as $500 saved, students are 3X more likely to pursue higher education and 4X more likely to graduate.
3. We invite you to connect with us through the ECE Hub on Facebook.
You can join the
ECE Hub on Facebook and reach out to Gina or Emily for personalized guidance on making informed decisions to support your children and communities.
4.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming workshops and training to further your impact.
Stay engaged with our community through our social channels and newsletter for updates on upcoming
events, financial education content, and more.
Interested in finding out how you can contribute to improving education for everyone? Join the
ECE Hub
on Facebook and connect with Gina or Emily from the Wealthsimple Foundation!
In early childhood education, we talk a lot about community for children. We design environments that foster belonging. We build partnerships with families. We support social development, collaboration, and connection. But here’s a powerful question we don’t ask often enough: Who is your community as an educator or leader? Too many early childhood professionals are doing deeply meaningful work in isolation — navigating leadership challenges, staffing struggles, burnout, policy changes, and big dreams for their programs on their own. And yet, one of the most powerful tools for growth in this field isn’t another resource or strategy… It’s connection. Networking in early childhood education isn’t about business cards or awkward small talk. It’s about building real relationships, sharing wisdom, learning from one another, and growing together.
At The Early Childhood Coach (ECC), we believe that real change in early learning doesn’t come from one-off sessions or quick fixes. It comes from relationships, reflection, and long-term investment in people and communities. Over the years, we’ve had the honour of working alongside incredible organizations, regions, and educators across Canada — including partners like Childventures, Region of Peel, and communities across Newfoundland and PEI — and what we’ve seen time and time again is this: When educators are supported in the right way, entire communities shift. But that support doesn’t look the same in every space. That’s why at ECC, our work is grounded in three distinct but deeply connected services: Training Consulting Coaching Each one plays a different role. Each one serves a different purpose. And together, they create sustainable, meaningful change.