![students smiling and talking and standing by a mural](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/hero/homepage_header_image_1.jpg?itok=HGsgPT8U×tamp=1634152659)
Branches
Connect. Support. Grow.
![Branches logo - green circle with leaves](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/branches_logo_3_0.png?itok=1w8dgPxI×tamp=1634676759)
Co-building paths to support lifelong learning.
Branches works with communities and partners to create sustainable programming that encourages young students to persevere and become lifelong learners. Our transformative mentorship opportunities and networks of support help under-represented learners plan their educational paths.
![mentors and mentees working on a project](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/faculty_volunteers_02.2_1.jpg?itok=YAR_KWFX×tamp=1634676795)
Our mission
We aim to motivate and empower youth by reducing barriers and increasing access to higher education.
![Portrait of Indigenous student on campus](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/indigenous_on_campus_copy.jpg?itok=zjRBIX6k×tamp=1689687747)
Indigenous learners
We never run out of ideas to engage with Indigenous students and their families. Discover our programming and resources for Indigenous communities.
![student facing the camera and looking confident](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/cori_0.jpg?itok=XCS4FDF1×tamp=1634850977)
Black learners
Check out our programming and resources for Black youth and adults. Start planning your future in higher education.
What's on at Branches
As we expand our reach, our community and initiatives continue to grow. Read our latest updates and plan to get involved with us soon!
Studying at McGill
An important part of our mission is to increase the enrolment of underrepresented groups at McGill, including Black and Indigenous students. Our outreach team offers guidance and support.
Ready to make a difference?
News and success stories
![telescope and teepee in Chisasibi Northern Quebec](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/chisasibi_story.jpg?itok=BoK_oFtZ×tamp=1689688281)
Science and stargazing with Indigenous students in Chisasibi
We teamed up with McGill's Trottier Space Institute to launch the first Outbound Explore McGill! Together with the Cree community of Chisasibi in Northern Quebec, we spent the week sharing knowledge and experiences with young minds, igniting a passion for science, and inspiring future generations of scientists!
![5 Black students on the PYP Black Youth program 2022-23](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/pyp_black_students_photo.png?itok=hyVrLiw_×tamp=1689689233)
PYP for Black Youth paves the way for Black students to study at McGill
“It was so refreshing to meet such inspiring individuals who went through what I went through,” shares Pick Your Path for Black Youth participant.
![IMPRESS indigenous students on campus](https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/files/branches/styles/fullwidth_breakpoints_theme_moriarty_small_1x/public/impress_600x600_gray.jpg?itok=PhHpHNQA×tamp=1661525534)
IMPRESS 2022 takes Indigenous undergraduate students on a path of research and discovery
IMPRESS participants were paired with a professor or a professional from a McGill unit. Read about the success of IMPRESS and stay tuned for IMPRESS 2023!