The Dr. Vibe Show™

It’s the little program that grew, the roots of The Transitional Year Programme (TYP) at the University of Toronto began in the Black community through two summer programs in 1969 and 1970, and since then, hundreds of graduates have gone onto successful careers. “It’s a place where the students learn to use their voice, develop empathy and unlock their imaginations in order to dream something bigger for themselves,” says TYP Registrar Lauriann Wade, “TYP makes excellence accessible.”

TYP is a full-time, eight month access-to-University program and gives those who do not have the formal qualifications – like a high school diploma – intense hands on preparation for entry into post-secondary education. Applicants come from the targeted Indigenous, African-Canadian and LGBTQ communities where finances, family issues or other circumstances beyond their control hindered their schooling. However, the Ontario Progressive Conservative government’s recent move to eliminate free tuition for low-income students will make access to higher education difficult once again for applicants to TYP.

“The majority of TYP students are from lower income backgrounds with a family income below $50, 000,” explains Lance McCready, Director of TYP. “Having a larger percentage of funding coming from loans will undoubtedly create more debt for our students who have fewer financial resources…it can serve as a deterrent for those from lower income backgrounds trying to access post-secondary education.”

In spite of hurdles like this latest one, TYP has a proven track record of success:

Rocco Achampong – born in Ghana, Rocco came to Canada in 1988 with his parents and four siblings. He entered TYP in 1999 and went on to study history and political science at U of T’s Trinity College. He is now a lawyer who has run for Toronto mayor and city council. Rocco led the legal challenge against Premier Doug Ford’s cutting down of the city’s wards.

Jandell Nicholas – She went from staffing co-ordinator at an employment agency to earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, Geography and Planning. Jandell now works as a teaching assistant in the university’s department of Geography and Planning and is a published author.

Rahel Woldegiorgis – Once given the opportunity, Rahel embraced education. After finishing TYP, she got her Honours BA from the University of Toronto during which time she did two international exchanges – one at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the other at the University of Nairobi. She completed her Masters of Arts (Social Justice and Community Engagement) at Wilfrid Laurier University and is now the Residential Supervisor at Eva’s, a shelter for homeless youth.

Recently, Lauriann Wade, TYP Registrar and graduate of TYP, was on our show talking about the TYP.

During our conversation, Ms. Wade talked about:

– Some of her background and how she got involved in the Transisitonal Year Programme (TYP) including what was preventing her from going to university, how she found out about TYP, the history of the program, her first day in the programme and her graduation day, the programme itself including the application process
– Why do some students drop out of the programme
– What does her role comprise of
– How have students changed over the years
– The drop in the number of Black and Indigenous students applying for the programme
– How has the programme changed since she was in the programme
– How people find out about TYP

You can find out more about the University Of Toronto’s Transitional Year Program here

You can find more about Ms. Wade via:

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God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith,


Dr. Vibe