INFORM: Inclusive Futures in Information

INFORM is a Faculty of Information initiative focused on expanding access to post‑secondary education through early outreach and pathway‑building. The initiative partners with schools and community organizations to support historically underrepresented youth in exploring futures in fields of information.

Fostering partnership and mentorship

Led by the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto, INFORM works alongside high schools and community organizations to support Black and other historically underrepresented youth, including Indigenous, racialized, low‑income, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, and newcomer students, in exploring fields of information and future post‑secondary pathways.

Through early exposure, mentorship, and relationship‑based learning, INFORM helps students understand how information, technology, and data shape society—and how they can see themselves within these fields. INFORM also supports pathways into the Faculty of Information’s programs, including the new direct entry Bachelor of Information.

INFORM is part of a phased, long‑term approach to outreach and access, grounded in community collaboration and equity‑centred practice.

Pilot program funding for INFORM has been generously provided by the Access Strategy & Partnership Office at the University of Toronto. As INFORM evolves beyond its pilot phase, the initiative is actively exploring additional funding and partnership opportunities to support long‑term impact and growth.

A large group of students and a few adults stand together in a school hallway, posing for a group photo. Behind them is a colorful wall mural featuring science-themed artwork, including a periodic-table-style display with letters, a DNA helix, and an artist’s mannequin figure. The group is arranged in several rows, with some people standing and a few crouching in front, all facing the camera. The setting has tiled floors, fluorescent ceiling lights, and windows along one side letting in natural light.

Expanding access to post-secondary education

Information shapes nearly every aspect of modern life—from technology and media to data, governance, and culture—yet pathways into information‑focused fields remain inaccessible to many students.

INFORM was created to help expand access to post‑secondary education for students who have traditionally been underrepresented. Many access challenges arise well before the application stage and are influenced by factors such as limited exposure to post‑secondary pathways, fewer mentorship opportunities, structural barriers, and uneven access to information.

INFORM is grounded in the belief that:

By working collaboratively with schools and community partners, INFORM aims to reduce barriers and strengthen pathways into post‑secondary education and information‑based careers.

A classroom scene with a group of students seated in chairs facing the front, where an instructor stands beside a table with a laptop and a large screen displaying presentation slides. The room has bright overhead lighting, white walls, and scattered furniture, including tables, stacked chairs, and a coat rack. Students are arranged in rows, some with backpacks, all oriented toward the instructor during the session.

A new learning experience for students

INFORM offers students a structured, relationship‑based learning experience that unfolds over time, combining hands‑on exploration, mentorship, and community‑building. Through a phased pilot pathway, students are introduced to field of information concepts, supported in building confidence and academic readiness, and invited to imagine future post‑secondary possibilities.

INFORM Workshops (Spring 2026 – Spring 2027)

Students participate in INFORM workshops that introduce key ideas in information fields through interactive, accessible learning experiences. These sessions emphasize curiosity, discussion, and real‑world relevance.

Workshops are designed to include:

Sample workshop themes include:

These sessions act as a low‑barrier entry point into fields of information and help students build confidence engaging with university‑level ideas.

Mentorship and Community Connection (Fall 2026 – Winter 2027)

INFORM integrates mentorship and relationship‑building opportunities throughout the pilot, running alongside workshops to support students’ academic and personal development.

This phase includes:

Mentorship plays a key role in helping students build social capital, feel supported, and envision themselves within post‑secondary settings.

Information Fields Summer Bootcamp (Summer 2027)

The pilot INFORM experience culminates in a weeklong Information Fields Summer Bootcamp, bringing together students who have participated in earlier phases of the program.

During the bootcamp, students:

The Summer Bootcamp is designed as both a capstone learning experience and a milestone that recognizes students’ growth, participation, and readiness to pursue future educational pathways.

A Phased, Supportive Pathway

Together, these experiences create a step‑by‑step pathway that supports students from early exploration, through mentorship and community‑building, to an immersive post‑secondary learning experience.

