Archives: Timeline Events

In 2017, the university launched the groundbreaking Sanctuary Scholars Program, becoming the first university in Canada to create a dedicated access pathway for students with precarious immigration status. This pioneering initiative opens the doors of post-secondary education by enabling eligible students to pursue undergraduate studies at domestic tuition rates, while also providing a 13-week bridging course…

The aim of the Autism Mentorship Program is to facilitate a sense of belonging in academic and social settings at York among students with autism. The program has served over 300 students at York University over the past 18 years through 1:1 or small group mentorship with graduate students in psychology, as well as group…

Reflecting priorities of the Indigenous Framework for York University, the Black Inclusion Action Plan, and the DEDI Strategy, research seed grant programs for Black and Indigenous researchers were created in 2022. Since then, funds have supported 12 projects by Black researchers and 15 led by Indigenous researchers. LA&PS researchers’ projects awarded Indigenous Research Seed Fund…

Funded with a $2.15M grant to York from the federal Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund, ELLA provides women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to grow their businesses, while fostering a supportive community of mentors, experts, and allies. Some of ELLA’s successes as of December 2025: $33.8M Revenue generated by ELLA participants’…

Originally founded by Palestinian and Jewish students following the 2019 clash in Vari Hall to promote intergroup dialogue, Bridging the Gap became particularly active following October 7, 2023. Guided by Professor Randal Schnoor, Bridging the Gap facilitates dialogue sessions and has presented at universities and community organizations about the importance of respectful yet candid intergroup…