Enrichment programs for high school and elementary students

We offer a variety of enrichment programs and activities for students of all ages.

Summer programs

Focus Title Audience Date Overview
Earth and Environmental Science GeoX Summer Camp

High school students entering Grades 11 or 12 in September 2025

August 10-16

A one-week summer camp for students interested in earth and environmental sciences. Stay in residence and travel to various locations, including an active mine.

Engineering, leadership Catalyst Summer Program GradesÌý10 – 12Ìý July and August Develop leadership skills by drawing on À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's strengths in engineering, science, and entrepreneurship, andÌýinnovation in this two-week program.
Engineering, science Engineering Science Quest Grades 1 – 9 July and August Increases students’ confidence in science, engineering, and technology through week-long summer camps, empowering youth to become the change the world needs.
Engineering, science STEMpowered Grades 2 – 12 July and August

Free summer day camp programs for self-identifying Black youth. Features STEM mentors and hands-on activities designed by engineering, science, and education university students to explore STEM.

Engineering, science STEMpowered Leader in Training (LIT) Grades 10 – 12 July and August Builds leadership skills through group problem-solving, program development and delivery experience, and first-hand work with children, while earning volunteer hours. Free for self-identifying Black youth.
Engineering, leadership ESQ Leader in Training (LIT)Ìý Grades 10 – 12 July and August Builds leadership skills through group problem-solving, program development and delivery experience, and first-hand work with children, while earning volunteer hours.
Engineering, cryptography Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS) Grades 10 – 12 August Week-long program that focuses on quantum cryptography, hosted by the Institute for Quantum Computing.
Kinesiology and Health Sciences Individual students who have completed Grade 11 or 12 July and August A one-day session of anatomical education at a first-year university level. Great for high school students interested in pursuing university programs in kinesiology, health science, or biology.
Mathematics Ìý High school students who have completed at least Grade 11 university stream mathematics Summer The course will develop students’ mathematical problem-solving ability through self-guided videos, quizzes, assignments, and online discussion boards.
Sciences, engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship Grade 10 or 11 July A four-week summer enrichment program. Students spend a month living in residence.
Sports camps All ages Throughout the summer A variety of sports camps are offered throughout the summer.
Tech entrepreneurship FLIGHT virtual summer camp Black girls and/or other underrepresented minorities ages 13 – 18 August An introduction to tech entrepreneurship.
University experience

Future Ready

Canadian and international students age 15 to 17 June 23 - July 11, 2025 Three-week program to help students develop critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative communication skills. Attend lectures from a variety of disciplines and explore À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµâ€™s renowned innovative culture.

Programs during the school year

Focus Title Audience Date Overview
Accounting, Finance Financial Literacy Competition Grades 9 – 11 May and December Supports and enhances financial literacy education within Canadian high schools.
Astronomy, Science Gustav Bakos Observatory tours All ages Year-round (public tours usually the first Wednesday of every month or pre-scheduled group tours). Tours include a visit to the observatory dome on the roof of the Physics Building, and a chance to observe the sky with various telescopes (weather-permitting).
Chemistry Avogadro Exam and Chem 13 News Exam Contest Grade 11 (Avogadro) and 12 (Chem 13) students May Written by more than 6,000 Grade 11 and 12 students every May. School registration is due twoÌýweeks before the exams.
Computer Science Female-identifying Grade 9 and 10 students in a Canadian high school or middle school Spring A week-long workshop to spark interest in computer science through lectures, labs, and hands-on activities.ÌýNo computer science experience necessary.
Computer Science Grades 9 – 12 November – May Students around the world participate in À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's computing contests each year.
Computer Science Grades 9 – 12 On-demand Learn to program using the Python language through interactive, text-based teaching.
Computer Science Grades 7 – 12 On-demand Lessons, interactive activities, enrichment challenges, and unlimited opportunity for practice with feedback
Engineering Catalyst Conference Female and non-binary students in grade 11 April Engages women and non-binary students in grade 11 through hands-on workshops, a design competition, and campus-life experiences in a two-day event.
Engineering, Science Engineering Science Quest Grades KÌý– 12 Throughout the year Increases students’ confidence in science, engineering, and technology through camps, clubs, events, and workshops that empower youth to shape the future.
Engineering, Science Engineering Science Quest – All In Programs Grades K – 12 Throughout the year Extends ESQ programming to youth living with disabilities through partnerships with organizations such as Autism Ontario, Monarch House, and Oak Bridge Academy.
Engineering, Science Engineering Science Quest – Library Programs Grades K – 8 Throughout the year Provides STEM clubs and workshops through local library branches, giving students opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math off-campus.
Engineering, Science ESQube In-School Workshops Grades K – 12 September – June Delivers hands-on STEM learning tied directly to the Ontario science and math curriculum through in-school workshops booked by teachers.
Engineering, Science Indigenous Youth Programs Grades K – 12 Throughout the year Delivers hands-on STEM learning through the lens of Two Eyed Seeing through in-school workshops booked by teachers, and community events with partnering organizations.Ìý
Engineering, Science Kids on Campus Grade 4 September – June Invites Grade 4 classes to campus for hands-on STEM activities and tours of innovative design spaces. Booked exclusively through teachers.
Engineering, Science STEMpowered Grades 2 – 12 Throughout the year

Free summer day camp programs for self-identifying Black youth. Features STEM mentors and hands-on activities designed by engineering, science, and education university students to explore STEM.

