As Alberta’s population, particularly in Calgary, continues to grow rapidly, schools are facing increasing pressure due to the rising number of students, especially newcomers with limited English proficiency. The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY) assists immigrant and refugee youth by supporting schools and teachers in accommodating these new students. With an unprecedented demand for their services, the CBFY is overwhelmed, expecting to conduct initial interviews with nearly 10,000 newcomer students this school year, compared to the typical 2,500. The influx of newcomers poses challenges for both schools and students, who must adjust to a new educational environment and language while dealing with feelings of isolation and the need for translator apps in class. However, the increasing demand for these services strains existing resources and highlights the urgent need for additional funding and support to accommodate the growing immigrant population in Calgary’s schools.
