Nurturing Brilliant Minds & Cultivating Generational Leaders.
We exist at the intersection of cultural celebration, rigorous intellectual discovery, and community self-determination. Building an enduring blueprint where every Black child in Rexdale and across the GTA commands their rightful future.
Community-Rooted, Black-Led, Purposefully Visionary.
El’vateED Foundation is a Black-led, community-rooted nonprofit organization serving children, youth, and families in Rexdale, Etobicoke, and communities across the Greater Toronto Area. We create culturally responsive programs that connect education with real life through literacy, mentorship, leadership, career exposure, wellness, creativity, recreation, and community engagement.
Purpose Built for Lasting Generations
Dual pillars grounding our everyday interventions and lifelong commitments to Black youth and family sovereignty.
Core Directive
Our Mission
To empower Black youth and families through culturally grounded education, mentorship, leadership development, and access to opportunities that strengthen confidence, identity, well-being and future success.
- Mentorship
- Leadership
- Systemic Access
Horizon State
Our Vision
A future where Black children and youth have the confidence, resources, relationships, and opportunities to thrive—and the freedom to imagine futures without limits.
- Limitless Futures
- Relationship Capital
- Wealth
Access & Encouragement
El’vateED began with a simple belief: our young people deserve more than encouragement—they deserve access. Founded by educator, children’s author, researcher, and community advocate Tonneil Levene, El’vateED grew from years of working alongside Black children, youth, and families in schools and communities.
Through that work, Tonneil saw young people filled with talent, creativity, and ambition while also seeing barriers that could limit access to mentorship, enrichment, employment opportunities, representation, and supportive spaces. El’vateED was created to help bridge those gaps by bringing together education, culture, mentorship and community.
Today, El’vateED is building a network of educators, families, mentors, businesses, professionals, and community partners who share a commitment to helping young people access meaningful opportunities and recognize the possibilities in their future.
Access First
Beyond motivational words into structural pathways.
Intergenerational
Youth, families, elders, and leaders walking together.
Rigorous & Cultured
Affirming identity while accelerating academic prowess.
Founder Spotlight
Tonneil Levene
Founder, Educator, Children’s Author, Researcher & Community Advocate
How We Build: Our Guiding Approach
Community-Rooted
Programming is shaped by relationships, lived experience, and community needs.
Culturally Grounded
Black identity, history, creativity, and representation are intentionally valued.
Holistic
Academic growth, leadership, well-being, creativity, and future planning are interconnected.
Opportunity-Focused
Youth need experiences, relationships, and access, not encouragement alone.
Collaborative Ecosystem
Families, schools, professionals, businesses, and community organizations all have a vital role in lifting our youth upward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our community roots, participation, and partnership models.
Who can participate in El'vateED programs?
El’vateED programs are open to Black children and youth ages K–12 as well as young adults ages 18–24. We also offer dedicated family and caregiver empowerment initiatives. While our roots and primary physical hubs are in Rexdale and Etobicoke, youth across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are warmly welcomed to enroll in our cohorts, workshops, and summative events.
How are your programs funded and are they free to families?
Our community cohorts, Saturday leadership academies, creative enrichment workshops, and youth supplies are fully funded through philanthropic donors, institutional grants, and business sponsors. This intentional model ensures that financial cost is never a barrier for any child or family seeking to participate in El’vateED experiences.
How can schools or community organizations bring El'vateED into their spaces?
We partner directly with school boards, community centers, and local hubs through our Collaborative Partnership Pathway. Organizations can request tailored in-school or after-school workshops, culturally grounded literacy sessions, guest speaking, and staff professional development centered on Black youth elevation. Inquire via our Partner With Us form.
How can professionals, mentors, or businesses get involved?
We warmly invite Black professionals and community allies to join our Network of Builders. Opportunities include 1-on-1 and small group mentorship, hosting youth workplace shadowing days, serving as industry guest speakers, and sponsoring specific cohort materials or educational scholarships.
Is El'vateED a registered organization?
Yes, El’vateED Foundation operates with certified governance, full community accountability, and recognized nonprofit / 501(c)(3) standards. All philanthropic contributions are directly applied toward youth curriculum, student resources, and community enrichment programs.
Whether you are a family seeking enrollment for your child, an educator wishing to bring our curriculum to your school, or a partner ready to invest in generational leadership—there is an honored seat for you here.