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

The University of Toronto’s 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.

“There is increasing recognition that Black students have traditionally been underrepresented at Canadian universities,” said Catherine Amara, associate professor, teaching stream, and director of undergraduate studies at KPE. “The 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’ success, ensuring Black high school students see themselves thriving at KPE and U of T.” 

Amara was part of the KPE Task Force on Race and Indigeneity and U of T’s Anti-Black Racism Task Force, both of which produced reports that included recommendations for the development of more access programs – 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’s Office of the Registrar and Student Services (ORSS), the program will build upon the success of the faculty’s SOAR Indigenous Youth Gathering program and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s 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. 
 
“Increasing equitable access to our programs benefits the entire student body and broader Faculty,” said Gretchen Kerr, professor and dean at KPE. “Greater representation augments exposure for everyone to diverse perspectives and experiences, enhancing KPE’s collective ability to advance and apply knowledges related to physical activity, health and their interactions.”