Our Programs
Homework Assistance
The BYSPD Homework Assistance Program provides personalized academic support to BIPOC youth, helping them excel in school and develop strong study habits. Through this program, youth have access to trained tutors and university student volunteers who assist them in core subjects such as math, science, English, and social studies. Tutoring sessions take place after school and on weekends, offering a reliable space where students can focus on their studies, receive guidance, and ask questions in a supportive environment. In addition to academic support, BYSPD offers a free meal during each session to ensure students have the nutrition and energy to engage fully. The program emphasizes skill-building, critical thinking, and academic confidence to close achievement gaps and prepare students for future educational success.
Post-Secondary Preparation Program
The Post-Secondary Preparation Program is designed to support BIPOC secondary school students in navigating the complex processes of applying to colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions. The program focuses on building confidence and providing guidance through each stage of the application process, from choosing the right school to preparing applications, understanding financial aid, and post-secondary education transition.
Apprenticeship Connection Program
The Apprenticeship Connection Program links BIPOC youth with in-demand apprenticeship opportunities across various skilled trades. By connecting youth with hands-on training programs, we provide pathways to stable, rewarding careers in trades and industries that are actively seeking skilled workers. This program empowers youth to explore career opportunities outside of traditional academia, fostering pride and confidence in trades and craftsmanship.
Professional Mentorship Program
The Professional Mentorship Program connects BIPOC youth with experienced BIPOC and ally professionals from diverse fields who serve as mentors, guiding them in career exploration, personal development, and goal-setting. Each youth participant is thoughtfully matched with a mentor based on shared career interests and aspirations, creating a unique, individualized mentorship experience. Mentors meet with their mentees regularly virtually or in-person to provide insights into their industry, offer career advice, and help mentees set and pursue academic and professional goals. Mentors share real-world perspectives, address challenges their mentees may face, and offer encouragement to help them navigate academic and personal challenges. The program also includes group mentorship sessions where mentees can learn from other professionals to expand their awareness of potential career paths. By fostering long-term mentorship relationships, the Professional Mentorship Program builds a support network that helps youth gain confidence, learn valuable life skills, and visualize a future filled with opportunities.
Career Shadowing Initiative
The Career Shadowing Initiative offers BIPOC youth the invaluable opportunity to experience a day in the life of professionals across different industries, providing them with firsthand exposure to real-world career environments. BYSPD collaborates with local enterprises, organizations, and institutions to facilitate career shadowing opportunities tailored to each youth participant’s individual interests and professional objectives. On a shadowing day, students accompany professionals in the workplace, observing their daily tasks, attending meetings, and gaining hands-on experience with projects and responsibilities. This immersive experience enables students to ask questions, interact with industry tools and technologies, and see the practical applications of their academic knowledge. The Career Shadowing Initiative aims to help youth make informed decisions about their career interests and provides clarity about the educational and professional steps needed to achieve their goals. By connecting youth with professionals in fields such as healthcare, technology, trades, and business, the initiative fosters a tangible understanding of various career options to build the foundation for a successful future.
Professional Development Activities
The Professional Development Activities program is a comprehensive series of workshops, seminars, and training sessions designed to equip BIPOC youth with essential academic and professional success skills. Each session focuses on critical areas, including resume building, job interview preparation, time management, leadership, and effective communication. Facilitated by experienced professionals and educators, these workshops offer practical, hands-on learning where youth can apply and practice new skills in a supportive setting. Participants learn how to craft impressive resumes, confidently approach job interviews, set achievable goals, and effectively communicate their ideas and ambitions. Financial literacy, networking, and self-advocacy workshops also prepare youth for challenges in higher education or the workplace. The Professional Development Activities program emphasizes skill-building for academic and career pursuits, empowering youth to navigate future opportunities confidently and professionally. By engaging in these development activities, youth are better equipped to present themselves, seize opportunities, and contribute positively in any environment.
Peer-to-Peer Socialization and Friendship Building Program
The Peer-to-Peer Socialization and Friendship Building program aims to provide a safe, inclusive space where BIPOC youth can connect with peers, build lasting friendships, and find support within a community that values their unique experiences and perspectives. Through organized group activities, social events, and open discussions, youth can share their stories, celebrate their cultures, and support one another in personal and academic pursuits. Activities include group outings, cultural celebrations, movie nights, and team-building exercises that foster participants’ sense of belonging and unity. Peer-to-peer socialization activities are designed to cultivate mutual respect, empathy, and understanding, allowing youth to build camaraderie with others who may have faced similar experiences or challenges. This program also includes mentorship from older youth who serve as role models, offering guidance and encouragement. By building a supportive peer network, the Peer-to-Peer Socialization and Friendship Building program helps youth confidently navigate their journey, knowing they have a strong community of friends and allies who support their goals and celebrate their achievements.
Health Awareness and Wellness Program
BYSPD’s Health Awareness and Wellness Programs educate BIPOC youth and their communities about health disparities impacting these populations. By addressing both physical and mental health challenges, the initiative enhances healthcare literacy and provides essential information and resources. Focused on promoting healthier lifestyles, the program targets chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension to reduce health inequities.
Through comprehensive workshops, seminars, and resource provision, the Health Awareness and Wellness Program is designed to empower BIPOC youth and these communities by enhancing their understanding of health decision-making, facilitating self-awareness of physiological health, and encouraging the pursuit of appropriate medical interventions.
