Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program for High School Youth
The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program is an interdisciplinary initiative designed to equip Black youths with the skills needed to thrive in both academia and the workforce. Open to students from all disciplines, the program for high school youth offers mentorship opportunities wherein participants gain valuable research or professional practice experience under the guidance of Black professionals or faculty members. In addition to these hands-on experiences, students attend workshops and participate in group activities, fostering holistic growth and development.
From July 2 to August 9, 2024, participants will commit to the mentorship program full time. Each week, they will dedicate one day to participating in workshops while the remaining three to four days will be spent in individual mentorship sessions with professionals and/or graduate students. These sessions will offer practical experience. Additionally, participants will collaborate on a group project, further enhancing their skills and knowledge through teamwork.
Students participating in the summer program will earn a stipend, subject to funding availability. Upon completion of the program, they will receive a certificate of completion. Participants can also apply to earn high school credits if they wish to do so.
The program will include workshops and content on:
- Conducting literature searches and literature reviews
- Writing scholarly papers
- Financing your university education
- Planning a career
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Promoting your mental health
- Fostering a positive Black identity and tackling racism
- Succeeding as a Black youth
BYMLP participants will gain professional and research experience across a wide range of disciplines, spanning arts, nursing, medicine, science, business, engineering, social science, and law. Through interaction with role models including faculty members, students, and working professionals, participants will have the opportunity to explore diverse career paths and broaden their horizons.