The BNEXT program is dedicated to forging strong partnerships with Black-led organizations, businesses, post-secondary institutions, and students to unlock opportunities in Canada’s digital economy. With a focus on Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), the program provides Black students with hands-on experience, valuable networking opportunities, and the skills they need to become the next leaders in the tech industry. BNEXT seeks to create long-term pathways that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, driving innovation and economic empowerment within the Black community.

BNEXT is committed to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive Canadian digital workforce where Black talent can thrive and lead.

How the Program Works 

1. Partner with BNEXT  

BNEXT works closely with employer partners to understand their talent needs. This collaborative approach ensures placements are aligned with meaningful work, relevant skills, and long-term workforce development objectives. 

2. Hiring Process Support 

Employers gain access to a career-ready pool of students who have received targeted preparation and coaching. In collaboration with post-secondary institutions, employers are provided with recruitment and hiring support to streamline candidate selection while removing common barriers to inclusive hiring. 

3. Deliver a high-quality placement experience   

BNEXT supports both students and employers during the placement period to ensure a successful experience. Students receive professional development support, while employers benefit from resources and check-ins to help create a productive, inclusive environment. 

Eligible employers can access a Career Ready Program subsidy of up to $5,000 per placement. 

Our goal is to make hiring BNEXT students efficient, inclusive, and backed by wraparound support.  

Who Should Participate? 

Employers 

BNEXT is ideal for employers who want to: 

• Aiming to increase their tech capacity 

• Grow mentorship and early talent programs  

• Seeking support on building more inclusive teams  

Post-Secondary Institutions 

BNEXT partners with post‑secondary institutions that are committed to experiential learning and Black community through equity‑driven career-readiness development.  

We are especially interested in working with: 

• Career services and Work-integrated learning departments 

• Black student support programs and equity‑focused initiatives 

• Academic units seeking to embed real‑world experience into student learning 

By joining BNEXT, Post-Secondary Institutions can: 

• Expand high‑quality experiential learning opportunities for students 

• Deepen employer and industry relationships with the tech sector 

• Support Black student success and align with Scarborough Charter commitments 

• Align programming with labour market and employer needs 

Post-Secondary Students 

BNEXT is designed for Black student who want to: 

• Gain real world experience in the tech sector 

• Build career-ready skills  

• Strengthen their resumes and networks 

•  Access mentorship opportunities with tech industry professionals  

BNEXT Cohort – Coming soon! 

The BNEXT Cohort is a cohort-based experience designed to support Black post-secondary students as they become career-ready while building entrepreneurial skills. Through a combination of flexible LaunchPad e-learning, mentorship from tech leaders and entrepreneurs, and real-world experiences, students gain the digital and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.  

Contact Madison Edwards (medwards@technationcanada.ca) for more information.  

Other Contacts: 

York University – Tammy Kim-Newman (tknewman@yorku.ca), Director, Industry Partnerships Co-op & Career Centre  

U Alberta – Jared Wesley (jwesley@ualberta.ca), Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, Faculty of Arts 

Mount Royal University – Vivienne Momoh (vmomoh@mtroyal.ca), Coordinator Funding and Special Projects, Career Services