Black Youth Program 2024-2025

Reach Ahead Credit Opportunity for African, Black, and Caribbean Students

Registration is now open. 

Program duration: Wednesday evenings from November 6, 2024, to May 28, 2025 (Additional evenings and some school days may be required as we draw closer to the Forum date.)

Class Times:  5:30 pm - 9:21 pm
Location: 440 Albert Street, Ottawa - K1R 5B5

*Students will be required to attend regularly in order to benefit from learning with community partners and meet curriculum expectations outlined by the Ministry of Education. 

About this program

The OCDSB Continuing Education department, in partnership with the Sankofa Centre of Excellence, will be offering a reach ahead credit opportunity for African, Black and Caribbean students. Eligible students will have the opportunity to supplement and enrich their high school education by acquiring one credit while preparing and planning for the seventh Annual Black Youth Forum.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips and hands-on activities while developing or enhancing their research, problem solving or critical analysis skills.

Whenever possible, courses will integrate community partners to ensure the interconnectedness of the various subject areas. Students will therefore have presentations from various community partners such as CBC, Ontario Black History Society, Hard Conversations, Jaku Kondit, Ottawa Black Educators’ Network (OBEN), Heads of Missions from various countries, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, York University, Algonquin College and the Ottawa Writers’ Festival.

Course Options

IDC3O (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 11, Open)
IDC4O (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, Open)
IDC4U (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, University)

*Please note: Courses are subject to change or cancellation.

Descriptions of the courses: BYP course codes. 

Please note that if students have already taken these courses, they can also sign up to receive volunteer hours. 

Eligibility

The students should be grade 11 and/or 12 but can include a grade 10 student if they meet the criteria (must have taken careers or civics).

• IDC3O: African, Black, and Caribbean students in Grades 10-12.
• IDC4O: African, Black, and Caribbean students in Grades 11 or 12.
• IDC4U: African, Black, and Caribbean HS students in Grade 11 or 12, who have completed any university or university/college preparation course.

How to Register

OCDSB Student Registration: Please register by completing this form: 2024-2025 OCDSB Black Youth Forum - Student Registration Form

*Student Registration pending approval to allow representation from all secondary schools. 

Student Fees

Student fees are required for:

• International students (must be living in Ontario in order to participate in this program)
• Students residing outside of Ontario at the time of registration.

The fee for this course is $500.00 + 3% administration fee payable online by Visa or Mastercard. Payment information will be provided upon receipt of the registration.