Calgary Academy (CA) first opened its doors in 1981 and is celebrating 40 years in the community. What’s the secret to CA’s growth and success? Two crucial elements are its entrepreneurial spirit and the community of generous donors, helping CA continue to offer many things for students to achieve their dreams.
CA thrives in a culture of innovation and is always finding ways to leave a positive impact on its students. With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the education sector by moving classes online and cancelling diploma exams, CA pivoted and launched a summer school program in 2021. Over 80 students attended, and it was instrumental in helping them complete their courses and get the extra help they may need as they continued into the next academic year. CA also launched Blended+ in Fall 2021 for Grades 9-10 to help maximize the impact of online, in-person, and off-campus learning. After a successful pilot year, the program is accepting applications for Grades 9-12 next year.
CA focuses on helping students achieve more than just academic success. It also provides an altruistic community where students are given opportunities through various in-class projects and a variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities to do great work within Calgary and beyond to give back. Throughout the school year, students, faculty, and support staff alike are immersed in various fundraising and community events, including Dig Pink, a community garden, Adopt-A-Family, an annual Legacy Award fundraiser, School Council of Calgary Academy (SCOCA) fundraisers, and the International Travel Studies (ITS) program.
It is because of this entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to offering alternative solutions in a traditional sector, and giving back to the local community that CA has attracted the attention of others in the surrounding area that share its commitment to disruption. One such example is Invico Capital Corporation, a Calgary-based investment fund management firm, which was founded in 2005 by Allison Taylor and Jason Brooks. Invico is another example of a local success story that has served as a disruptor in a traditional industry and prides itself on a culture of innovation with entrepreneurial roots.
Starting from humble beginnings, Invico has steadily grown to become one of Canada’s leading private investment fund management firms managing over $1.5 billion in private capital. The company is a proud supporter of gender and racial equality and has a workforce that is comprised of majority women, which positions it as a rarity in the world of finance. The firm also offers unique opportunities for investors that provide access to niche sectors, like energy and film and media, and strives to ensure their needs are met in a constantly evolving marketplace. Further, Invico is a staunch advocate of community involvement and has donated to various charities and ventures within the city, including the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business Capital Expansion Project, and volunteered with various student organizations throughout Calgary.
It is with this in mind that CA is pleased to share that Invico has helped to finance a new bus that will allow students to experience off-campus learning excursions.
“We are incredibly excited to give back to Calgary Academy, a local institution that is providing a unique solution in education that not only helps students reach their academic goals, but also builds their confidence and self-esteem. All three of my children have attended CA, with two currently enrolled, and I know that CA has granted them the opportunity to achieve in education in a way that will positively impact them for the rest of their lives.” – Jason Brooks, President of Invico
“Bigger capital expenditures like a new bus are often difficult to find room for in budgets and Invico is pleased to support the school so more funds can remain in the classroom. Jason and I see a lot of Invico in CA’s origin story and continued growth over the years, and we believe the school has a very bright future ahead of it.” – Allison Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Invico, and whose daughter currently attends CA
Aided by the support of businesses like Invico, CA remains a place of hope, growth, and achievement and will continue to innovate and enhance its curriculum to help prepare students for a bright future.