On August 15, 2025, the Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP) celebrated the end of its sixth year with a powerful reminder: Black youth are not simply preparing for the future—they are shaping it right now.
For seven weeks, over 100 students across the 吃瓜黑料网 engaged in paid experiential learning placements, mentorship, and an Afrocentric research model known as Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR). Guided by an all-Black/African diasporic staff mentor and research team, Junior Leaders investigated issues that matter most to their lives and communities—from anti-Black racism in schools and healthcare, to digital privacy and climate justice. Their work affirmed that research is more than producing knowledge; it is about identity, community, and transforming lived experience into solutions for change.
As Damian E. reflected, “My journey at the BSSLP gave me the compass to discover my greatest strength. YPAR through Afrocentric research gave me confidence in my identity and a tool to change the world. This is my best summer yet!”
Celebrating Youth Voice and Research
During a three-day Summer Symposium at George Brown College’s St. James Campus, Junior Leaders presented their YPAR projects to peers, mentors, and community partners. This year’s symposium embodied the Africentric principle of Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—a philosophy that centers collective responsibility, care, and shared humanity.
As one Junior Leader, Uhunoma (Diamond) O., shared: “I got the chance to share how I want to be talked about through my video essay YPAR project. It gave me the opportunity to bring our stories to life and tell the truth about them.”
Through the YPAR process, students demonstrated confidence, creativity, and advocacy. Their research projects were not just presentations; they were acts of leadership, vision, and cultural affirmation.
Junior Leaders presenting YPAR projects at the Summer Symposium, George Brown College.
A Pipeline of Leadership
The BSSLP is more than a summer program—it is a pathway to future leadership. Students in Grades 10–12 begin as Junior Leaders, and many return in subsequent years to become peer mentors, peer mentor leads, and even staff mentors. Each role builds leadership capacity and strengthens a cycle of guidance rooted in community.
Fatima O. described this experience best: “My favourite thing about the BSSLP was learning about everyone’s research and seeing different perspectives. It opened my mind to new ways of thinking.”
Image of Peer Mentors
Experiential Learning in Action
For five of the seven weeks, Junior Leaders gained hands-on experience at work placements across Toronto, contributing their time, knowledge, and skills while exploring diverse career pathways. Placement sites included the Toronto Humane Society, University Health Network, TVO, the Toronto Zoo, Interac, and many others across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
For some, these placements opened doors into future careers. As Xavier J. shared, “The BSSLP gave me the opportunity to work in the field I wanted—health sciences—and connected me with people who directed me to other resources and opportunities. From one opportunity, many doors opened.”
Junior Leader Xavier J. speaking during a reflection activity.
Building Belonging and Community
Beyond research and placements, the program nurtured belonging and joy. Orientation week was especially meaningful for many. “My favourite part of the BSSLP was orientation week,” said Solomon J. “I met lots of people, was influenced by their energy, and found comfort being surrounded by so many who looked like me. It was a form of cultural joy.”
Community, friendships, and mentorship became lasting takeaways. As Aman M. reflected, “One of the best things about the BSSLP is the friends and community I developed. It is a true village. Not only that, but I made plenty of memories.”
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Peer Mentors and Junior Leaders sharing reflections together.
A Vision Born of Community
As this summer drew to a close, what remained was more than a collection of projects—it was a living vision of leadership grounded in community. Students left with sharpened skills, affirming networks, and the confidence to know their brilliance is undeniable.
“It is a true village.” — Aman M.
The BSSLP continues to affirm that when Black youth are given space, mentorship, and resources, they transform not only themselves but the world around them. Their voices, curiosity, and care are not just the promise of tomorrow—they are the work of today.
This year’s program stands as a testament: the brilliance of Black youth will always guide our collective future. And it is our responsibility, as a community, to ensure they are supported, celebrated, and never silenced.