Libraries, universities and volunteers run good after-school programs that cost nothing or a few dollars. They are rarely advertised, and the best ones fill up in the first week of each term.
Learning Buddies Network (charity)
Once a week, 45 minutes, for children working below grade level. Math is for Grades 3–5, reading for Grades 1–5. Fall term runs mid-October to mid-December. Sites include MOSAIC Family Centre (Kingsway, Burnaby), Westridge Elementary (Burnaby), Sunset Community Centre (Vancouver), Kingswood Elementary (Richmond), and online.
How to join: Fill in the online form. Schools and agencies can also refer.
Official page →Learning Buddies Network (charity)
Online, twice a week: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, at 4:00 or 5:35 pm.
How to join: Fill in the online form.
Official page →Vancouver Public Library
Weekly after school with a teen buddy, at West Point Grey, Fraserview, Britannia, Kensington and South Hill branches. Fall 2026 started the week of Oct 8.
How to join: Registration required. Ask your branch.
Official page →Vancouver Public Library
Weekly science and building activities with a teen buddy, October to November, at Terry Salman, Kitsilano, Champlain Heights and Mount Pleasant branches.
How to join: Register online.
Official page →Vancouver Public Library, West Point Grey
Fridays at 3:30. Fall 2026: Oct 9 to Dec 18.
How to join: Drop in.
Official page →Vancouver Public Library (online)
Creative writing on Zoom, Wednesdays at 3:45, four weeks in October.
How to join: Register online.
Official page →Vancouver Public Library, Central
Thursdays at 3:45. Fall 2026: Oct 8 to Nov 26.
How to join: Drop in.
Official page →Vancouver Public Library, Central and Renfrew
Mondays and Thursdays at 3:30. Ask staff for homework help.
How to join: Drop in.
Official page →Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
Saturdays 10 to noon, except long weekends, at 800 E Broadway.
How to join: Register. You can try a few sessions first.
Official page →BGC South Coast BC
Weekdays after school until 6 pm, with homework help. Full price is $800–$1,400 a year, but families pay what they can.
How to join: Register with your local club. For help with fees, call 604-324-2267.
Official page →BGC South Coast BC
After school, with tutoring and dinner. Vancouver (Fraserview) and Langley clubs.
How to join: Register with the club.
Official page →Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences and UBC Math
Monday evenings, 4:30–5:45 at UBC. Fall 2026: Oct 19, Oct 26, Nov 2, Nov 16, Nov 30, Dec 14. Problem solving beyond the curriculum, good preparation for math contests.
How to join: Register online for each session. Spaces are limited.
Official page →UBC Applied Science
Saturday engineering and coding clubs at UBC. Bursaries for the winter 2027 term open in late fall 2026.
How to join: Apply for a bursary, then register.
Official page →For the programs that do cost money. Most need proof of income, and most reset every year, so apply early.
KidSport BC
Up to $300 per child a year toward sport registration.
Ages 18 and under, families in financial need. Apply before the season starts.
Official page →Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Up to $300 per child a year for sport registration and equipment.
Ages 4–18, family income under the low-income cut-off. Canada Child Benefit statement as proof.
Official page →City of Vancouver and Park Board
Free or discounted swims and skates, and discounted programs.
Vancouver residents with low income.
Official page →Government of Canada
Money for your child's education, paid into an RESP. Your family doesn't have to put anything in.
Lower-income families who get the Canada Child Benefit. Open a free RESP at a bank to receive it.
Official page →Know a free program we missed? Tell us about it.
Checked against each organizer's own page on 2026-10-04. Dates change every term, so confirm before you go.