The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.

— Napoleon Hill

The Strongest Oak (TSO) Foundation is an international non-profit organization that provides mentorship and financial support to extraordinary youth in developing nations who have endured extreme adversity and trauma: genocide, war, rape, disease or acute poverty.

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, TSO matches local and international mentors with youth aged 15 to 29 (our “Strongest Oaks”) to help them achieve life-changing personal, educational or professional goals, with the ultimate goal of  becoming financially self-sustaining.

TSO offers financial support to our Strongest Oaks for post-secondary education or vocational training. To bolster their chances for success, we also sponsor part-time internships in partnership with local employers; these employers provide our Oaks with the practical work experience required to secure a future job or to launch a small business or social venture. TSO’s mentors help ensure the Oaks stay on track with their goals and on-budget with their financial supporters.