Programs

Black Student Summer Leadership Program

Semester: Winter/Summer

Grades: 10-12

Graduation Coaches for Black Students, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations provide one-of-kind experiential learning opportunities to secondary students and introduce them to a variety of professional pathways. This program supports students in their development of social and professional networks, transferable skills and in the long-term increase the number of individuals identifying as Black in careers in which they may be underrepresented. Students enrolled in the Black Student Summer Leadership Program are paid for their contributions.

Black Girls’ Book Club

Semester: Fall/Winter

Grades: 7-12

The Black Girls’ Book Club is a space for Black girls to build community, explore new ideas, new stories and new ways of self-expression. The club is a forum to celebrate the voices and the stories of Black women writers.

Meet the Scientist

Semester: Winter

Grades: 7-12

This program provides African, African-Caribbean, Black students in grade 7-12 with an opportunity to build an understanding of academic and career pathways in the field of science; explore research based career opportunities in a hospital and/or research lab. To connect with current scientists and health care professionals.

Pathways to Veterinary Medicine

Semester: Winter

Grades: 7-12

In partnership with the Black Veterinary Association of Canada, this program supports TDSB Black students who are interested in career opportunities as Veterinarians or Veterinary Medical Paraprofessionals (e.g., Veterinary Technologists, Animal Care Attendants, Animal Hospital Managers, etc.). This program explores the various aspects of veterinary medicine including what veterinarians do, career opportunities and requirements to apply to veterinary colleges. This program offers support and mentorship to Black students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

Pathways to Public Health

Semester: Winter

Grades: 10-12

In collaboration with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, students will deepen their understanding and access to the field of public health and health system leadership.

Black Student Success and Excellence (BSSE) Initiative

Semester: Fall/Winter

This initiative engages educators and school leaders around issues of anti-Black racism in schools by creating opportunities through which educators and students build their critical consciousness in relation to race and learning in schools and classrooms.

Inspired to Excel Summer Learning Programs

Semester: Summer

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Summer learning programs provide students and families with rich Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogical (CRRP) programming alongside strong literacy and numeracy practices. Many students enrolled in the Pre-Kindergarten “Inspired to Excel”, summer programs participate in virtual African Drumming, Storytelling, Spoken Word, Visual Arts and/or Reggaecise activities with community-based arts educators. Students are encouraged to engage in activities that reinforce positive racial identity, honour the lived experiences of learners and explore methods of creative expression. Registration is available in June.

Experiences

Day of Discovery

Semester: Winter

Grades: 7-12

Students go on an excursion to visit Sunnybrook Labs for a day of discovery. Activities foster curiosity and inspire future healthcare scientists.