Black Youth Visionary Program
The Black Youth Visionary Program aims to engage Black youth in post-secondary education at Ontario Tech University, including applicants and current registered Students, by raising awareness of the opportunities available to them and supporting them with financial assistance and wrap-around supports so they can be successful in earning their degree and securing a job in their field of study.Overall, the program aims to:
-
Create opportunities for Black youth to connect with current and past Ontario Tech students.
-
Leverage existing relationships with campus stakeholders to offer meaningful services to Black students on campus.
-
Provide assistance through experiential learning opportunities, bursaries, and/or scholarships.
Community and partnerships
Community Outreach
Learn more.
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.Black Professional Network
Learn more.
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:
-
Academic supports
-
Community building and getting involved opportunities
-
Career planning resources and networking opportunities
-
Experiential learning and work experience opportunities
-
Leadership and mentorship experiences
-
Student awards and financial aid resources
Why should you join the Black Youth Visionary Program?
-
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.
-
Explore campus supports and services that make sense for your academic journey!
-
Gain access to dedicated experiential learning and work experience opportunities.
-
Become eligible for the Black Youth Visionary Bursary.
-
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.
Join the Black Youth Visionary Program
Black Student Study Space
Wednesday, September 17 - Goal Setting 101
Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 229 | 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Join our Academic Development Assistants as they launch our Black Study Student Space for the upcoming school year. This session will introduce you to your peers, learn how to set academic goals for the upcoming semester and an opportunity to study in a dedicated space just for you.
Wednesday, October 8 - Making the most of the fall study week
Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 229 | 5 to 6:30 p.m.
In this week’s study session, we’ll help you prepare to make the most out of the upcoming fall study week. The session will feature a short talk from one of our Study Skills Specialists on why showing up matters and you’ll also learn how to improve your academic performance. You will leave this session with a personalized study schedule and have an opportunity to get a head start on studying for the upcoming break.
Wednesday, October 22 - Study preparation tips
Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 229 | 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Discover how you learn best and take your study skills to the next level. In this session, you’ll explore different approaches to learning, practice key study strategies beyond just reading and review your personalized study plan. By the end, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how you study most effectively and what steps you need to finish the semester off strong.
Wednesday, November 5 - Study skill strategies
Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 229 | 5 to 6:30 p.m.
In this week’s study session, we’ll teach you how to study smarter, not harder! Discover simple techniques to make studying more manageable and effective. This session will help you build confidence, stay organized and create a plan that sets you up for success in your upcoming exams.
Wednesday, November 19 - Pre-exam study hall
Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 229 | 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Join us for the last Black Student Study space for the fall semester. This calm, low-pressure session is designed to help you stay focused and productive as you prepare for exams. Drop in to study and set yourself up for success this exam season.
Events
Black Youth Visionary Program Launch
- Tuesday, September 23 from 5 to 6:30 | Virtual
- Thursday, September 25 from 6 to 6:30 | Virtual
Whether you’re a new or returning student, this is your chance to start the year informed and inspired.
This virtual session is your chance to:
- Discover exciting opportunities, events and workshops planned for the year.
- Find out how to register and get involved.
- Hear how the program can support your academic, professional and personal growth.
- Learn what the program is all about.
This event is open to all Black-identifying students.
Black Youth Community Nights
Community nights are back! These informal events are a chance for Black students to get together and build a sense of community. Drop in for games, snacks and a chance to connect with fellow students. These events are open to any Black-identifying student on campus, so please bring your friends.
- Thursday, October 2 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. |Mukwa's Den
- Thursday, October 30 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. | Charles Hall, Room 218
- Thursday, November 27 from noon to 2 p.m. | Lunch and Skate at the Campus Ice Centre
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 aaliyahmae.hinds@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
Aaliyah Hinds (She/Her)
Black Youth Visionary Program Coordinator
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Aaliyahmae.hinds@ontariotechu.ca