For students preparing to enter the workforce, having someone to turn to for career advice can make a big difference. That’s what a mentor is for. They can offer insight into an industry, provide feedback on a resume, share lessons from their career and help students see new possibilities.
Starting Fall 2026, Centennial College students will build those connections through the Black Career Mentorship Network, a new initiative from Career Services and Co-operative Education, in partnership with the Black Student Collective and Ten Thousand Coffees.
The network will bring Black students together with experienced professionals in small mentorship groups. Over five months, students and mentors meet for four guided sessions. Topics include networking, personal branding, career goals, interview preparation and self-doubt. The program builds on Centennial's experience with the Ten Thousand Coffees platform, which gives students access to professionals and networking opportunities.
Why it’s important
“As students, we often do not know where to turn when we have concerns or when we are preparing for our future,” says Khadijah Neil, a co-op student at Centennial College. “We may have limited knowledge about the opportunities available to us and how to access them. Having a mentor in an area that we are interested in studying or pursuing as a career would be significant when exploring different career options.”
For Tracey Lloyd, Director, Career Services and Co-operative Education at Centennial College, the initiative shows the value of mentorship for students.
"This network builds on our success using the 10K Coffees platform over the years. Small groups of students will connect with professionals, who will provide career insights," says Lloyd.
The Black Career Mentorship Network also supports Centennial's work to improve inclusion and career outcomes for Black students. The initiative responds to an action identified through the College's Anti-Black Racism Task Force Recommendations. These recommendations call for greater access to opportunities and support for Black students. Centennial has also signed the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The Charter supports the College's commitment to Black inclusion.
Lloyd has seen the value of mentorship throughout her career. She sees the new network as a way to connect students with professionals.
"Research supports the importance and impact of mentorship and role modeling, particularly for underrepresented groups," she says.
“Having a Black mentor can provide not only guidance and a positive role model, but also a sense of comfort and understanding,” adds Neil. “Some connections are on a deeper level, and having someone who shares your cultural background can make it easier to build a strong and trusting relationship.”
How it all works
Students in the Black Career Mentorship Network will learn directly from professionals about their experiences, industries and career paths. Small groups give students space for conversation and questions. Students can also connect with professionals through the wider Ten Thousand Coffees community.
Terry Ann Hyman, Student Employment Advisor in the Career Services and Co‑operative Education department, adds more detail.
“The program works by matching mentors with small groups of mentees, and guiding them through structured conversations over the semester,” Hyman explains. “These connections are supported through the Ten Thousand Coffees platform, which helps facilitate introductions, schedule meetups, and provide resources that make mentorship easy and accessible. Through this model, students receive meaningful support, mentors share their expertise, and the college strengthens a community of belonging and professional growth.”
The experience can help students build career skills and learn what it takes to enter and grow in different fields.
For Lloyd, a key goal is to improve career opportunities for Black students. "This initiative promises to enhance career outcomes for Black students," says Lloyd.
“The Network exists to bridge Black students with Black industry professionals,” adds Hyman, “so they can gain real‑world insights, build confidence, and see themselves reflected in the careers they aspire to. It’s not just mentorship, it’s representation, belonging, and access.”
Students can expect to spend about eight to 10 hours in the program over the semester. The first sessions begin in September 2026.
A meaningful opportunity for mentors, too
Students can expect to spend about eight to 10 hours in the program over the semester. Mentors can share their career experience and answer questions about the workplace. They can also help students plan their career goals. In turn, mentors can gain a fresh perspective by connecting with students and learning about the experiences and priorities of the next generation.
For Black professionals at Centennial, the program offers a chance to share their experience and help students navigate workplace challenges.
"It's also an opportunity for mentors to 'give back' in sharing their lived experiences," says Lloyd. "In doing so, they may open doors and inspire those following in their footsteps." Lloyd also encourages Centennial employees who do not work directly with students to get involved.
"We are hoping to also encourage our college community, those who identify as Black, to get involved," she says. "For those not in student facing roles, it is a great opportunity to connect with students and be in touch why we are all here."
Join the Black Career Mentorship Network
The Black Career Mentorship Network will begin in September 2026, with four mentorship sessions taking place over approximately five months. Whether you're a student looking for guidance as you prepare for your career or a professional interested in sharing your experience, the network offers a way to build connections and learn from one another. Faculty and staff can also become mentors or recommend professionals for the program.
"Faculty and staff, sign up today and reach out to us if you know of anyone who would be a great mentor," says Lloyd.
Interested in taking part? Students and mentors can register by emailing: blackcareermentorship@centennialcollege.ca.
By Anthony Geremia