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Advancing YU | Student Information

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from the best! Students are expected to invest roughly 40 hours (10 hours a month) in the program. In return you will receive guidance and mentorship from York alumni who are esteemed in their fields.

Benefits of the Program

Mentorship from Senior Leaders

Personal & Professional Development Opportunities

$1,000 Scholarship

Upon successful completion of all program requirements

Eligibility

Stream: Advancing Black Students

The Advancing Black Students program is designed for Black LA&PS students in their third or fourth year of study (completed a minimum of 60 credits).

Stream: Advancing Women Students

The Advancing Women Students program is designed for women LA&PS students in their third or fourth year of study (completed a minimum of 54 credits). 

Eligible students may apply for one or both streams. 

Monthly Commitment

Each month, participating students will be required to invest a few hours (around 10 hours max) in each of the following activities:

  • Attending Mentorship Meetings: You will spend one hour of 1-on-1 time with your mentor each month. In these meetings, you are encouraged to ask for guidance on professional and sometimes personal experiences
  • Workshops: Each month, Advancing YU hosts a 2-hour professional development events that mentees must attend. These workshops help you to build leadership skills and network with other mentors and mentees. Dinner will be served!
  • Personal Reflection: There will be three personal reflections, you will be asked to complete a brief journal submission to log your activities and reflect on what you have learned and how you will apply this to your current and future goals. They will be submitted to AYU staff and your mentor to read
  • Meeting with the Career Centre: AYU students are required in the beginning of the term to meet with a Career Peer Educator or Career Counsellor for support with resume and cover letter/ career specific guidance (this is a required deliverable in the first term of the program)

Application Process

With limited spots available, each stream will have 22 alumni mentors and 66 student participants.  To be considered for Advancing YU, fill out an application.

Fill out the form

Applications close on Friday Oct. 4th 2024.

Committee Selection

The Program's Committee will review applications for both streams. Students who are selected will be organized into “quartets” that will consist of one mentor and three students.

We will notify the selected students by late September.

Program Launch

The AYB Launch Event will be October 29  for students accepted to the program. The AYW Launch Event will be October 30 for students accepted to the program. Student orientation will be on October 16.

Students will be able to meet their mentors, assigned quartets and Advancing YU team at this event. 

The event's details will be shared with the students once they confirm/accept their participation in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we strive to pair students with mentors who work in the same field as them, this is not always possible. However, all of our mentors can provide valuable advice and expertise that spans a variety of career paths.

No. You need to be a York University Student for the full duration of the program in order to participate.

Upon completion of the fall term AYU requirements, $500 will be sent out between late December to early November.

Upon completion of the Winter term AYU requirements, another $500 will be sent out between late April to early May.

You will be asked to complete a make-up assignment or activity (ex. Writing a reflection on it, attending a workshop at the career centre, etc.)

Successful applications demonstrate a strong attention to detail (content is proofread, accurate, and well-written) and highlights your professional and academic achievements.

If you need support filling out your application please get in touch with the Career Centre at LA&PS.