Black Girls Set Sail 2026
Black Girls Set Sail is a transformative summer leadership and sail training program for Black girls and young women ages 13–24 across the Greater Toronto Area. Delivered in partnership with Broad Reach Canada and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this unique experience blends hands-on sailing with culturally relevant workshops designed to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
Participants will spend a week on the water developing practical sailing skills while strengthening teamwork, communication, and self-trust. Through guided discussions and interactive workshops, they will also explore identity, leadership, and personal growth in a supportive and empowering environment.
Participants are grouped into age-based cohorts to ensure a meaningful and engaging experience for all. Following the summer sail training, participants will continue their journey through monthly workshops (July 2026 – February 2027), offered both in person and virtually, to deepen connections and ongoing leadership development.
The program is offered at no cost. Transportation, lunch, and snacks are provided.
Black Girl Wellness Summit
Join us for the Black Girls Wellness Summit, a dynamic one-day experience designed to support the holistic well-being of Black girls ages 10–13. Through interactive sessions on movement, nutrition, and mental wellness, participants will explore how physical activity, nourishment, and mindfulness support confidence, emotional well-being, and healthy habits.
Throughout the day, participants will also reflect on future education and career pathways, connecting wellness to long-term goals and opportunities in allied ESTEEM fields. The experience will include a campus tour and guided nature walk, creating space for learning, reflection, and community.
This program is offered at no cost, and a catered lunch will be provided.
Black Girls Bake
Join us for Black Girls Bake, a fun and interactive virtual baking experience designed for girls to learn, connect, and celebrate culture through food! On Thursday, February 26th from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, participants will join us online as we learn how to make the traditional and beloved Black Cake.
This session will include guided instruction, and step-by-step baking support to ensure every participant can confidently create their own cake from home.
Come ready to bake, learn, and have a sweet time with us!
STEM Day: Beauty & Bots
Black E.S.T.E.E.M. welcomes Black girls ages 8–10 to STEM Day: Beauty & Bots, a hands-on learning experience designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in STEM. Participants will engage in two interactive workshops: Melanin Poppin’ (Cosmetic Chemistry), where girls explore the science behind beauty and product creation, and Engineering in Motion, a dynamic workshop focused on building, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Aviation Academy : Black Girls Take Flight
This week long immersive, aviation-themed experience will empower girls aged 11–14 to explore the world of flight through hands-on learning, STEM-based activities, and real-world industry insight. It’s more than a program—it’s a launchpad for leadership, confidence, and bold dreams in the skies and beyond.
Apple Academy : Challenge for Change
Black ESTEEM is collaborating with Apple! Apple’s Challenge for Change experience is designed to empower Black girls, ages 13-16, to become leaders in their communities. Attendees will participate in insightful conversations and collaborative exercises that will build essential leadership skills, boosting their confidence to develop their own community engagement activities.
Black E.S.T.E.E.M x Broad Reach: Black Girls Set Sail
Black E.S.T.E.E.M. is collaborating with Broad Reach! This week-long program will take Black girls ages 12–15 on a transformative journey where STEM meets the sea. Through hands-on sailing, leadership development, and community engagement activities, participants will be empowered to grow and explore in new ways.
Microsoft: Copilot for a Day!
Black E.S.T.E.E.M., in collaboration with Microsoft, welcomes you to join us for an exclusive hands-on session with a Cloud Architect who will guide you through the basics of Artificial Intelligence, show how Microsoft Copilot works as an AI assistant, empower you to creatively interact with AI tools and build awareness of responsible AI use and digital citizenship.
Challenge For Change
Black ESTEEM is collaborating with Apple! Apple’s Challenge for Change experience is designed to empower Black girls, ages 13-16, to become leaders in their communities. Attendees will participate in insightful conversations and collaborative exercises that will build essential leadership skills, boosting their confidence to develop their own community engagement activities.