The Cinderella Project supports vulnerable Grade 12 students who are referred by school counselors, social workers, and outreach staff. These youth often face barriers that disrupt their connection to school—and to the adults trying to support them. The Cinderella Project empowers those frontline supporters by giving them a meaningful reason to re-engage students: a moment of recognition, a pathway to post-secondary opportunities, and a supportive network standing behind them. The high school dropout rate among Cinderella Project participants is approximately 5% which is significantly lower than the BC average of 12.3%.
Through a volunteer base of over 700 people, the program offers individualized touch points throughout the year—from a welcome letter and winter care packages to graduation attire, post-secondary application support, and achievement awards. These moments are coordinated in close partnership with school staff, who serve as the conduit for all student-facing interactions. Once accepted, students receive a welcome package that frames their participation as an achievement—not a charity—honouring their perseverance and strength. The result is a stronger, more trusting relationship between youth and the adults championing their success.
The Cinderella Project also provides on-demand, confidential support for emerging needs. Drawing on its volunteer network, the organization equips school staff with timely resources, while protecting student privacy and dignity at every step. Support is tailored to individual needs and may include practical help with housing, access to mental health supports, accessing immigration support, or navigating complex systems.
By equipping school-based allies with concrete tools and meaningful moments, the Cinderella Project helps youth feel seen, valued, and supported as they envision and pursue their next steps. Many students continue to stay connected with the program after graduation, with some returning as volunteers themselves—becoming part of a long-term community of care.
The core components of the program include:
Year-Round Support
Throughout the school year, the Cinderella Project equips youth workers/school counselors with monthly opportunities to check in with students—ranging from goal-setting conversations, application support and help navigating critical transitions beyond graduation. When urgent needs arise, staff can also discreetly access the organization’s broad volunteer network to connect students with timely, confidential support—ensuring continuity, trust, and a stronger path toward graduation and beyond.
Comfort & Joy Boxes
Our students face many challenges in their everyday lives which are compounded over the holiday break with social isolation, food insecurity, housing instability and risk to personal safety. The feeling of overwhelm and hopelessness can become magnified. In December, personalized care packages are distributed in the same month to ensure students feel “seen” and supported during a vulnerable time, when dropout and suicide rates are high. The goal is to provide emotional care and encouragement as they continue to pursue their goal of graduation. These boxes include items personalized to the youth’s interests, along with grocery gift cards, essential toiletries, fun treats, and information about access to mental health resources.
Boutique Weekend
Held in downtown Vancouver, offering students the opportunity to choose formal attire, receive personal care items, enjoy meals and be paired with a mentor/volunteer or “fairy godparent.” For many students—who are often juggling caregiving, work, and school—this is a rare moment of rest and recognition. The day is designed to celebrate each student’s individuality, honour cultural and gender diversity, and provide a safe, affirming space where they are the focus. The experience not only removes a financial barrier but also serves as a powerful motivator to complete high school. The goal is to build confidence and celebrate students’ graduation in a respectful and inclusive environment.
Scholarships
Each year, Achievement Awards are granted to a growing number of students in support of their post-secondary and training program aspirations. The goals are to reduce financial barriers and help students pursue further education with confidence. All students who apply receive a scholarship or bursary, with amounts ranging from full tuition to $100 book awards. They are also provided with an honorable mention award that they can include on their resumes. This past May (2025) The Cinderella Project gave over 60 awards. For students who receive full bursaries, Cinderella Project provides mentorship throughout their post-secondary journey, with multiple touchpoints each term.