Engineering, Science STEMpowered Conference Grades 10 – 12 May Engages self-identifying Black youth in Grades 10–12 with hands-on workshops, a design competition, and campus-life experiences.
Engineering, Science Women in Engineering Grades 2Ìý– 12 Throughout the year Increases girls and non-binary youths’ confidence in science, engineering, and technology through clubs, events, and workshops that empower youth to shape the future.
Engineering, Science 2SLGBTQIA+ Programs Grades 6 – 12Ìý Throughout the year Offers free after-school STEM workshops for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, supported by UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ EngiQueers students and local community partners such as OK2BME.
Engineering, Science, and Mathematics Engineering Hive Mind Tutoring Students in Grades 10, 11 or 12 who have applied or plan to apply to STEM programs Various Provides free virtual tutoring in chemistry, physics, functions, and math courses for high school students who require additional support.
Geography, Canadian and World Issues, Economics, Science School visits Grades 9 – 12 September to mid-April Choose from one of three 75-minute presentations: Climate change (Grades 9-12), oil sands (Grades 11-12), or the sharing economy (Grades 11-12). Includes discussion, brainstorming, related careers and demos of equipment used in labs (e.g., drones, snow collection data). Email Sophie Dallaire for details.
Earth and Environmental Sciences Earth Sciences Museum Grades K – 12 Year-round Free in-class or in-museum programs on a variety of earth and environmental science topics. From dinosaurs, rocks and minerals to water and natural disasters.
Earth Sciences Mitigating Microplastics at the Earth Sciences Museum Grades 9 – 12 Year-round Tour the Ecohydrology lab and participate in a hands on program. Experience what researchers here in the Earth and Environmental Science's Department are doing to mitigate microplastics.
Resource management, Earth Sciences Rocks, Minerals and Microscopes at the Earth Sciences MuseumÌý Grades 9 – 12 Year-round A hands-on examination of where our rock and mineral resources come from and how they are applied in our society.
Resource responsibilities, Earth Sciences Earth Sciences Museum Grades 7Ìý– 10 Year-round An in-class workshop designed to introduce students to the mining industry in Canada, environmental concerns associated with mining and current research into mine site remediation
Health, Kinesiology Kinesiology Lab days Grade 11Ìý–Ìý12 Mid-December Visit kinesiology labs and participate in hands-on workshops.
Health, Neuroscience University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Brain Bee Grades 9 – 12 Early March Answer questions about the brain and neuroscience. The winner will compete in the National Brain Bee.
Mathematics GradesÌý6 – 8 March break Free week-long day camp that builds mathematical skills through immersive lessons and collaborative challenges led by university faculty and students.
Mathematics Female-identifying Grade 8 students January Introduces programming through a series of virtual sessions to female-identifying students with minimal or no programming experience.
Mathematics Grades 11Ìý– 12 Throughout the school year Monthly problems intended to challenge enthusiastic high school math students who want to explore something extracurricular and prepare for challenging mathematics contest questions.
Mathematics Grades 6 – 12 School year A free weekly enrichment program, with online and in-person offerings at À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ.ÌýStudents explore mathematical topics beyond the standard curriculum through direct instruction and problem-solving activities.Ìý Registration opens in September and January.
Mathematics Grades 7 – 12 On-demand Free online lessons, interactive worksheets.
Mathematics Grades 7 – 12 Throughout the year Students around the world participate in À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµâ€™s math contests each year.
Mathematics Math contest preparation webinars Grades 11 – 12 October and February Interactive webinars fromÌýmath professors - you'll practice problems similar to those found inÌýmath contests. Dates and registration will be available in the fall.
Mathematics Grades 7 – 12 Throughout the school year Problem-solving workshops in math and computer science, conducted for free in school classrooms.ÌýSessions often include discussions of the usesÌýof and careers in math and computer science.
Mathematics Female-identifying Grade 9 and 10 students May A one day workshop to demonstrate that math is fun, relevant, and leads to exciting careers.Ìý Female-identifying students will meet with UW Math graduates and participate in activities exploring various mathematics applications.
Mathematics Grades 3 – 12 On-demand Materials that support curriculum and enrichment.
Mathematics Grades 3 – 12 Throughout the school year Problems from various areas of mathematics are posted and emailed to subscribers.
Physics Sir Isaac Newton Physics Exam Grades 9Ìý– 12 Early May Challenging Physics exam for high school students designed to be fun and engaging. Registration is due in April.
Science Grades K – 12 Throughout the school year Hands-on science activities aligned to the Ontario curriculum, brought free to classrooms by À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ student volunteers.

Public talks

Focus Title Audiences Dates Overview
Environment, science

TD Walter Bean Professorship in Environment

All Various Public lectures which highlight one or more of the United Nations' Sustainable Development goals
Indigenous Indigenous Speakers Series All Various Highlights the voices of Indigenous artists, writers, activists, scholars and leaders from across Turtle Island
Various The Hagey Lectures All October or November Free, annual lectures intended to challenge, stimulate, and enrich

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