From March 10–14, high school students from across the GTA travelled to the St. George campus to take part in KPE’s Reach Ahead to Kinesiology program, a March Break initiative for Black and Indigenous youth. Over five days, they lived in downtown Toronto and attended a wide array of events with the faculty as they explored the field of kinesiology.
Now in its fourth year, the Reach Ahead program has brought 85 Black and Indigenous students to U of T’s St. George Campus since 2022 to learn from experts and educators at the university’s Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education. Last week, across three days of workshops , interactive activities, mock lectures and seminars, students explored career paths, connected with KPE staff and faculty members, and met with current students in the Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) program.
U of T Career Educator Saddiya Rose, who delivered a career workshop during the event, says that by participating in this program, “students can recognize that their unique perspectives and backgrounds are valuable assets to the field of kinesiology; U of T is committed to supporting their academic and professional aspirations.” Professor Catherine Amara, who provided the students with an introduction to kinesiology at KPE, feels that this kind of event represents the thinking and sharing of perspectives that makes the faculty such a vibrant and enriching place. “I loved seeing how visibly excited they were to be learning about the field and planning for their futures and I was equally excited to learn what motivated them to take interest in the study of kinesiology and physical education. We would be fortunate to have such an engaged and intellectually curious group of students join our KPE community,” she says.
For many participants, speaking with undergraduates just a few years their senior was one of the program’s many highlights. “I liked that we could talk to the students here and get to know their experiences so that we could have a personal perspective,” said Maëlynn, class of 2026. Merana, in grade 11, agrees: “They didn’t just talk to us about the kinesiology program; they also gave us advice on university itself, and what we should be thinking about as we get ready to graduate.”
On Tuesday, the students attended a mock lecture given by KPE Associate Professor Daniel Santa Mina, who specializes in exercise and cancer therapy. In his presentation, Dr. Santa Mina challenged students’ preconceptions about the field of kinesiology, stressing that the field is much larger than the physical therapy to which most were drawn. “It’s important to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to explore how university can contribute to their career plan,” Professor Santa Mina said. “Everyone should be able to understand what life at the university might look like for a student, trainee, employee, or professor. Some groups historically have not had as many opportunities for exposure to these learnings and experiences, and Reach Ahead is filling that important gap.”
Drawing on his own expertise as a researcher and expert in exercise oncology, Dr. Santa Mina explored the effects of exercise through the cancer continuum and the value of “prehabilitation” for patients. He also fielded “fun and inspiring” questions about his own educational background and the path that led him to his tenured position with the faculty. “The students had strong opinions about their career goals and expectations,” Professor Santa Mina said. “They were assertive and direct, confident and curious, and friendly and comfortable. I wish that I’d had their confidence and insight at that age. I was very impressed!”
“I thought the lecture was really interesting,” said Stephanie, grade 11. “It showed a different side of kinesiology—the research side.”
During the three-day program, the participants stayed at a hotel in downtown Toronto; the experience, for many, was a highlight, as was exploring the St. George Campus. “This place is really big! I didn’t expect to be walking so much,” said Merana. They did not know each other prior to the program but soon found fast friends in likeminded peers. “I loved being surrounded by Black students similar to me,” said Helina (grade 11). Roy (grade 11) agreed: “The people that we met here has been the most exciting part; making friends and networking.” All told, positive reviews for Reach Ahead poured in from the students. “It’s been a great program,” said Stephanie, “and I’m glad that it exists. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met these really cool people, and I probably wouldn’t have visited U of T; it wasn’t a school I was considering before, but now I absolutely am.”
“We’re living in a historic moment when institutions around the world have an opportunity to affirm their commitment to diversity and change,” said Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, who addressed the students in remarks to open the event. “I’m thrilled that our faculty can provide meaningful experiences like Reach Ahead for young people, and hope that they found the experience enlightening and inspiring. I’d love to see them join our community soon!”