On May 1, 2026, at Yorath House, the Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI) program hosted its third annual orientation. The event marks the beginning of an important journey for a new group of participants: an opportunity for participants to meet the rest of their cohort, connect with their supervisors, learn more about the BYSI program and begin shaping a meaningful and engaging summer. Bringing together new members and alumni, the orientation sets the tone for collaboration, mentorship and community-building.
BYSI continues to play a vital role in fostering leadership, creativity and civic engagement among Black youth. The program is specifically designed to address the disparity in mentorship and internship opportunities available to Black students within the Social Sciences and Humanities, including Arts, Business, Education and Law. Through mentorship, skills development and collaborative learning, participants are connected with University of Alberta faculty, staff, graduate students and community mentors who support them in navigating academic, professional and community leadership spaces. The program emphasizes culturally responsive mentorship, community-building and a sense of belonging while supporting each cohort in developing innovative approaches to community-based challenges.
U of A faculty and staff provide mentorship opportunities that connect students with hands-on research experience and professional guidance, including supervising independent research projects and paid research assistant positions. In addition to university-based opportunities, external employers also participate in the program by offering paid internship placements that provide students with practical experience in professional and community settings. Together, these mentorship and internship opportunities help participants build research, leadership and career development skills while fostering meaningful connections within and beyond the university community.
The orientation serves not only as a launch point for the summer’s programming, but also as an introduction to a growing network of young leaders committed to social change.
BYSI students take part in “The Roots That Ground Us,” a team-building activity where they create and share Life Trees representing values, strengths and aspirations in small groups to build trust and connection.
BYSI Leadership Team (from left: Jared Wesley, Domale Dube, Sewordor Toklo). The BYSI Leadership Team works collaboratively to guide the program, support participants and create meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Another BYSI group takes part in “The Roots That Ground Us,” exploring values, strengths and aspirations through a Life or Living Tree activity.
Christopher, Afua, Marvelous and Enock work together as a team to reflect on the BYSI principles and discuss practical ways they can embody and uphold these shared values throughout the program.
Meet the 2026 BYSI cohort.
Alice, a BYSI student, shares her excitement about the summer program and reflects on her expectations for learning, growth and new experiences with fellow participants.
Bashir, a BYSI alumnus and member of the program’s first cohort, shares his experiences, reflections and insights with current students, highlighting the impact of the program on his personal and academic journey.
Zara and Enock, members of the second BYSI cohort who have returned to participate in the current cohort, share their experiences, lessons learned and advice with new students, helping to foster connection and a sense of community.
Students are seated in a circle during an emotional grounding activity, creating a supportive environment for reflection, connection and the establishment of shared commitments at the beginning of the BYSI program.
Preparing for a circle activity focused on emotional experiences and expectations.
BYSI students listen attentively as team leaders deliver welcome messages, introducing the program, sharing expectations and encouraging participants as they begin their BYSI journey.
Enock organizing the BYSI principles.
Jared and Domale, co-executive directors of BYSI, alongside Shirley, professor, Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Feminism and Intersectionality and Academic Lead on Equity Praxis in the Office of the Vice-Provost (Access, Community and Belonging). They all contributed their leadership, expertise and support to the program.
Introducing Sewordor, director of BYSI, and Bashir, a BYSI alumnus, highlighting leadership and alumni connection within the program community.
Domale, co-executive director of BYSI.
Students engage in conversations and activities designed to help them connect, build friendships and become more comfortable with one another as they begin their summer journey.
BYSI members enjoy a relaxed and cheerful moment together, strengthening friendships and building a sense of community through shared laughter and positive interactions.
Asha actively engages with fellow new participants, listening attentively and contributing to discussions as she builds connections and becomes part of the BYSI community.
