Disrupting Poverty with Literacy-First Innovation Centres
Our mission is to close achievement gaps and build strong academic and social foundations for lifelong learning.
Source Code is a Scarborough-based, literacy-first innovation academy dedicated to helping K–8 students get back to grade level in literacy and math before entering high school. We partner with teachers, K–12 students, and families in high-priority schools serving Black, Indigenous, racialized, and low-income communities that are historically under-resourced, and we run school-based and community-based programming in neighborhood improvement areas.
Through our partnerships with K–12 schools and community organizations, we focus on real-world learning and culturally responsive programs that integrate literacy, mathematics, digital skills, entrepreneurship, creative arts, mental health, financial literacy, fitness, food security, socio-emotional learning, and social justice. Our approach combines education, technology, and community care to ensure every child—regardless of background—has the support and tools to thrive. Our two programs, outlined below, include the Close the Achievement Gap Program for K-8 Students and the Technology Library for Underserved K-12 Schools.
Programs
Close the Achievement Gap Program for K-12 Students
We support K–8 students and teachers across 50 schools in Scarborough and the GTA, helping students reach grade-level proficiency in literacy and math before they enter high school, with a focus on data-driven, culturally responsive instruction. We empower teachers with the training, resources, and data tools they need to identify learning gaps and deliver responsive interventions tailored to each student’s needs. By combining hands-on support and evidence-based strategies, the program helps students who are behind get back on track academically—building confidence, foundational skills, and readiness for future success.
Inspired by the South End Technology Center’s Learn 2 Teach-Teach 2 Learn model, we deliver culturally-resonant STEAM education and design thinking workshops, equipping underserved K-12 youth with the digital skills needed to drive community-wide cultural change.
Technology Library for Underserved K-12 Schools
We provide low-income, high-priority schools with computers, tablets, and digital tools, ensuring equitable access for teachers and students across Ontario.
Our purpose is to make digital learning and the internet accessible to underserved communities, empowering educators and students to develop skills, self-sufficiency, and future career opportunities. Help us support the 100+ schools we are partnered with by contributing to our Technology Library. To donate funds or tech, please contact us directly by email.
Curtis Carmichael, BPHE, BEd, MEd, PhD student in Culturally Responsive AI and Community Education
“If we can train pro athletes from a young age then we can train global leaders, creators, and innovators from a young age in any and every marginalized, impoverished, and low-income community. Every one of us, both locally and globally, is gifted, we just need the right tools, opportunity, and caring people around us to help us unwrap and use our gifts.”
