The Ottawa Catholic School Board's Black Student Summer Program reached its highest level of interest yet this year, with 207 students registering — more than the number of spaces available — and the board is now exploring expanding it into an accredited summer course.

Staff and students updated trustees on the program's growth at a recent board meeting, where trustees voiced support for the initiative, according to the Ottawa Catholic School Board. The program, which began in 2021, brings together Black-identifying students in Grades 7 to 11 each summer to learn, build relationships and connect with their community.

For trustees, the growing demand signals the importance of listening to students and creating opportunities that reflect their experiences, strengthen their sense of belonging and support their success at school.

What students explored this summer

This year's program focused on mental wellness, mentorship, technology and artificial intelligence. Students took part in activities and conversations, learned from mentors and experts, and connected with resources beyond the classroom.

Sessions ran at St. Patrick High School and St. Pius X High School, drawing students from across the board. Participants also worked with community partners, including Carleton University, and explored the Lacasa Library and its collection of Black Canadian and North American history.

A key part of the trustees' update came from the students themselves. Their feedback highlighted the value of seeing themselves represented in their learning, meeting peers with shared experiences, and having a space where they felt comfortable contributing to conversations.

Students also described the confidence they gained through the program and how they could carry it back to their schools and classrooms.

Possible expansion into a credit course

Because registration exceeded available spaces, the board has begun conversations about what the program could look like in the future. One possibility under exploration is developing the current one-week program into an accredited summer course.

Such a change would give students more time to explore Afrocentric learning, develop relationships and build on the experiences currently offered during the week. That work is still in its early stages, but trustees welcomed the program's continued growth and the chance to reach more students.

The program has grown considerably since it launched in 2021, but its purpose remains focused on students: giving them opportunities to learn, connect, ask questions, meet mentors and see themselves reflected in their learning, the board said.

As the program evolves, board officials say student experiences and voices will continue to shape where it goes next.