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

Explore the fascinating world of science through disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, along with specialties in biomedical sciences and biochemistry. Delve into potential career paths within each field and engage in hands-on experiments and activities that bring concepts to life. Utilize the University’s state-of-the-art labs and classrooms to enhance your learning experience. Get a better idea of what future path might interest you in the wonderful world of science!

Introduction to Engineering

Dive into the dynamic realm of engineering by exploring some of its exciting branches: biomedical mechanical, civil, computer, software, electrical and chemical. Discover the diverse careers opportunities each field offers and participate in hands-on activities that spark your creativity and problem-solving skills.. With access to the University’s computer, science labs and classrooms, you’ll gain practical experience while collaborating with others. If you’re interested in engineering, but not quite sure which path to pursue, this is the right program for you!

Introduction to Computer Science

Are you interested in computer networks? Do you have the next great idea for a video game? Computer science offer the chance to work on this and more! Learn how computer scientists tackle challenges in computer security, graphics and networking to develop the next groundbreaking technologies. In this program students will experience building and testing code in multiple programming languages such as C++, Python, JavaScript and more. Our enrichment program introduces you to principles of software design and the fundamentals of various programming languages.

Advanced Computer Science

Take your passion for computer science to the next level in our Advanced enrichment program! Dive deeper into topics like artificial intelligence & machine learning, software engineering and advanced algorithms! You’ll enhance your expertise in the previously learned languages of C++, Python, and JavaScript, while using industry adjacent tools and frameworks! With guidance from experienced mentors, this program will focus on the intricacies of software architecture, data structures, and cybersecurity while honing your programming expertise in further depths. Whether you aspire to create cutting-edge applications or develop robust systems, this program helps you deepen your understanding of the wonderful world of computer science. 

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.

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.

Schedule: Summer 2025

Please note we’re closed July 1 (Canada Day statutory holiday) and August 4 (Civic Holiday).  

  • June 30 to July4 (4-day week): Electrical and Environmental Engineering 
  • July 7 to 11: Pre-Medicine 
  • July 14 to 18: BioMedical Mechanical Engineering
  • July 21 to 25: Introduction to Science
  • July 28 to August 1: Introduction to Engineering
  • August 5 to 8 (4-day week): Introduction to Computer Science
  • August 11 to 15: Pre-Medicine 
  • August 18 to 22: Advanced Computer Science

Enrichment programs details

Grade level

Completion of Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 by summer 2025.

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

$370 per week ($300 per week for four-day week programs)

Additional information and forms

Ready?

Make STEM activities a part of your summer!
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