McGill University is launching a new initiative aimed at supporting Black students in Montreal CEGEPs as they explore pathways to higher education.
Developed by the Black Inclusion, Success, and Strategic Initiatives (BISSI) area of the Equity Team in the Office of the Provost, the Horizon Scholars program will introduce participants to university life while preparing them to thrive academically, personally and professionally.
The fully funded year-long program will welcome a cohort of 20 students beginning in late October. Through a combination of academic enrichment workshops, application support and community-building opportunities, participants will gain valuable insight into the McGill experience.
Participants are encouraged, but not required, to apply to McGill, and students admitted through the program will receive a $2,000 entrance scholarship.
“We aim to provide students with the tools to engage fully and confidently in an environment like McGill, so they can imagine themselves as part of the fabric of the University,” said Iyman Ahmed-LeBlanc, Outreach Advisor for Black Communities at McGill.
Applications are open until October 1.
Continuity and sustainability
Horizon Scholars builds on the foundation of McGill’s very successful Pick Your Path program and represents an evolution of the University’s work to address anti-Black racism through outreach and access.
The Horizon Scholars program offers students a comprehensive experience that includes academic preparation, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with faculty, students and staff. One of the key features of the Horizon Scholars program is taking an integrated approach, encouraging scholars to forge connections that open up broader mentorship opportunities across the University.
“Students will have the opportunity to build organic connections and engage in the scholarly work being produced by Black professors,” said Ahmed-LeBlanc. “Seeing faculty members speak to their research adds personalized insight, particularly for students who might feel intimidated by academia.”
Horizon Scholars was envisioned as a key outreach initiative within McGill’s Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism, which seeks to strengthen relationships with Black communities in Montreal and increase Black student representation on campus.
“These continued efforts show McGill is committed to being present beyond its campus walls and engaging with Montreal’s Black communities in meaningful ways,” said Ahmed-LeBlanc.
Angela Campbell, McGill’s Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic), celebrated the initiative.
“I am delighted to welcome the Horizon Scholars to campus. We are fully committed to McGill being a place where they will belong, grow and succeed”
Expanding access and opportunity
For many prospective students, applying to a university like McGill can feel daunting. The Horizon Scholars Program is designed to make that pathway more accessible and tangible.
“McGill has an incredible reputation, which can be intimidating for a lot of students,” said Maurice Riley Case, Associate Director of BISSI. “Our programming is intended to remind Black scholars that they are serious academic contenders, and that McGill is within their reach.”
By centring community, representation and access, the Horizon Scholars Program reflects McGill’s continued efforts to open doors—and to support more students in seeing themselves as part of the University’s future.