The York University-TD Community Engagement Centre (CEC) is a vibrant, welcoming hub that builds bridges of exchange and opportunity between the University and communities of Black Creek/Jane Finch. By facilitating mutually beneficial connections and collaboration in the areas of educational attainment, deepening community-university connections, and greater social and economic inclusion, the CEC strives to partner in ways that advance strategies that lead to thriving communities.

Post Secondary Education (PSE) Attainment – The CEC will work with schools and community partners to increase understanding of PSE and strengthen systems that focus on access to higher education, particularly for students who have been historically marginalized from higher education (income, streaming and low expectations, geography, family history with PSE), with special attention to opportunities at York University.

Deepening Community-University Connections – The CEC is the central hub for fostering collaborative learning and impactful partnerships by nurturing connections between Black Creek/Jane Finch community organizations and York University students, faculty and staff. The CEC enables mutually aligned partnerships that deepen shared learning and impact and create opportunity for our students and community residents to thrive as citizens and leaders within and outside the university.

Social and Economic Impact – The CEC will support community initiatives in ways that build skills, leadership, and increased resources. We recognize that JF ranks lowest of Toronto neighbourhoods on the Strong Neighbourhood Indices for equity in social and economic outcomes. As neighbours we share in the responsibility to be part of solutions to change this. York’s position as an anchor institution in the broader community creates unique opportunities for the CEC to support the development and local impact of York’s anchor framework.