This innovative, made-in-Alberta initiative is designed to socially and economically empower Black youth so they can meaningfully contribute to Canadian society.
The goal of the program is to enhance economic prospects, community integration, and leadership abilities, while nurturing a positive cultural identity among its participants. The program aims to engage Black youth in innovative research and provide them with internship opportunities to maximize their experiential learning and facilitate their upward mobility. Initially targeting high school students going into grade 11 and 12, the program has since expanded to include undergraduate students.
The primary goals of the program are to:
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Increase leadership skills of Black youth.
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Increase post-secondary entry and completion rates for Black youth.
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Foster community belonging for Black youth.
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Create a positive cultural identity for Black youth.
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Increase the ability of Black youth to tackle issues of racism and discrimination.
Each year, we carefully select Black youths from across Canada to take part in the program, either in person at the University of Calgary or online. Each participant is paired with two mentors who provide guidance through a six-week summer program, providing mentorship in research (faculty mentor) and professional development (community mentor).
The faculty members involved in the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program are distinguished researchers and professors from the University of Calgary and various institutions across Alberta. Our community mentors represent accomplished professionals from diverse fields such as industry, postsecondary education, and non-profit organizations, all committed to supporting and guiding our mentees.
