Joel Isu, a nursing student, expressed uncertainties about his future before enrolling in the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program. Through the program’s workshops and guidance, he found a clearer path forward. Isu highlighted the importance of feeling secure in a space tailored for Black youth.
The program, initiated in 2020, has supported numerous Black students in Alberta. It connects high school students and undergraduates with mentors, offering leadership workshops and exposure to academic and professional opportunities on university campuses.
Despite mentoring around 300 high school students and 35 undergraduates across Canada, the program faces high demand surpassing its capacity. In Calgary alone, it has assisted 150 students, with alumni excelling in fields like medical school and graduate studies.
Dr. Bukola Salami, the program’s founder and a University of Calgary professor, aims not only to guide students but also to combat long-standing systemic anti-Black racism effects on families. The initiative seeks to equip young individuals with the tools to excel academically, socially, and professionally.
Statistics Canada data reveals a high incidence of discrimination among Canadian-born Black individuals, emphasizing the persistent challenges faced by Black youth in various settings. These discriminatory patterns can lead to disparities in areas like employment and academic experiences, which mentorship programs strive to mitigate.
The program structure involves workshops, mentorship, and campus experiences for both high school participants and undergraduates. Participants receive guidance on academic planning, leadership development, and career pathways. Mentors from diverse backgrounds offer valuable perspectives and advice to the students.
Beluchi Okeke, now pursuing global health and bioethics at the University of Toronto, credits the program for empowering her to lead initiatives addressing issues like corporate anti-racism and vaccine hesitancy in the Black community. Okeke emphasizes the program’s lasting impact on her life.
Dr. Salami advocates for sustained funding to expand the program and cater to the growing demand. She emphasizes the transformative effect of mentorship and structured support on students’ success. Applications for the 2026 cohort are open until Feb. 6, offering a stipend to cover related costs for accepted participants.
As discrimination and bias persist in society, programs like this play a crucial role in providing guidance and opportunities for Alberta’s Black youth. Isu encourages individuals to embrace opportunities for growth and progress.
