Both of Windsor’s English-language school boards offer graduation coaches to provide additional support for racialized students, particularly those who identify as Black, African, or Caribbean.
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) introduced the role as part of a provincially funded initiative aimed at improving academic outcomes and increasing access to post-secondary education.
At Assumption College Catholic High School, Toyin Jegede works as a graduation coach, offering mentorship and guidance to students as they navigate high school.
“My ultimate goal is to empower students with the confidence and the skills they actually need to graduate,” Jegede said.
Unlike guidance counselors, graduation coaches focus on barriers that may impact Black students' academic success, providing mentorship and working with teachers and administrators to foster understanding.
According to Statistics Canada, Black high school students graduate on time at a lower rate than their white classmates.
A study from Toronto Metropolitan University found that Black students are twice as likely to drop out, with socioeconomic factors and systemic barriers cited as contributing factors.
Graduation coaches are intended to help students stay on track toward graduation while providing additional support with academics and post-secondary planning.
“This is why this role exists. I serve as representation for these kids who haven’t seen themselves reflected in the curriculum, in textbooks, even in history,” Jegede said.
At WECDSB, the program also connects students with workshops, mentorship opportunities, and Black-led events, with a focus on career development and post-secondary readiness.
One of the students involved in the program is Daniella Adekoya, a Grade 12 student at Assumption, who says the extra support has been helpful.
“A lot of your classmates don’t have that same knowledge as someone who has experienced it. She’s been here and she can give us examples and just make us feel more comfortable about how to deal with that sort of stuff,” Adekoya said.
She plans to graduate this semester and pursue neuroscience in university, with a long-term goal of attending medical school.
Jegede also works with students at two other Windsor high schools, assisting with academic planning and post-secondary transitions.
She says part of her role includes advocating for these students with other faculty and administrators.
“There are times when, because they don’t have the lived experience, it’s difficult for them to understand the challenges these students actually go through. But because I’ve been there, I’m able to advocate for their needs,” she said.
Both Windsor school boards say the program is intended to help students achieve academic success and plan for their futures.
