The CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals Charity

Standing as a beacon of empowerment and change, the Career Education Empowerment (CEE) Centre for Young Black Professionals is a charitable force dedicated to dismantling economic and social barriers that impede the progress of Black youth aged 14 and above in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

With a legacy spanning over a decade, CEE has been unwavering in its provision of workforce development, education, and advocacy programs. A testament to their impact, 492 youth successfully graduated in 2022/23, while an impressive 96% retention rate attests to the significance of their partnerships, standardized curriculum, and comprehensive support.

Nestled in the dynamic city of Toronto, CEE operates with an overarching goal of nurturing a diverse array of young Black professionals who contribute significantly to Canada's labor landscape. Their meticulously designed programs are tailored to elevate careers, education, and holistic empowerment, encapsulating an approach deeply resonant with cultural identities.

CEE's programs are a strategic response to critical gaps identified within six pivotal sectors: Technology, Entertainment, Social Services, Finance, Trades, and Hospitality. By bolstering professional development opportunities, they fortify the social service sector within the GTA. Through the comprehensive CEE Essentials Training Suite, frontline staff are equipped with responsive programming and cultural competency training, bolstering their ability to serve effectively. The past year has seen the integration of a dedicated cohort of new team members, each bringing their own fervor, expertise, and commitment to the community.

As CEE embarks on its eleventh year, their resolute mission remains: to foster boundless opportunities for young Black professionals, dismantle stereotypes, and transmute "I cannot" into "I can." Expanding beyond the GTA's borders, they are now reaching various regions across Canada, reflecting their ambition to enact a resounding national influence.

Their vision articulates a future where Black youth attain economic stability and self-awareness through culturally relevant job training, becoming conduits of positive impact in their communities. Their aspirations encompass cultivating a society where Black youth thrive financially, ensuring a high quality of life for themselves and their families. Through collaboration with youth, families, employers, and the broader community, CEE endeavors to make this vision a reality.

Originating as an initiative of the Youth Challenge Fund in 2006 as a response to escalating youth violence, CEE blossomed under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kofi Hope in 2012. The torch was then passed to the current Executive Director, Agapi Gessesse, who spearheads the organization's ambitious scaling efforts. CEE's foundational program model and the esteemed CEE Essentials curriculum were established by Shereen Ashman in 2013, becoming the bedrock of their accomplishments.

As CEE celebrates a decade of transformative programming, their impact reverberates through labor gaps in various sectors across Canada. Their innovative initiatives span Finance, Social Services, E-Trades, Hospitality, and Cybersecurity. A steadfast commitment to success and prosperity has shepherded 492 individuals to graduation, with an impressive retention rate of 96%.

Renowned for their collaborations and partnerships, CEE has established itself as a trusted ally among grassroots and incorporated non-profit organizations in the GTA. Their pioneering CEE Essentials curriculum, embraced beyond Ontario's borders, stretches into Quebec, Alberta, and even Houston, Texas. Through a decade of unwavering dedication, they've forged deep connections with funders, employers, unions, corporations, and collaborative partners, all contributing to the social and economic well-being of their community.

As they enter their 11th year, CEE remains resolute in their mission. Through empowerment, education, and advocacy, they continue to reshape the narrative of Black youth, replacing limitations with boundless possibilities, and illuminating the path to a more inclusive, empowered, and prosperous future.