Mentorship to empower Black youth

As communities mark Black History Month by celebrating resilience and achievement, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is investing in the future through a mentorship initiative designed to guide Black youth toward academic success and meaningful careers.

Speaking with Garth Neilson, a senior general manager at the YMCA, it becomes clear that the Black Achievers Mentorship Program is more than a youth initiative; it is a deliberate effort to reshape outcomes and expand possibilities.

“We recognized that too many of our young people were not reaching their full potential,” Neilson explained.

“Not because they lack intelligence or ambition, but because they often don’t have the support systems that help them navigate school and plan for the future,” he added.

Launched in 2021 at the Scarborough YMCA on Finch Avenue East, the program was created in response to growing concern about educational disengagement and limited access to mentorship within the Black community.

What started as a single location has since expanded to Etobicoke and Brampton, with a fourth site scheduled to open in Pickering in September 2026.

Today, about 180 students are enrolled and organizers hope to increase that number to at least 250.

The program serves high school students between the ages of 14 and 19, pairing them with mentors whose professional achievements reflect the aspirations many participants are beginning to form.

Engineers, accountants, and other professionals volunteer their time, offering guidance that blends academic support with real-world insight.

“Young people need to see individuals who look like them succeeding,” Neilson said.

“When that connection happens, it changes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible,” he added.

Weekly mentoring sessions focus on leadership development, study habits, and career exploration.

Workshops teach students how to prepare effectively for exams and manage their coursework, while networking opportunities introduce them to professional environments they may not otherwise encounter.

Exposure is a central pillar of the program. Students tour universities and colleges, including the University of Toronto, McMaster University, Queen’s University, and Toronto Metropolitan University, helping them envision their place in higher education.

For many, the visits transform post-secondary learning from an abstract idea into an attainable goal.

Equally significant is the program’s emphasis on cultural identity. By incorporating discussions about heritage and history, organizers aim to strengthen confidence and instill pride, qualities Neilson believes are essential for long-term achievement.

The mentorship model is also closely tied to employment readiness. Through YMCA employment services, students are encouraged to secure part-time or summer work, giving them early exposure to workplace expectations while building independence.

Since the program’s launch, 66 students have graduated from Grade 12 after completing the mentorship journey, each representing what Neilson describes as “proof that the right support can alter a young person’s trajectory.”

Parents are engaged throughout the process, reinforcing the idea that student success is strongest when families and communities are actively involved.

As the initiative continues to grow, the YMCA is calling on more professionals to volunteer as mentors.

“Mentorship is the engine of this program,” Neilson emphasized. “When professionals step forward, they provide hope, direction, and a tangible example of success.”

For Black youth seeking confidence, structure, and opportunity, and for professionals ready to help guide the next generation, the Black Achievers Mentorship Program stands as a powerful reminder that when a community invests in its young people, the returns are felt for generations.

#BlackHistoryMonth #BlackYouth #MentorshipMatters #FutureLeaders #YMCA #TorontoCommunity #YouthEmpowerment #BlackExcellence #GTA #CommunityImpact #EducationMatters #LeadershipDevelopment