On October 1, 2025, the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement hosted an experiential learning agency appreciation event. This event was a celebration to recognize and thank the experiential learning agencies for their mentorship and the positive impact they have had on the learning, growth and success of the participants (Junior Leaders) of the 2025 Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP).
The experiential learning agencies represent approximately 40 for-profit, not-for-profit, government and community organizations which span a variety of different industries. From automechanic shops to engineering firms and hospitals to the Toronto Humane Society and the Toronto Zoo, these organizations provided our Junior Leaders with real-world professional experience.
“For us at Visions of Science, this partnership was a natural alignment. We exist to empower youth from low-income and marginalized communities, particularly Black communities, through equitable access to STEM education. The Black Student Summer Leadership Program offers exactly that: a space to build confidence, purpose, and identity through hands-on, meaningful work.
By bringing Sundus and Sabrine into the Visions team through this program, we’re not just giving students tasks but we’re inviting them into real decision-making processes, engaging them in authentic STEM problem-solving, and showing them what it looks like to lead from where they are. It’s also about representation. When they see Black professionals leading impactful programs, designing curriculum, and building community, they realize: I belong here too.” - Malika Benjamin, Visions of Science
The Experiential Learning Agencies Appreciation Event was hosted by our Graduation Coaches for Black Students. Sheldon Dixon was the Master of Ceremonies, Grade 12 student Opeyemi introduced the event with a beautiful rendition of the Black National Anthem. Greetings and remarks were given by Karen Murray, System Superintendent, Thando Hyman, Centrally Assigned Principal of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and TDSB BSSLP principals Jamaal Fyffe and Ahmed Omar. Former TDSB student Meron B. shared her experiences spanning 3 years working with the BSSLP and Grade 12 student Diamond O. shared her glowing review and life-changing experience with the program.
“I did my placement at the 519. The experience was great. I got to help others, listen to stories, be in community and support people who needed it. Whether it was through the legal clinic or health justice hub or even just being in the lobby, I felt like I was meant to be there” said Diamond.
Description: Image of Diamond speaking at the Experiential Learning Agency Appreciation event.
About the Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP)
The Black Student Summer Leadership Program has been flourishing for over five years. Through a competitive application process, approximately 100 Black students from the Toronto District School Board are selected to be Junior Leaders within the program. As Junior Leaders they are paired with an experiential learning agency based on the students’ interest. Junior Leaders then work with the experiential learning agency throughout the summer where they are mentored and learn a variety of professional and academic skills. Beyond working with the experiential learning agencies, Junior Leaders receive wrap around support from a multidisciplinary team including Graduation Coaches for Black Students, social workers, teachers, researchers and more.
To learn more about the BSSLP, visit the BSSLP webpage.