Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program

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.

Each year, we carefully select Black youths from across Canada to participate in the program, either in person at the University of Calgary or online. Each participant is paired with two mentors who guide them 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, post-secondary education, and non-profit organizations, all committed to supporting and guiding our mentees.

First pilot tested in 2022, the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program for undergraduate students offers invaluable research experience and mentorship. Currently focused on students interested in the health sciences, the program enables participants to undertake research projects under the guidance of experienced researchers. Students also engage in weekly workshops and mentorship events. We are excited to announce that we will once again offer this enriching program to undergraduate students in summer 2024.