October 4th, 2024

Dear Parent/Caregiver,

WRDSB is presenting the inaugural Black Brilliance Pathways to Post-Secondary Fair on October 18, 2024 between 8:30am and 4:00pm at the Education Centre, 51 Ardelt Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2C 2R5. This opportunity is offered to African, Caribbean and Black identifying students in Grades 10 through 12 alongside their families/caregivers.

You are invited to accompany your child to the event. We know this information is important to parents, families and caregivers as well. You are welcome to join us. You are also free to attend on your own should you have a child at a different stage in their learning journey and you simply want to learn more about pathways to post-secondary.

If you choose to accompany your child in the morning or midday session, please report your child’s absence to their school through the school’s reporting process. Schools will not be arranging a group for the after school session as it is meant for students/families.

The sessions times are :

  • Morning Session- 8:30am-10:30am
  • Midday Session- 11:30am-1:30pm
  • Afterschool Session- 2:00pm- 4:00pm

What can you expect?

  • Information Booths: The fair will feature colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions showcasing academic programs, admissions procedures and career pathways. Get your questions answered, in person, by a recruitment representative.
  • Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Major Programs (SHSM): Students will learn about pathways program opportunities and how they can prepare you for your initial post-secondary destination.
  • Queen’s University, Western University, Trent University, University of Waterloo, OCAD University, Sheridan, Seneca, Humber and Conestoga colleges are just some of the institutions that have already been confirmed. Institutions will be able to sign up right on until the day.
  • Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship: There will be representatives from the Skilled Trades Sector to share more about the opportunities available for this considering this as their post-secondary pathway
  • Scholarships: All students can connect with local Black community groups and leaders offering scholarships and/or grants. Learn what it takes to submit a successful application from previous recipients.
  • Small Group Sessions: There will be opportunities at each session to connect with academic advisors, current students and other post-secondary representatives in small group sessions.