New Scholarships Support Black Students in Architecture

By Neil Armstrong

Three graduates of the Toronto District School Board are recipients of the 2025 inaugural TDSB Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Building Black Futures in Architecture Scholarship awards.

They are Michelle Gordon, a 2024 graduate of Newtonbrook Secondary School, pursuing architectural science at Toronto Metropolitan University; Ameena Kane, a 2025 graduate of Richview Collegiate Institute, in architecture studies at the University of Toronto; and Xavier McKinnon, a 2025 graduate of Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, studying architecture engineering at the University of Waterloo.

The scholarship awards $48,000 ($12,000 per year, up to four years) to two students annually. The selection committee was impressed with McKinnon’s application and granted a one-time $5,000 award.

To be eligible, students must have received acceptance or be enrolled in an accredited architecture program in Canada.

On March 3, the TDSB Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and its architecture partners, Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects, hosted a reception at the downtown Toronto office.

“It’s really important as a Black woman and a STEM major. It means a lot to have the representation and the opportunity to do this field of study without worrying about the financial aspects,” said Kane, noting she had always been creative and enjoyed maths and physics.

Acknowledging that men dominate STEM studies, she hopes to inspire other young women.

Gisèle Kane said her daughter, Ameena, has worked very hard throughout elementary and high school to get to this level.

“I think it doesn’t go unnoticed that they have done so well and that they will take the knowledge they learn and bring it back to the community,” she said about the three recipients.

Gordon described the scholarship as “a breath of fresh air” and “a relief.”

“The stuff that I’ve worked for towards this moment really paid off,” she said, noting it is very competitive and she did not see many people who look like her in the architecture program.

Of the 110 students in her program, only 10 are Black. Gordon said printing models is expensive, so she is thankful.

McKinnon is grateful to everyone who helped make the scholarship possible and noted the prize will help pay tuition.

“I am honoured to be the inaugural recipient and I would like to see this prize continue for years to come.”

Karen Murray, System Superintendent Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression at TDSB, said they took an idea about a field with little Black or female representation and offered full scholarships every year as students enrol in architecture programs.

“They’re going to get mentorship, opportunities for summer employment, and ultimately we’re dreaming that they land a position at the end of this.”

Murray said they are about to release the second cohort so two other students could get another four-year full scholarship.

Also in attendance to congratulate and present cheques were Audley Salmon, Associate Director, Learning Transformation and Equity at the TDSB; John Caliendo and Sam Vise of the selection committee; and Greg Alexander, a partner at BBBA.

The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is open to working with donors interested in providing scholarships in other disciplines.

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