Upskilling Program for Inclusive Excellence
Discovery. Connection. Community:
Upgrade Your Skills at SCS.
The Upskilling Program for Inclusive Excellence (UPIE) is a Canada-wide initiative led by the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) that empowers Black Canadians through targeted training, career support, mentorship, and upskilling opportunities. The program is supported through a gift from TD Bank Group.
This program will be offered in four (4) cohorts located in specific regions across Canada.
The next cohort will be offered to individuals who reside in the Halifax Regional Municipality (Nova Scotia).
The application for Cohort 3 of the program will open in Fall 2026, for a start in May 2027.
Register for a free, live info session on October 19 from 1-2 PM EDT / 2-3PM ADT to learn more.
About the program
The program provides participants with the opportunity to build in-demand skills, practical tools, and valuable network connections to strengthen their career readiness to achieve their professional goals with confidence. The UPIE program will include four (4) important components:
| 1. Career Transition Support | 2. Financial Support | 3. Coaching and Mentoring | 4. Personalized Upskilling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job-readiness activities, strengths identification, and confidence building. | Assistance for childcare, professional attire, transportation, technology, travel to program events, and other access-related supports. | Access to career and life guidance from professionals and industry leaders. | Credential assessments, language assessments, micro-credentials, and SCS courses. |
Important Note: While UPIE offers robust professional development and guidance, job placements are not offered as part of this program. This program focuses on helping participants navigate their career paths, expand their opportunities, and pursue their professional goals with greater agency and support.
The program is organized into three stages:
Stage A
Assessments, CliftonStrengths Workshop, Career Wayfinding Workshop Series, and career coaching.
Stage B
Networking Workshop, up to three (3) micro-credential courses, mentorship, and career coaching.
Stage C
Funding for Career-Focused SCS courses, job fair participation, and professional networking.
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals interested in applying for this program must meet the following eligibility criteria below:
- Must be at least 25 years of age by December 31, 2027.
- Must be either unemployed for up to three years or currently underemployed.
- Participants selected for this program must reside in the Halifax Regional Municipality (Nova Scotia) for the duration of the program.
- Must self-identify as a Black Canadian and be one of the following:
- Canadian Citizen
- Permanent Resident of Canada, or
- Protected Person
Important Note: For the purposes of this program applications, underemployment refers to situations in which an individual's knowledge, skills, qualifications, or experience exceed the requirements of their current role, or where they are unable to secure sufficient paid work. This may include working part-time, receiving fewer hours than desired despite being employed, or relying primarily on gig, contract, or other uncertain forms of work.
Duration and time commitment
The next cohort will take place between May 2027 and April 2028.
This program is offered part-time with approximately 95% of activities are delivered online; however, participants are required to attend four in-person events scheduled throughout the program. Participants must be prepared to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per week to program activities.
Important Dates
- Applications for Cohort 3 will open on October 13th, 2026
- Application Period: October 13, 2026 to February 7, 2027
- Application Outcome Notifications: Starting March 2027
SCS will be offering Information Sessions between October 2026 and January 2027 to learn more about this program and answer any questions from potential applicants. The first session will take place online on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 1-2 pm EDT. Register now.
Selected participants will be invited to a welcome event scheduled in April 2027.
How to apply to this program
If you are interested in applying for this program, please read the following instructions and steps below.
Step 1: Review the Application Instructions to Prepare Your Application Submission. Please open this link for a PDF document outlining the application instructions and required documentation.
Step 2: Select ‘Apply Now’ at the bottom of this webpage to create a profile or log in to your profile to start your application.
Important Note: You only need to select Apply Now icon once to start your application. If you have already started your application, but the application has not yet been submitted, please first login to your MyAccess Page, and select ‘My Applications’ to locate and resume your application.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application by the Application Deadline (February 7, 2027).
All submitted applications will be reviewed by the selection committee following the application deadline date listed above. Selected individuals will be contacted directly by email and invited to a congratulatory meeting to learn more about the program, answer any questions you may have, and provide next steps.