A collage of images from a classroom workshop focused on storytelling and zine-making. One image shows a presenter at the front holding up a handmade booklet while standing beside a slide advertising a “Free Lunch + INFORM Workshop for Grade 10 & 11 Students” titled “Tell Your Own Story, Make Your Own Book.” Other images show students seated around tables cutting, writing, and assembling materials, as well as a close-up of hands creating a colorful zine cover reading “History Zines.” Additional photos capture a group of students working together in a classroom with laptops, notebooks, and art supplies, along with a promotional poster featuring event details, date, time, and presenter information.
A collage of photos documenting an educational workshop in a school setting. The images show a classroom with students seated at desks listening to a presenter using slides on a screen, including topics such as listening and audio as information. One image features a large group of students and adults posing in front of a colorful science-themed mural. Another shows a poster advertising a “Free Lunch + INFORM Workshop for Grade 10 & 11 Students,” with details about a session titled “The Many Shapes of Information: Audio & Sound.” Other photos capture students participating in activities, writing notes, and using laptops, as well as the presenter speaking at the front of the room.
A collage of photos showing a classroom workshop about designing games and learning concepts related to information and algorithms. One image shows a presenter standing at the front of a classroom near a chalkboard and projected slides. Another shows students gathered around as popcorn bags are handed out. A central poster advertises a “Free Lunch + INFORM Workshop for Grade 10 & 11 Students,” with the theme “Design Your Own Game, Think Like a Computer.” Additional images show a slide titled “Activity: Design a Marble Game,” a close-up of marbles in a hand, and students seated at desks working or participating. Other photos capture a classroom full of students listening to a presentation and another slide explaining that “What You Just Built is an Algorithm.”
A collage of photos from a classroom workshop focused on writing and interpreting objects, labeled “Writing for Museums.” Several images show a presenter standing at the front beside projected slides that include instructions such as “Write a short caption that helps us to connect with the object.” Other photos show students seated at desks writing on worksheets, participating in activities, and listening to the presentation. A promotional poster in the collage advertises a “Free Lunch + INFORM Workshop for Grade 10 & 11 Students,” with details about the session, presenter, date, time, and location. The classroom includes lab-style tables, chalkboards, and presentation equipment.
A collage of photos and promotional graphics from INFORM workshops held in community and classroom spaces. Several images show a presenter standing beside a screen with slides and speaking to groups of seated participants in classroom settings with desks, laptops, and projection equipment. Other photos capture participants gathered around tables eating, listening, and engaging in activities such as writing on worksheets and discussing ideas. One image shows a close-up of a person sketching on paper. Included posters advertise “Free Cupcakes + INFORM Workshop for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth” and “Free Dinner + INFORM Workshop for Newcomer Youth,” with details about sessions such as “Writing for Museums” and “The Many Shapes of Information: Audio & Sound.” The spaces feature bright walls, bulletin boards, and classroom furniture, emphasizing interactive learning and group participation.

Laying the groundwork

INFORM is currently in its foundational phase, focused on building the conditions for meaningful and sustainable programming.

To date, work has included:

This groundwork is essential to ensuring INFORM develops in ways that are responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of the communities it serves.

In a classroom with lab tables and cabinets, several students stand at the front while reaching out to receive small red-and-white striped popcorn bags from an instructor behind a desk. The instructor extends both hands to pass out the items. Other students sit or stand nearby observing. The desk holds various items including a laptop, fan, pens, and small containers, while a whiteboard with math notes and classroom materials appears in the background.
A group of people sit around a table in a classroom or workshop setting while a presenter stands at the front beside a large screen showing a slide titled “Tips from Museum Professionals.” The slide includes bullet points about inclusive language and collaboration. The table is covered with laptops, notebooks, cups, and containers of markers and art supplies. The room has bright orange walls, ceiling lights, and display boards in the background.
A classroom scene where a presenter stands at the front holding up a small booklet while addressing a group of seated students. Behind the presenter, a large screen displays a slide reading “Enjoy the INFORM Workshop” with additional text about a “Free Lunch + INFORM Workshop for Grade 10 & 11 Students,” along with images of students and event details. The audience sits at desks reviewing papers, and the room features a brick wall, bright lighting, and classroom furniture. Provide your feedback on BizChat
An instructor stands at the front of a classroom, gesturing with both hands while speaking to seated students. Behind the instructor, a projected slide reads “Listening is a form of knowing” with several bullet points about learning through listening. In the foreground, students sit facing forward at desks with food containers, drinks, and notebooks. The room includes a chalkboard, a projection screen, and classroom equipment such as a projector and cables.

Our partners

INFORM is built through collaboration with high schools, community organizations, and institutional partners that support diverse youth across Toronto. These relationships are central to shaping programming that is responsive, affirming, and grounded in community contexts.

Current School and Community Collaborations

For its foundational phase, INFORM is scheduled to collaborate with:

These partnerships help inform early outreach, engagement activities, and pathway‑building work with students and educators.

Institutional Collaboration

University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) is a confirmed partner, with planned mentorship and experiential learning to support Black student pathways into academic librarianship and information science.

Together, current and emerging partnerships reflect INFORM’s commitment to long‑term, relationship‑based outreach and collaborative pathway development.

Partnerships listed reflect current planned collaborations as INFORM continues to grow through a phased approach.

Get involved

INFORM is built through collaboration and shared commitment to equity, access, and education. Educators, community organizations, students, and partners interested in learning more—or exploring future involvement—are encouraged to connect with the INFORM team.

As the initiative develops, opportunities to collaborate, participate, and support INFORM will continue to grow.

Support the Growth of INFORM

As INFORM moves into future phases, we are also seeking partners and supporters interested in investing in the long‑term sustainability and impact of this work. Funding and institutional support will help INFORM deepen community partnerships, expand programming, and continue building inclusive pathways into post‑secondary education and fields of information.

Contact: ediu.ischool@utoronto.ca