Western Blue Cohort of 2024-25
Western is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse and equitable campus. We aspire to empower and support Black students throughout their university journeys, so they are confident and prepared to embark on successful and fulfilling careers. With this in mind, we are excited to lead the Western Black Student Leadership University Experience (Western B.L.U.E.) Program.
Western B.L.U.E. provides in-person, paid, part-time leadership experiences for 20 Black students. The experiences will be funded by the university and hosted by organizations in the London area (including Western). Each experience is valued at $6,300 for a part-time commitment over 5 months.
Students are given the opportunity to work on a challenge independently at a host site alongside a dedicated mentor who provides ongoing supervision and feedback.
Objectives of the Western B.L.U.E. Program:
- To demonstrate the passion, talent and knowledge of Black student leaders in the community and instill a spirit of community giving across campus.
- To help Black students develop transferable skills through work-integrated learning and community partnerships.
- To create meaningful income-earning opportunities for Black students.
- To develop a strong network of Black student leaders who can offer guidance and mentorship to future program participants.
Host Site Information (Apply Now!)
Requirements:
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Identify an exciting and independent challenge for a Western B.L.U.E. student.
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Complete Western’s Anti-Racism online module before the start of the experience to ensure you cultivate a safe and inclusive environment for a Western B.L.U.E. student.
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Assign a dedicated mentor to this experience who will provide the student with ongoing supervision and feedback.
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Host the student in person up to 15 hours a week from November 2025 to March 2026.
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Provide the student with a workspace and any other required tools and resources (e.g., laptop, software).
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Help the student develop 4-6 learning goals at the start of the experience.
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Participate in mid-point and final check-ins with the university.
Student Information (Applications Open September 2025)
Responsibilities
- Students must be willing to commit 15 hours a week to this program from November 2025 to March 2026. These hours must be completed during the working hours of the host site. For more details on preferred hours, please visit the Host and Challenges page.
- Demonstrate the necessary leadership and problem-solving skills required to tackle the independent challenge.
- Aim to achieve 4-6 learning goals that will be identified at the start of the experience.
- Participate in mid-point and final check-ins with the university.
- Attend two career workshops and one networking event per semester.
Eligibility
- Must self-identify as Black.
- Must be a full-time student at Western, King's University College or Huron University and expect to retain full-time student status for the duration of this experience.
- Student previously demonstrated leadership in the classroom, through extracurriculars, work or within their community.
- Preference will be given to students currently enrolled in their second year or higher, including those in postgraduate studies.
Key Dates
July 2, 2025: Launch of Western B.L.U.E. to host sites.
July 23, 2025 (4 p.m.): Deadline for host site applications.
Early September 2025: Student applications open.
Date TBD: Drop-in session for students. Individuals interested in the program are welcome to drop by to learn more or ask questions (no registration required).
End of September 2025: Deadline for students to apply.
October 2025: Student applications will be evaluated by Western’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI); selected students will participate in an interview with the site and a member of the Office of EDI.
November 2025 – March 2026: Students spend 15 hours a week in-person at the host site working on the challenge with their mentor.
