狐狸视频

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education reaches out to Black high school students with new March break program

A high school student.

The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education is offering a new March break program focused on Black high school students that will include mentoring from U of T students in the bachelor of kinesiology program (photo by Seed9)

The 狐狸视频鈥檚 Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) is offering new March break program this year that targets Black high school students in the Greater Toronto Area who are interested in the study of kinesiology.

Participants in Reach Ahead to Kinesiology will spend the week learning about kinesiology through interactive workshops and activities. They will meet with KPE faculty members and staff, receive mentorship from students in the bachelor of kinesiology program and explore education and career paths available to kinesiology graduates.

鈥淭here is increasing recognition that Black students have traditionally been underrepresented at Canadian universities,鈥 said Catherine Amara, associate professor, teaching stream, and director of undergraduate studies at KPE. 鈥淭he Reach Ahead to Kinesiology March break program will introduce participants to our undergraduate program and the numerous supports in place to help secure our students鈥 success, ensuring Black high school students see themselves thriving at KPE and U of T.鈥 

Amara was part of the  and U of T鈥檚 Anti-Black Racism Task Force, both of which produced reports that included recommendations for the development of more access programs 鈥 initiatives that provide students from traditionally underrepresented groups with supports, pathways, structured programs and opportunities to continue learning at the post-secondary level. 

Spearheaded by KPE鈥檚 Office of the Registrar and Student Services (ORSS), the program will build upon the success of the faculty鈥檚 SOAR Indigenous Youth Gathering program and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine鈥檚 Summer Mentorship Program (SMP), to which KPE contributes. Both programs provide high school students who are in Grades 11 and 12, and of Indigenous and Black ancestry, respectively, a chance to immerse themselves in U of T life. 
 
鈥淚ncreasing equitable access to our programs benefits the entire student body and broader Faculty,鈥 said Gretchen Kerr, professor and dean at KPE. 鈥淕reater representation augments exposure for everyone to diverse perspectives and experiences, enhancing KPE鈥檚 collective ability to advance and apply knowledges related to physical activity, health and their interactions.鈥 

The Bulletin Brief logo

Subscribe to The Bulletin Brief

UTC