FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Skills for Change Launches Black Youth in STEM Project, funded by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

Toronto, ON, March 21, 2023 – Skills for Change is proud to announce the launch of our Black Youth in STEM project, an afterschool program designed to empower and support Black youth in underserved communities in Toronto who are interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The project is part of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism’s Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP), which aims to increase opportunities and reduce barriers for Black youth in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Black Youth in STEM project will provide programming for youth aged 14-18, with a focus on enhancing their skills and knowledge in STEM fields. Participants will have access to workshops, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences in various areas of STEM, including coding, robotics, and data analysis. The program will be offered in partnership with local schools and community organizations in underserved areas of Toronto.

Skills for Change would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism for their support in launching this important initiative. This funding will enable Skills for Change to provide high-quality programming to Black youth who may not have had access to such opportunities otherwise.

“We are thrilled to launch the Black Youth in STEM project and provide Black youth with the tools and support they need to succeed in STEM fields,” said Surranna Sandy, CEO of Skills for Change. “We believe that investing in Black youth is an investment in the future of our community, and we are grateful to the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism for recognizing the importance of this work.”

The Black Youth in STEM project will begin in April 2023. Registration is now open, and we are hosting a virtual information session about the program on Thursday, March 23, 2023. To register for the information session, click here

Interested participants and their families are encouraged to visit Skills for Change’s website for more information.

About Skills for Change

Founded in 1982, Skills for Change is a leading non-profit organization serving immigrants and refugees in Canada. Our mission is to build welcoming and equitable communities. We offer over 25 programs and services and annually serve more than 16,000 immigrants and refugees. 

Media Contacts: 

Sampada Kukade, VP of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, skukade@skillsforchange.org or 416-658-3101, ext. 234.