Connected North’s 2025–26 School Year at a Glance: Learning, Belonging and Connection

Connected North expanded its reach and impact in 2025–26, connecting more students and educators in remote and Indigenous communities with engaging, culturally relevant learning experiences that inspire curiosity, strengthen identity and bring meaningful role models into the classroom.

Every Connected North session creates an opportunity for students to explore a new idea, connect with an inspiring role model or see their identities and cultures reflected in the classroom. During the 2025–26 school year, those opportunities reached more students, teachers and schools across remote and northern communities in Canada.

This year’s results demonstrate both the program’s continued growth and the meaningful impact of live, interactive learning.

What is Connected North?

Connected North is a TakingITGlobal program that brings live, interactive learning into classrooms in remote and Indigenous communities through technology. Students connect with experts, educators and role models for experiences that encourage curiosity, strengthen cultural identity and make learning more engaging and relevant.

The results captured in our latest infographic tell a powerful story of expanded access, stronger student engagement and learning grounded in identity and culture.

Key Achievements for the 2025–26 School Year

• 224 Schools Served: Connected North reached 224 schools across Canada, extending access to meaningful learning opportunities in northern and remote communities.
• 8,206 Live Sessions Delivered: Students took part in 8,206 live, interactive sessions that introduced new ideas, experiences and perspectives directly into their classrooms.
• 43,845 Students Engaged: The program connected 43,845 students with educational experiences designed to encourage curiosity and active participation.
• 1,541 Teachers Engaged: Connected North engaged 1,541 teachers through programming and resources that enriched classroom learning.
• 517 Content Providers: A diverse network of experts, educators and organizations shared their knowledge and perspectives across a wide range of subjects.
• 398,547 Minutes of Learning: Students participated in more than 398,000 minutes of live, interactive learning throughout the school year.

Impact on Educators and Students

• 94% of teachers reported that Connected North sessions help engage students and contribute to improved attendance and motivation for learning.
• 96% of teachers agreed that the program affirms students’ identities and strengthens pride in their cultures.
• 75% of students said they learned something new from a Connected North guest speaker.
• 65% of teachers felt that their school’s participation in Connected North positively impacts teacher retention.
• 63% of students said they enjoy coming to school more when they know a Connected North session is planned.

Representation and Role Models

In 2025–26, 59% of all sessions were led by Indigenous content providers who brought culturally relevant knowledge and perspectives into classrooms, giving students opportunities to learn from role models who reflect their identities, cultures and communities.

Exceptional Satisfaction

Connected North achieved an exceptional Net Promoter Score of 84, demonstrating that teachers are highly likely to recommend the program to a colleague.

Looking Ahead

Building on the achievements of the 2025–26 school year, Connected North will continue expanding access to engaging, culturally relevant learning experiences for students in remote and Indigenous communities. By working alongside educators, Indigenous content providers, community partners and supporters, we look forward to creating even more opportunities for students to connect with inspiring role models, explore new ideas and see their identities and cultures reflected in their learning.

Together, we will continue using technology to strengthen connections, inspire curiosity and help students thrive, wherever they live.

Explore the Full Annual Report

These highlights offer a snapshot of Connected North’s reach and impact during the 2025–26 school year. Explore the full annual report to learn more about the program’s outcomes, partnerships and work with students, educators and communities across Canada.

Connected North is a program of TakingITGlobal — empowering youth, educators, and communities across Canada.