Reach Ahead Credit Opportunity for African, Black, and Caribbean Students
Registration is now open.
Program duration: Tuesday evenings, from November 4, 2025, through May 26, 2026. (Additional evenings and some school days may be required as we draw closer to the Forum date.)
Class Times: 5:30 pm - 9:21 pm
Location: The course will be conducted virtually with the possibility of in-person sessions in the second semester at 440 Albert Street.
*Students are required to attend regularly in order to benefit from learning with community partners and meet curriculum expectations maximizing opportunities to display curriculum mastery through observations and conversations as well as student product as outlined by the Ministry of Education.
About this program
The OCDSB Continuing Education department, in partnership with the Sankofa Centre of Excellence, will be offering a reach ahead credit opportunity for African, Black and Caribbean students. Eligible students will have the opportunity to supplement and enrich their high school education by acquiring one credit while preparing and planning for the seventh Annual Black Youth Forum. Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips and hands-on activities while developing or enhancing their research, problem solving or critical analysis skills.
Whenever possible, courses will integrate community partners to ensure the interconnectedness of the various subject areas. Students will therefore have presentations from various community partners such as CBC, Ontario Black History Society, Hard Conversations, Jaku Kondit, Ottawa Black Educators’ Network (OBEN), Heads of Missions from various countries, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, York University, Algonquin College and the Ottawa Writers’ Festival.
Course Options
IDC3O (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 11, Open)
IDC4O (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, Open)
IDC4U (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, University)
*Please note: Courses are subject to change or cancellation.
Descriptions of the courses: BY Voices course codes.
Volunteer Opportunity
Please note that if students have already taken these courses, they can also sign up to receive volunteer hours (pending spaces available).
Eligibility
We welcome students currently registered in grade 11 and/or 12.
Students must be under 19 years of age.
- IDC3O: African, Black, and Caribbean students in Grades 10-12.
- IDC4O: African, Black, and Caribbean students in Grades 11 or 12.
- IDC4U: African, Black, and Caribbean HS students in Grade 11 or 12, who have completed any university or university/college preparation course.
How to Register
OCDSB Student Registration: Please register by completing this form: 2025-2026 OCDSB Black Youth Voices: An Interdisciplinary Approach - Student Registration Form
Non-OCDSB students: Please register by completing this form: 2025-2026 OCDSB Black Youth Voices: An Interdisciplinary Approach - Student Registration Form For Non-OCDSB Students
Student Fees
Student fees are required for:
- International students (must be living in Ontario in order to participate in this program)
- Students residing outside of Ontario at the time of registration.
The fee for this course is $1500.00, payable online by Visa or Mastercard. Payment information will be provided upon receipt of the registration.
More Information
For more information, please call the Continuing Education Department at 613-239-2620 or email contedcredit@ocdsb.ca.