The Advancing YU mentorship program at York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) is making significant strides in supporting the success of women and Black-identifying students. Designed to connect third- and fourth-year students with experienced alumni mentors, the program offers valuable opportunities for both professional and personal development.
In its initial cohort, the Advancing YU program supported 116 students across its two dedicated streams: 64 in Advancing Black Students and 52 in Advancing Women Students. Since then, the program has continued to grow, expanding its reach and deepening its impact by supporting more students each year and reinforcing its commitment to equity, inclusion and student success. Participants who fulfill the program requirements are eligible to receive a $1,000 stipend, which encourages engagement and sustained commitment. To date, the program has awarded over $422,000 to students who have successfully completed it.
“The Advancing YU program is a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.,” says Michele Johnson, Associate Dean of Students at LA&PS. “By providing mentorship, essential support and financial resources, we are empowering students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Their stories highlight the transformative impact of the program, and we are dedicated to continuing this important work to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive at York University."
Among the participants of the Advancing YU program is Christina Bomé, a domestic third-year criminology student currently enrolled in the women’s stream. “I aspire to become a lawyer,” she shares. “I joined Advancing YU to gain insight into my field of interest and learn from York alumni about the workforce. Through this mentorship, I’ve not only deepened my understanding of my chosen path but also gained confidence in my abilities and my achievements so far.”
Baboucarr Saidy, a domestic fourth-year global political studies student currently enrolled in the Black stream reflects on his experience: “Before joining Advancing YU, I felt disorganized and unsure about my career path. The program offered me essential tools for self-discovery. The mentorship aspect was particularly valuable, allowing for meaningful discussions with a reputable mentor about academics, work ethics and personal challenges. Additionally, workshops and job search resources opened many new opportunities for me. Overall, Advancing YU broadened my perspective, and I am committed to being a lifelong supporter of the program.”
The program also has a significant impact on international students. Simrandeep Kaur, a fourth-year international student in the Bachelor of Commerce program, notes, “As an immigrant and mature student, I joined Advancing YU to explore future pathways and industry insights. Now, as a peer mentor, I’m dedicated to supporting other students in achieving academic success and building connections on campus.”
The Advancing YU program is instrumental in fostering the growth and success of its students, as demonstrated by the experiences of participants like Christina, Baboucarr and Simrandeep. The mentorship program reflects the Faculty's commitment to the York University Academic Plan 2020-25 (UAP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) by promoting diversity and inclusion and addressing systemic inequalities, thereby empowering the next wave of women and Black change-makers.
Applications for the fall 2025/26 session are now open and will remain available until August 5. We invite anyone interested in learning more about the program, the application process, or becoming a mentor to visit our website for further information.