George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Connecting Black Students and Allies at George Brown
The Black Student Success Network (BSSN) supports Black students from their first connection with George Brown Polytechnic through graduation. We help students navigate the Polytechnic, connect with the supports and resources they need, and make informed decisions about their education, careers and what comes next.
Get involved
It’s easy to join the BSSN! Sign up today and you'll be notified of upcoming events, opportunities, and ways for you to get involved both on and off campus.
Who we are
About the BSSN
Black Futures Initiatives stands as an innovative frontline force for George Brown's Black community. Their work aims at eradicating anti-Black racism, championing transformation, and fostering an inclusive environment for Black students, staff, faculty, and allies within George Brown.
BSSN is a Black-centred student success network and learning environment that supports prospective and current Black students from early connection through graduation. Through culturally grounded programming, advising, community and partnerships, BSSN helps students build belonging, develop voice and relational capacity, and strengthen academic, career and community pathways.
BSSN Pillars
- Identity, Voice and Belonging
- Academic Support, Navigation and Persistence
- Wellbeing, Relationships and Community Care
- Career, Leadership and Legacy
Have feedback for us? We’d love to hear from you at bssn@georgebrown.ca.
History of BSSN
The BSSN was the result of polytechnic-wide research that showed a significant number of Black students at the School of Social and Community Services were leaving their programs early. Students were consulted and invited to share their experiences and provide solutions. Their input created the foundation of BSSN.
The network ran as a pilot project for the 2016-17 academic year for students in Social and Community Services programs. Throughout the year, we heard from other students across the polytechnic requesting that BSSN support them; in Fall 2017 we expanded our support of black student success to other programs and campuses across the Polytechnic.
Meet the BSSN team
Faculty, staff and students work closely to design and deliver BSSN programming to support Black students at George Brown.
Reach us at bssn@georgebrown.ca.
Meet the team
Abisola Asha
Black Student Support Specialist & BSSN CoordinatorDeliah Jackson
BSSN Academic/Career AdvisorWangechi Mwaura
BSSN Program AssistantMary Ola
Senior Manager, BFI
Visit the BSSN Space
Visit the BSSN at St. James Campus for in-person support and a safe space!
Come find us at 200 King St. E. (Building A), room B130.
Drop by anytime during our open hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
BSSN Programming and Supports
The Black Student Success Network (BSSN) supports Black students at George Brown Polytechnic through programming, advising and community connection. Whether you are finding your place, navigating a challenge or thinking about your future, BSSN offers opportunities to learn, connect and grow.
Our programming and supports are organized around four connected areas. You can participate in the activities that reflect your interests and needs at any stage of your polytechnic journey.
Knowing Self and Building Belonging
Explore who you are, what matters to you and how your experiences shape your polytechnic journey. Connect with other Black students and help build a community where different identities, backgrounds and perspectives are respected.
Understanding and Navigating Systems
Get support understanding how polytechnic works, who to connect with and what steps you can take. Explore how institutional processes and broader patterns, including anti-Black racism, can shape student experiences while building the knowledge to navigate challenges.
Developing Voice and Relational Capacity
Build confidence in expressing your ideas, asking questions, setting boundaries and speaking up for your needs. Learn alongside other students and employees through conversations that make room for different perspectives, self advocacy and care.
Academic/Career Advising
Unsure about your course choices or career path? Our Academic/Career Advising sessions, led by Deliah Jackson, are here to help. Deliah provides expert advice and personalized guidance to support your academic and professional goals. Join us to clarify your objectives, explore your options, and ensure you're on the right track towards success. Book an appointment with Deliah now.
BSSN's Community Partners
Check out additional programs and support that we offer students in collaboration with various departments within the polytechnic:
- Connect with a George Brown Counsellor: Access mental health support and guidance from professional counsellors.
- Peer Mentor+: Peer Mentor+'s goal is to increase student mental health, resiliency, and inclusion. Having someone to empathetically and non-judgmentally listen to you makes a difference. Peer Mentor services offer safe spaces on campus to rest, support groups, and one-to-one peer support.
- The Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services (OAREHRS): Get help with navigating George Brown policies, resolving issues, and accessing resources from the OAREHRS team.
Sign up
Remember, you'll get more specific details about our events and programs once you sign up!
Events
Keep an eye on the events calendar for any upcoming events listings.