Black Youth Visionary Program
Overall, the program aims to:
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Create opportunities for Black youth to connect with current and past Ontario Tech students.
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Leverage existing relationships with campus stakeholders to offer meaningful services to Black students on campus.
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Provide financial assistance through experiential learning opportunities, bursaries, and/or scholarships.
Join the Black Youth Visionary Program
Current students
Upon registration into the program, you will have an opportunity to meet with a staff member who will provide you with a customized pathway for increasing your awareness and engagement of wrap-around supports at Ontario Tech. This will help ensure that you are successful and confident during your studies and beyond.
By joining the program, you will gain access to:
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Academic supports
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Community building and getting involved opportunities
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Career planning resources and networking opportunities
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Experiential learning and work experience opportunities
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Leadership and mentorship experiences
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Student awards and financial aid resources
Why should you join the Black Youth Visionary Program?
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Each year you complete one activity in each of the areas mentioned above, you will be eligible to receive annual recognition on the Student Experience Record. This will further enhance your ability to showcase your achievements during your time at Ontario Tech.
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Explore campus supports and services that make sense for your academic journey!
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Gain access to dedicated experiential learning and work experience opportunities.
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Become eligible for the Black Youth Visionary Award.
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Meet other Black-identifying students at Ontario Tech and build your community.
Program Eligibility
The program is open to all active undergraduate and graduate students at Ontario Tech. Students must self-identify as Black during the registration process to be a part of the program.
Community Outreach
The Black Youth Visionary Program also aims to connect with Black youth within the Durham Region community through outreach events, partnerships, and digital engagement. By collaborating with local high schools, community organizations, and Black-led initiatives, the program will host information sessions and workshops to raise awareness of the opportunities at Ontario Tech.
Starting in Summer 2025, the Black Youth Visionary Program will be offering financial assistance to Black-identifying youth registered for Ontario Tech’s University Preparation Program. More details to come soon.
If you are a local high school or community organization interested in partnering with the Black Youth Visionary Program, please contact blackvisionary@ontariotechu.ca.Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join the Black Youth Visionary Program?
- The Black Youth Visionary Program is designed to support your success at every stage of university, providing resources like academic support, mentorship, financial assistance, and career readiness. It's an opportunity to connect with a community that understands your journey and is dedicated to helping you thrive.
I do not self-identify as Black, can I still join the program?
- The program is specifically designed to support incoming and current Black-identifiying individuals. If you do not self-identify as Black, you would not be eligible for this particular program. However, there are other initiatives and resources available at Ontario Tech that cater to a diverse range of students. For more information, please contact Yasmin.Abdulla@ontariotechu.ca.
I’m an upper year student, can I still join?
- Absolutely! Upper year students are encouraged to join the program. Our team can assist you with preparing for your final years of study at Ontario Tech.
Do I need to sign up again each semester/year?
- Once you are a part of the Black Youth Visionary Program, you are officially a part of our community and do not need to sign up every year. Upon graduating from Ontario Tech, you will be given an opportunity to give back to other students who are a part of the Black Youth Visionary Program.
Ontario Tech thanks Scotiabank for their generous support in helping bring the Black Youth Visionary Program to life. Through their donation, Scotiabank has made it possible to create meaningful pathways and resources that will empower Black youth in their journey towards post-secondary education and personal development.
Contact Information
To learn more about the Black Youth Visionary Program at Ontario Tech, contact us:
Black Youth Visionary Program
blackvisionary@ontariotechu.ca
Or
Yasmin Abdulla (pronounced: y-ah-s-mean ab-doola)
(She/Her)
Manager, Community and Cultural Relations
Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
yasmin.abdulla@ontariotechu.ca
