From the Classroom to the Hospital: Black Students Explore Future Careers Through Hands-On Learning

From witnessing the first moments of a baby's life to shadowing healthcare professionals across multiple departments, this summer three Toronto District School Board (TDSB) students stepped beyond the classroom and into the world of healthcare.

As participants in the Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP), Abigail, Ewaoluwa, and Ashaiela completed experiential learning placements at Scarborough Health Network's (SHN) Centenary Hospital, where they explored careers in healthcare while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Recent graduates from Scarborough-area schools, the three students share an interest in the health sciences and social work. Over the course of their placements, they worked alongside professionals in the Paediatrics Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Family Birthing Centre, gaining a firsthand look at the many career pathways available in a hospital setting.

For Stacey Owens, Manager of the Women and Children's Program at SHN's Centenary Hospital, the partnership with the Black Student Summer Leadership Program is about opening doors and broadening students' perspectives.

"SHN's involvement in the Black Student Summer Leadership Program is important because it provides students with opportunities and experiences they may not otherwise have been exposed to. Through their time in the hospital environment, students gained insight into a wide range of healthcare careers, including clerical roles, social work, breastfeeding resource nursing, and bedside nursing. They also had the opportunity to observe interprofessional collaboration during daily rounds, witness births, and shadow healthcare professionals in specialized areas such as the Sickle Cell Clinic and Breastfeeding Clinic," she said.

Partnership on programs like the Black Student Summer Leadership Program reflect SHN's commitment to inspiring and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. As a leading teaching and learning hospital, SHN provides opportunities for students and learners at every stage of their educational journey to explore careers in healthcare, gain hands-on experience, and develop the skills needed to care for the communities of tomorrow.

For Abigail, one moment stood out above all others: witnessing a caesarean section for the first time. The experience reinforced her passion for working with children and strengthened her plans for the future.

"I've always wanted to work with kids," she said. "Initially, I wanted to be a pediatrician, but I think starting as a nurse will be better for me. Then I'll see if I can go to medical school."

This fall, Abigail will begin university with the long-term goal of earning a nursing degree.

Ewaoluwa, a graduate of David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute, will attend Ontario Tech University this September to study Public Health. She is a former participant in the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement's Pathways to Public Health program, and she was especially excited to witness both a caesarean section and a natural delivery during her placement. She also enjoyed working in the Family Birthing Centre, supporting new parents and assisting with tasks such as preparing bassinets and changing baby bedding.

While the placement affirmed Abigail's and Ewaoluwa's career interests, it also helped Ashaiela discover a new direction.

This summer marked Ashaiela's second year in the Black Student Summer Leadership Program and her second experiential learning placement, following last year's placement at Taibu Community Health Centre.

"Initially, I wanted to be a nurse, but coming here I learned that nursing wasn't for me," she said. "I can see myself doing social work forever."

By shadowing a hospital social worker, Ashaiela gained a clearer understanding of the profession and the important role social workers play in supporting patients and families. The hope is that the experience gave her the confidence to pursue a career path that better aligns with her interests and strengths.

Reflecting on her experience in the program, Ashaiela encourages other students to take advantage of the opportunity.

"BSSLP is a very good program. You leave with a clear mindset about what you want to do with yourself, and it helps determine what program you want to go into. It's a summer job, but it also helps prepare you for full-time work in the future. It's a really good place to start and get yourself ready for the real world."

Whether the placement confirmed a long-held dream or inspired a new one, each student left SHN with a deeper understanding of the many ways they can make a difference in healthcare and their community.

Offered annually through the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement at the Toronto District School Board, the Black Student Summer Leadership Program is a paid, seven-week internship for Black students in Grades 10–12. Rooted in Afrocentric and community-based approaches, the program combines experiential learning placements, leadership development, and research opportunities, empowering students to grow as researchers, leaders, and changemakers while exploring meaningful career pathways.