Empowering Black Students: A Spotlight on Scholarships, Internships, and Leadership Programs

On March 27, the Black Student Success Centre hosted an impactful information session in partnership with the Student Success Centre, Office of International Affairs, and the African-Caribbean Faculty Association. The session highlighted several transformative opportunities for students, including the McCall MacBain International Fellowships, the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), and the African and Caribbean Leadership Exchange program (MACLeads). Participants left feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to take advantage of these incredible programs. 

The session commenced with a thorough exploration of the McCall MacBain International Fellowships, a transformative year-long experience abroad for undergraduate students. Fellows immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a language, study at a host institution, and complete an internship or work placement. This program fosters intercultural competencies, critical thinking, and resilience. More information is available at the McCall MacBain International Fellowships.  

The focus then shifted to the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), a gateway to international work experience and professional skill development in a globalized world. The session broke down the benefits of the program and the application process, making the opportunity accessible and exciting for all attendees. Applications are currently open, and students can apply through the program’s online application form. 

Lastly, the session introduced MACLeads, the McMaster African and Caribbean Leadership Exchange, a bold initiative developed by the African Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster (ACFAM) as part of the Global Skills Opportunity pilot program. With a vision to redefine global learning, MACLeads provides transformative work and study placements in the Global South for students who have historically faced barriers to international opportunities. The program centers culturally affirming, holistic experiences that support the leadership development of Black, Indigenous, racialized, first-generation, low-income, and differently-abled students across all faculties, for more information, please visit MACLeads. 

What made this session memorable was not just the wealth of information provided, but the curiosity and ideas it sparked in attendees. Engaging discussions, insightful questions, and genuine connections transformed the event into an empowering experience that encouraged action and ambition. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organizing and attending the session for making it such an inspiring event.  

These Initiatives were made possible through the collaboration of internal partners at McMaster University—Student Success Centre (SSC), Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), the African-Caribbean Faculty Association (ACFAM), and Office of International Affairs (OIA)—as well as external partners including Empowerment Squared the McCall MacBain International Fellowships, and Global Affairs Canada.