Emole Futures Initiative
Our programs

Programs that build real pathways

Four connected programs take young people from early curiosity to leadership, combining hands-on learning, mentorship and career exposure.

2027 Registration See the programs
Younger learners take part in a group STEM activity at the public library in Kingston.
Black Youth Career Pathways

One pathway, from Grade 2 to the workforce

STEMGrades 2–8
AIGrades 9–12
BusinessGrades 9–12
LeadershipYouth leaders
Employment · Education · Entrepreneurship

Our Grades 2–12 programs build toward later education, career and workforce opportunities. Workforce Pathways is a separate program for young adults, with a phased rollout planned over 2027–2029.

2027 registration is open

Dates for all seven 2027 cohorts are out. Registration is free, and places are first come, first served.

View Dates & Register
Volunteers guide younger students through a hands-on STEM activity.
Grades 2–8In progress

Black Youth in STEM

Hands-on science, technology, engineering and math for younger learners. Students explore, build and solve problems together in small, age-based cohorts, guided by university student instructors and youth volunteers.

  • Hands-on experiments and team challenges
  • Problem-solving and collaboration
  • Early exposure to STEM careers
  • FormatIn person, Saturdays
  • WherePublic library, Kingston
  • Fall 2026Sep 26 – Nov 14 · 23 students
  • 2027Spring (Apr 3 – May 29) and Fall (Sep 25 – Nov 20)
Register for 2027
Grades 9–12In progress

Black Youth in AI

A practical introduction to artificial intelligence for high school students: how AI works, how to use it well and responsibly, and how it connects to future careers.

  • AI literacy and practical ChatGPT use
  • Prompting and responsible use
  • Final project: each student builds their own AI assistant
  • FormatLive online classes, Sundays
  • Length8 weeks
  • Fall 2026Sep 27 – Nov 15
  • 2027Winter (Feb 21 – Apr 25) and Fall (Sep 26 – Nov 21)
Register for 2027
Black Youth in Business students tour a manufacturing facility during an industry visit.
Grades 9–12Completed summer 2026

Black Youth in Business

An 8-week business and entrepreneurship experience. Students learn business fundamentals, work with mentors, solve real-world problems and present their ideas.

  • Business fundamentals and entrepreneurship
  • Mentorship and leadership
  • Industry exposure, including a visit to Apogee Ceramics
  • FormatVirtual + in person
  • Length8 weeks
  • Summer 2026Jul 4 – Aug 29 · 4 students
  • 2027Summer (Jul 4 – Aug 29)
Register for 2027
Emole youth volunteers and instructors standing together.
Youth leadersIn progress

Black Youth in Leadership

Leadership through service. Graduates of our Business program return as volunteers, supporting younger learners in our STEM program while building their own confidence and leadership.

  • Communication and responsibility
  • Mentoring and peer support
  • Leading activities with younger learners
  • ModelLeadership through volunteering
  • WhereBlack Youth in STEM sessions
  • Fall 2026Business program graduates
  • 2027Spring (Apr 3 – May 29) and Fall (Sep 25 – Nov 20)
Register for 2027
Young adultsIn developmentPhased 2027–2029 rollout

Emole AI Futures: Workforce Pathways

A separate program family for underrepresented young adults entering or transitioning into the workforce. It is being designed with employers to combine practical skills, mentorship, applied learning and pathways into employment.

Not part of our Grades 2–12 programs. Registration is not open yet.

About Workforce Pathways Join the Interest List
Career exposure

Black Youth in Careers

Career conversations run across all our programs. In August 2026, high school students joined a live online panel with career speakers Thandi Nkole and Tayo Akinwale, who shared their journeys, lessons learned and practical advice.

See our 2026 milestones →
Black Youth in Business students stand together at the front of a classroom.
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Who can join?

Our programs are designed for Black youth and other underrepresented youth. Each program lists its grade range.

How do I register?

Use our 2027 registration page. You can register more than one child in the same form. Places are first come, first served.

Are scholarships available?

Thanks to our sponsors, scholarship places have been available for our STEM program. Ask us about support for the next cohort.

Where do programs take place?

In-person programs run in Kingston, Ontario. Black Youth in AI and our career panels run online.

Questions about a program?

We'd love to help you find the right fit for your child.

Contact us Support a Youth