Five years ago, Stephen Laditi (CivE 2T5 + PEY) entered U of T Engineering because he felt it could take him “anywhere I want to go.” Now, as he prepares to receive his degree, that belief is even stronger.
“I’ve learned just how vast engineering is,” says Laditi.
“When I started in civil engineering, I was just thinking about designing buildings and infrastructure. But through my courses, and through my internship, I’ve learned that there’s even more to it.”
“You can mix engineering with law and specialize in construction law. Or you can mix engineering and business and run your own consulting firm. It’s much bigger than I originally thought.”
Laditi was one of the very first students to graduate from Blueprint. Created in 2020, Blueprint is a year-long engineering program designed for Black high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The program offers a unique opportunity to explore real-world problem-solving, develop technical skills and gain insight into university-level engineering pathways, all while building community with other Black students in the STEM disciplines.
Since its inception, 17 Blueprint alumni have enrolled in undergraduate studies at U of T Engineering, with many more joining STEM programs in other faculties or at other institutions. This June, the first four Blueprint graduates will cross the stage at the U of T Engineering convocation.
Another member of this cohort is Favour Nwanna (CompE 2T5 + PEY). She credits Blueprint to opening her eyes to the diversity of pathways within engineering.
“Blueprint helped me learn to think of engineering as a diverse field,” says Nwanna.
“In the program, we did multiple different courses: there was an urban development course, a programming course and a biology one. I think that was my first understanding that you could have multiple different careers, but all with an engineering background.”
Nwanna spent her first year exploring, taking courses from various disciplines within engineering practice. In her second year, she made the decision to transition into computer engineering. By the end of her third year, she was working on financial engineering projects via internships facilitated by the Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op Program.
“I worked at two different banks. One of the things I did was help implement new AI tools, including a chatbot that employees could use to create reports from large databases,” says Nwanna.
“It provided them with a more natural, user-friendly way to turn data into insights, and it felt very closely related to what I was learning in class. That solidified the idea that I wanted to continue on in that field.”
After graduation, Nwanna will be taking a position with Scotiabank through the Talent Incubators for Leaders of Tomorrow (TILT) program, which is specifically designed for new graduates. She will cycle through several different areas of the institution’s business, applying her newfound skills to technical challenges.
Laditi also did a PEY Co-op internship, completing his placement with Ledcor, a diversified construction company. It went so well that the company has offered him a full-time job upon graduation.
“It was great to be able to get an idea as to whether I would like that field before even graduating,” says Laditi.
“I learned that I really enjoy the whole construction management process, so it’s a great place for me to start my career.”
Both Laditi and Nwanna have continued to be involved in Blueprint, serving as mentors for the cohorts that followed them.
They also stayed in touch with their fellow Blueprint graduates through various clubs and teams that they joined throughout their undergraduate degrees, including the U of T Engineering Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, the Black Students Association and the Nigerian Students Association.
Cassandra Abraham, outreach coordinator with the Engineering Student Recruitment and Outreach Office, was the key architect of Blueprint.
“Seeing the first Blueprint alumni graduate from U of T Engineering is incredibly meaningful,” says Abraham.
“It reflects the long-term impact that access, mentorship and community support can have on student success.
“I hope future students can see themselves reflected in Favour and Stephen and recognize that engineering and U of T are spaces where they belong and can succeed. I would love to see Blueprint continue to expand its impact, open doors for students and contribute to a more inclusive future within engineering and STEM.”
Nwanna and Laditi both describe their feelings about graduation as “bittersweet.”
“I’ve been in school for so long, it’s hard to imagine what to do next, to the point where I’m seriously considering a Master’s degree,” says Nwanna.
“But I’m ready to try my hand at having a career and seeing where that will take me.”
“It’s definitely true that I enjoyed some parts of my degree more than others, but overall, it’s something I’d do again,” says Laditi.
“The experiences I had, the friends I made, the things I’ve learned — they’re invaluable. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the University of Toronto community.”
