Navigating Secondary School and Beyond
The Come Up summer program is a unique in-person course offered to self-identifying Black students (and their parents/guardians) in the York Region District School Board. It also includes guest speakers, field trips, lunch and swag.
Black students entering grade 9 or grade 10 have an opportunity to earn a high school credit:
- Students entering grade 9 will earn the grade 10 Civics/Career compulsory credit.
- Students entering grade 10 will earn a grade 11 Black History elective credit. Students who earn the grade 11 Black History credit will have the option to use this credit to fulfill the compulsory grade 10 Canadian History requirement.
Attendance is mandatory for the full duration of the program.
Registration
Registration is open from April 11, 2023 to May 26, 2023.
Who is eligible?
Students entering Grade 9 or 10 in September 2023 who self-identify as Black.
Program Overview
Each course is designed to prepare and support Black students as they embark on a new journey. Some of the topics may include:
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positive identity formation and affirmation
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career pathways
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emotional intelligence
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social media
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Black history
Locations and Dates
When: July 5 - July 28, Monday to Friday
Time: 8:45 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
Location: Tommy Douglas S.S or Milliken Mills H.S.
The video below summarizes the experiences of students in The Come Up Summer program 2022.
The Come Up Summer Program was amazing. My experience was, in-short, incredible. It taught me different things and things I need to know to help me in my future endeavors. It was an incredible experience and helped me a lot to know how to handle school situations as a Black teenager. - Bamishe, YRDSB Student
Black Parent/Guardian Workshop Series
Do you have a YRDSB child transitioning to Grade 9 or 10 in September who identifies as Black? Join us for a two-part workshop series on navigating the secondary school system.
Session # 1 -Understanding the Secondary System
Join us for a discussion on structure, rights, policies, attendance, credit recovery, IEPs and more.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Session # 2 - Supporting your Child
Join us for a workshop on mental health supports, tips and strategies.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Come Up Summer Program is a credit course and attendance is mandatory as it is during the school year. All students are required to adhere to the Summer Institute attendance guidelines.
Please call the summer school location attendance office to report student absences.
Milliken Mills HS - (905) 477-0072
Tommy Douglas SS - (289) 342-0001
Yes. Students will be earning a credit. To do so, they will need to complete all assignments. Students will receive a midterm and final grade.
Yes, field trips are part of the course learning experience.
Students in the grade 9 course will earn CHV 2O1 - Grade 9 Civics and Careers. This is a compulsory credit that will count towards the 18 compulsory credits required for graduation.
Students in the grade 10 course will earn Grade 11 CHE3O - Black History credit. This is an elective credit. Students will have the option to use this credit to meet the compulsory grade 10 Canadian History requirement.
The Come Up - Black Internship Program
The Come Up, in partnership with York University, presents the Black Internship Program. This program is designed to develop leadership skills for Black students and increase education engagement through skills development, experiential learning, and credit accumulation.
Students will be paid, earn 1 Coop credit, and receive a Leadership certification from York University.
When: July 5 - July 28, Monday to Friday
Time: 8:45 a.m. - 3:35 p.m
Location: York University
Eligibility: (must meet all criteria) :
- Are you a YRDSB student?
- Do you identify as Black?
- Are you entering grade 11 in September 2023?
- Do you have a SIN number?
This program enables students to:
- Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and skills
- Learn in a safe, supportive and Black affirming environment with like-minded staff and peers
- Explore and refine their academic & career goals
- Earn an co-op credit
- Engage in experiential & community based learning while getting paid
Registration opens April 11, 2023 and closes May 26, 2023
Space is limited.
For more information
If you have questions or for more information, please contact our program facilitators.