Supporting Black youth across Peel Region

Black Youth Success (BYS)

A non-profit organization that works to provide culturally responsive wraparound support to Black youth to stay engaged in school and have access to resources to prepare them for university, college, and work.

Elementary to high school
Free programs and supports
Online, in-school (in-person), and community-based

A student in a pink hoodie holding binders and folders

Student Support Navigation

We deliver programs in schools (in-person), online (virtual), at post-secondary campuses (in-person), and in community-based settings (in-person) to make our services accessible and meet students where they are.

Our five core pillars: Academics · Leadership & Mentorship · STEM Learning and Skilled Trades Exploration · Personal Wellness · Job Readiness & Career Exposure.

A group of five students standing together outside and smiling

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OnlineIn-School (In-Person)

Pathways to Academic Success

Through one-on-one support and group learning opportunities, our BYS students receive the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed in school and prepare for future opportunities.

1:1 Academic Support
Group Math Enrichment Sessions
High School Course Selection
Referrals to Resources & Services
Post-Secondary Navigation
Finding Job/Volunteer Opportunities Aligned With Students’ Interests

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Online (Virtual)Community-Based (In-Person, optional)

Future Planning (Mentorship) Program

A culturally-specific mentoring program for Black youth in Grades 8-12 where youth will benefit from the guidance, support, and role modelling from mentors.

03

In-School (In-Person)Community-Based (In-Person)

The Village Sessions: Culture & Conversation

Centers Black identity, culture, and history through meaningful exploration of art, music, literacy, etc.

04

In-School (In-Person)Online (Virtual)Community-Based (In-Person)

S.T.E.M Program

Aims to provide meaningful opportunities for Black youth to explore, pursue careers in STEM fields, and develop skills through workshops and hands-on activities.

05

In-School (In-Person)Online (Virtual)Community-Based (In-Person)

Parent Engagement

We recognize that parents/caregivers are an essential part of student success. Through resource sharing and referrals, we are committed to ensuring they can access programs and services that best meet their needs.

A student with a backpack holding her books

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Not sure which program is the right fit?

Speak with your school counsellor or email info@byssi.ca and our team will walk you through the programs and help you find the one that fits.

Register Today

Choose the path that fits you — become a Pathways student, a mentee, a mentor, or register for one of our other programs.

01

Become a Pathways Student

Join a welcoming community where you'll receive personalized guidance, practical resources, and encouragement to help you succeed in school and prepare for your future.

Register as a Pathways student

02

Become a Mentee

Whether students are curious about different careers, thinking about post-secondary options, or just want someone to talk through ideas with, this program is for them.

Register as a mentee

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Become a Mentor

Are you passionate about helping Black youth build confidence and achieve their goals? Our mentors dedicate 1 hour per week for a minimum of three months.

Register as a mentor

04

General Program Registration

Interested in one of our other programs? Get in touch and our team will help you find the right fit and walk you through how to sign up.

Register for a program

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduate in cap and gown celebrating with family

BYS centres Black youth and families while including other equity-deserving youth in programming.
We use the term “Black” to refer to all people of African descent, meaning those who can trace their family tree (or part of their family tree) back to the continent of Africa. Black in this case is also inclusive of students who are of bi-racial heritage. We also use the term “African Canadian”, which refers to Black people and includes ALL Canadians of African descent, regardless of where they were born (e.g. Canada, Jamaica, Barbados, Nigeria, Ghana, England). This term is inclusive of people who have one parent of African descent and consider themselves bi-racial.
All programs and supports offered directly by BYS are at no cost to students and families.
Once you register, a BYS staff member will contact you by email with a welcome message and information about the next steps. This may include scheduling an introductory meeting, completing any required forms, and sharing details about the program and available supports.
BYS offers both in-person and online programs. In-person programs take place in schools, at post-secondary campuses, or in community-based settings, while other programs are delivered virtually. Offering both formats helps ensure our programs are accessible to more students, including those who may face transportation or scheduling barriers, allowing more youth to participate in the supports and opportunities BYS provides.
BYS is always open to collaborating with schools to deliver culturally responsive programming for Black students and Black Student Alliance (BSA) groups. To request a BYS program at your school, please complete the Contact Us form. A BYS staff member will follow up to schedule an introductory meeting to discuss your school’s needs and explore potential programming opportunities. Please note that our ability to facilitate in-school programming is dependent on staff capacity and program availability.