Teenager in lab looking through a microscope.

Summer enrichment programs for teens

Not sure what you want to study or what career you want to have? Get a better sense of what each university program has to offer through our enrichment programs.

Each week, you learn through hands-on activities and special projects related to your field of choice. You have weekly meet and greets with mentors who talk about their experiences in the field and answer your questions. Mentors can be students in the program, professors or people working in the field.

Our enrichment programs

Introduction to Science

Thinking about studying science at university? This program is for you! Learn more about biology, biomedical science, biochemistry, chemistry and physics. Get a better idea of what you might want to study!

Software Engineering and Computer Science

Are you interested in computer networks? Do you have the next great idea for a video game? Fields like software engineering and computer science offer the chance to work on this and more! Computer scientists work with computer security, graphics and networking to build the next great technologies. Software engineers write, build and test code in multiple programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, JavaScript and more. Our software engineering and computer science enrichment program introduces you to designing and creating new software ideas, along with various programming languages.

Pre-Medicine

This program introduces you to the anatomy and physiology of the human body at the cellular level. Hands-on activities cover sutures, injections, cast making and much more! Meet professors and students in medicine while touring and using University laboratories. You’ll also discover neurobiology and learn more about other health-care careers, including nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy!

Biomedical Mechanical Engineering

The Biomedical Mechanical Engineering enrichment program lets you learn about current research in this field at the University of Ottawa. Visit campus laboratories and design a model of a prosthesis or artificial organ. Then, turn your design into a three-dimensional prototype using design software and 3D printers.

STEM career choice  

Thinking about a career in STEM but not sure which direction to take? This program is for you! Throughout the week, participants will learn about various STEM careers in fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, artificial intelligence, etc. They will also conduct experiments that relate to these STEM fields in the University’s labs and get a chance to talk to STEM experts to learn more about how to pursue these professions. 

Environmental science

Throughout this weeklong program, participants will learn about the importance of environmental science and the relationship between human activity and the environment. Through hands-on activities, the participants will visit multiple labs to study the environment and explore solutions to environmental problems.  

Electrical and Environmental Engineering

The Electrical and Environmental Engineering enrichment program lets you learn about current research in the field at the University of Ottawa. Visit campus laboratories and design solutions to environmental problems using electrical engineering concepts. Then, turn your design into a three-dimensional prototype using design software and 3D printers.

Crash Course: Introduction to Engineering

Discover five different types of engineering: biomedical mechanical, civil, computer, software, and electrical and environmental. Learn about possible careers in each one and participate in related activities. Use the University’s computer and science labs and classrooms. If you’re interested in engineering, but not quite sure which type, this is the right program for you!

Schedule: Summer 2024

Please note we’re closed July 1 (Canada Day statutory holiday) and August 5 (Civic Holiday).  

  • July 2 to 5 (4-day week): STEM career choice 

  • July 8 to 12: Pre-Medicine 

  • July 15 to 19: Introduction to Science 

  • July 22 to 26: BioMedical Mechanical Engineering 

  • July 29 to August 2: Software Engineering and Computer Science 

  • August 6 to 9 (4-day week): Environmental Science  

  • August 12 to 16: Crash Course: Introduction to Engineering 

Enrichment programs details

Grade level

Completion of Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 by summer 2024.

Language

All teen programs are generally taught in English with a bilingual instructor offering French support.

Location

University of Ottawa, 800 King Edward Avenue, SITE building

Hours

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost

$365 per week ($295 per week for four-day week programs)

Ready?

Make STEM activities a part of your summer!
Register now