Anti-Black Racism & Black Inclusion Advisory Committee
The UTSC Walk with Excellence
Walk with Excellence at UTSC
The Walk with Excellence was first established in 2013 by Itah Sadu, community leader, owner/founder of A Different Booklist, educator and award-winning children’s book author, in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, Toronto District School Board principals and high school leaders, the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre, and A Different Booklist. This annual event celebrates the achievements of graduating students from local high schools in Toronto's Jane and Finch community, signifying the beginning of their journey to post-secondary education.
In 2017, the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) hosted its first Walk with Excellence. This ceremonial walk celebrated students' success transitioning from high school to post-secondary education and began at West Hill Collegiate Institute, culminating in the Meeting Place at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.
This year, the Walk with Excellence returns to UTSC featuring the launch of the inaugural UTSC Black Flourishing Award.
About the University of Toronto Scarborough Black Flourishing Award
To commemorate the historic Walk with Excellence event and its return to Scarborough, the UTSC Black Flourishing Award, established by the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Development and Alumni Relations Office in collaboration with the Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion Advisory Committee (ABR BIAC) and the Office of the Registrar, is an annual award that recognizes two (2) outstanding Black students who exemplify the four overarching principles of Black Flourishing, Inclusive Excellence, Mutuality, and Accountability, as outlined in the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities.
The UTSC Black Flourishing Award is valued at $2000 per awardee, renewable each year of study up to maximum of 5 years (up to a total of $10,000 in awards for each awardee).
The purpose of this award, grounded in a strengths-based, community driven, holistic approach, is to nurture Black student success throughout their post-secondary journey.
In addition to the award, recipients are invited to attend an annual lunch with the Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion Advisory Committee who will provide ongoing support, connecting each recipient to services and resources at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Each recipient will also be paired with a mentor for the duration of their study.
This multifaceted approach is informed by continued efforts to address anti-Black racism and recommendations outlined in the Scarborough Charter and the Report of the University of Toronto Anti-Black Racism Task Force.
Selection Criteria
Two (2) awards will be awarded annually to students who have applied to, accepted, and enrolled in any undergraduate program at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Eligible students must be nominated by TDSB high school educators (including but not limited to: Teachers, Educational Assistants, Guidance Counsellors, Vice-Principals, Graduation Coaches, and Principals) in the Scarborough area, have participated in the Walk with Excellence program, and have demonstrated a commitment to values of Black Flourishing, Inclusive Excellence, Mutuality, and Accountability according to the Scarborough Charter through their leadership, learning, and community engagement within and outside their high school.
- Black Flourishing: The student demonstrates a commitment to the success of Black individuals and communities by challenging barriers, affirming Black life and identity, and pursuing learning or action that supports equity, dignity, and sustainable futures.
- Inclusive Excellence: The student demonstrates excellence by embracing diversity, engaging respectfully across difference, and contributing to inclusive learning environments that value equity as essential to achievement and innovation.
- Mutuality: The student demonstrates an understanding of mutuality by contributing to and learning from Black communities, showing respect for collective knowledge, and engaging in reciprocal, community-centered action.
- Accountability: The student demonstrates accountability through self-reflection, a willingness to learn and grow, responsiveness to feedback, and action taken to address harm or inequity.
Nominations will be evaluated by an adjudication committee comprised of a sub-committee of four members (one faculty, one staff member, one community parter, and one student members) of the Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion Advisory Committee, overseen by the Senior Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at UTSC. Additionally, the Manager, Awards & Scholarships, Registrar’s Office at UTSC will provide both administrative support and compliance oversight.
Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Please contact celine.gibbons.taylor@utoronto.ca with any questions about the UTSC Black Flourishing Award. Please use the subject line "UTSC Black Flourishing Award Inquiry".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can submit a nomination to the UTSC Black Flourishing Award?
TDSB high school educators (including but not limited to: Teachers, Educational Assistants, Guidance Counsellors, Vice-Principals, Graduation Coaches, and Principals) can nominate Black students who have participated in the Walk with Excellence program from any of the following high schools:
- Agincourt CI
- Albert Campbell CI
- Birchmount CI
- Cedarbrae CI
- David and Mary Thomson CI
- L'Amoureaux
- Lester B. Pearson CI
- R.H. King Academy
- SATEC @ W. A. Porter
- Stephen Leacock CI
- West Hill CI
- Woburn CI
2. Do nominees have to exhibit all four of the principles outlined in the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities?
No, nominees do not have to demonstrate all four principles outlined in the Scarborough Charter. Nominees must demonstrate at least one of the following principles: Black Flourishing, Inclusive Excellence, Mutuality, or Accountability. We welcome diverse articulations of the values within the Scarborough Charter in the following areas including, but not limited to: leadership, personal and professional development, academic achievement, participation in extra-curricular activities (e.g., student-led clubs), community engagement, and athletics.
Nominations will be evaluated based on overall impact within their school and wider community.
3. How many students are awarded each year?
A maximum of two (2) students will be selected from any of the high schools participating in the Walk with Excellence on May 20, 2026. Please note students are required to have applied, accepted, and have enrolled in full-time undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough to receive this award.
4. If selected, do I have to accept my offer of admissions to receive this award?
Yes.
5. What if I enrol in full-time undergraduate studies and I decide to transfer to another campus at the University of Toronto, am I still eligible for UTSC Black Flourishing Award?
Unfortunately, this award cannot be transferred to another campus (or post-secondary institution), and you will become ineligible for this award.
6. What if I pause my studies for a semester, am I still entitled to receive this award when I return?
Yes, but you will have to connect with the Manager, Awards & Scholarships, Office of the Registrar to have your award reinstated.
7. If I finish my degree in four (4) years, am I still entitled to the “extra” $2000?
No. If you finished your undergraduate studies in less than 5 years, you are only entitled to $2000 each year of full-time study. If you take more than 5 years to finish your degree, you will not be eligible for additional funding from the UTSC Black Flourishing Award. Please connect with the Office of The Registrar if you require additional support or information on existing scholarships, awards, and or bursaries that you may be eligible for.
8. Will changing my program of study impact my eligibility for the UTSC Black Flourishing Award?
No. Changing your program of study will not impact your eligibility for the Award so long as you maintain full-time status as an undergraduate student.
9. I am a high school student at one of the high schools participating in the Walk with Excellence. Can I nominate myself for the UTSC Black Flourishing Award?
Self-nominations will not be accepted. Students are encouraged to connect with an educator at their high school (including but not limited to: Teachers, Educational Assistants, Guidance Counsellors, Vice-Principals, Graduation Coaches, and Principals) to serve as their nominator for this award.