Jane and Finch Social Innovation Hub

Jane Finch Hub

The Jane and Finch Social Innovation Hub builds on the work of Success Beyond Limits and York University–TD Community Engagement Centre’s First Year Network, which focuses on supporting youth in their transition from high school to post-secondary education. This initiative brings together community and academic partners to strengthen pathways for youth success.

The Hub is a collaboration between the York University Faculty Association’s (YUFA) Community Projects Committee, the Resource Centre for Public Sociology, Success Beyond Limits, and the Department of Sociology at York University.

It is located within the Centre for Public Sociology in Ross Building (N141) at York University’s Keele Campus.

Program Highlights

The Hub provides youth with access to a wide range of resources, from academic support to employment opportunities
Many of the Hub participants are alumni of the SBL program
This space is unique to it’s community

Program Length

The Hub is open during the academic school year from September to April Monday through Thursday

Who Is This Space For?

The Jane Finch Social Innovation Hub is a hub for students from the Black Creek/Jane Finch community who attend York University.

This space was created in response to Jane and Finch students at York University who expressed the need for a dedicated place on campus where they could gather, strengthen connections, build mentorship opportunities, access resources to support their studies, and continue developing their leadership skills.

How Is This Space Used?

The space has provided resources to students from the local community, helped create meaningful peer to peer student relationships, and curated a series of workshops designed to meet student needs.

The Hub has also been able to foster a safe space on campus which was reflective of the student’s previous experiences in other community spaces such as the SBL Youth Space.

How Can I Be Involved?

If you are interested in getting involved and want to support this new space, we are looking for all types of contributors. If you are an alumni, a community partner, a career professional, or a volunteer looking to find ways to get involved please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What is happening at the HUB?

“My first year at York University has been difficult, transitioning from high school to university. My experience attending york has been good for the most part. I met new people, which I was really looking forward too, but it was a big adjustment dealing with schoolwork. I had problems finding a space I was comfortable working in. This is why I am glad I have the hub within York University to go to.”

Alicia Grant

Youth

“This space allows me to work, have fun and interact with the other individuals as well as reconnect with students from my community I was not aware also went to York U and whom I don’t get to see as much.”

Suzette Geddes

Youth

“I feel like it is important to have a space where you feel like you can take a break from school or even get work done, meet new people, and relax with friends, in which I feel the innovation hub allows us to do.”

Sherisa Baker

Youth

“The JF Hub has had a huge impact on helping me come out of my comfort zone, making new friends, and stronger relationships with people. The Hub has also helped me become a stronger leader because I actually got to listen, learn, help, and advise the people around me.”

Deshawntae Dale

Youth

“I think the hub is a great place for us to take a break from the busy life of being a university student. It’s a place where you could get help and bounce ideas off of fellow York students.”

Salmaan Mohamed

Youth

“This is a great thing that has been implemented within the university and I hope it continues to stay and grow for the coming years and for the next generation of students from the community.”

Asmaa Mohamud

Youth