Engineering students working at a table in an engineering lab

Language, Entrepreneurship, and Design (LEAD) for STEM

Looking for a summer program to help you improve your language skills and gain hands-on experience in engineering design and entrepreneurship?

Look no further than the Language, Entrepreneurship, and Design program, offered by the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Engineering and the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Why choose the Language Entrepreneurship and Design (LEAD) program

This four-week program is designed for university students or professionals who want to enhance their English-language proficiency in the areas of engineering, design and entrepreneurship.

LEAD is a comprehensive program that provides you with practical experience in engineering design and entrepreneurship. You’ll participate in activities to help you develop skills in design thinking, customer discovery, finance, team management, digital marketing, 3D printing, prototyping and more. The program includes sessions on ideation, business modelling, mobile app development, laser cutting and virtual reality, among other topics. You’ll also have opportunities to practise and refine your pitching and presentation skills, and receive comments and mentoring.

You’ll also improve your critical thinking and communication abilities, which are highly valued in today’s job market. You’ll gain experience and knowledge that can lead to high-impact solutions to complex problems. The Engineering Design and Entrepreneurship program offers you an engaging program that will equip you with the practical skills and mindset to succeed in the rapidly-changing technology scene.

People working at different stations in an engineering workspace

Program components

Language Immersion for Entrepreneurs in STEM

This course will help you build a solid technical vocabulary, and boost your reading and listening comprehension strategies. You’ll deal with real-world STEM entrepreneurial scenarios, to apply and refine your language skills.

Engineering Design and Entrepreneurship Training

This course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. You’ll be ready to generate innovative solutions to complex problems and succeed in the tech world.

Sociocultural Outings

Outings are chance to explore the city and immerse yourself in local culture. With experienced guides, you’ll visit local landmarks, historical sites and cultural events, and practise your language skills in real-life situations.

Students studying at tables in the STEM Complex. A student walking on the stairs in the background.

Access collaborative spaces

The Faculty of Engineering offers a wide variety of facilities that will enable you to practice your language skills in practical contexts. These spaces are designed to foster connections between different faculties, encourage new ways of thinking, enable experiential learning, and promote entrepreneurship.

Explore the spaces
Students working on a project in an engineering design space

Schedule

This course will be offered in-person at the University of Ottawa. Please refer to the course schedule below

Time in Canada (GMT-4)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Language Immersion for STEM Entrepreneurs

Oral Communication for Entrepeneurs

Language Immersion for STEM Entrepeneurs

Oral Communication for Entrepeneurs

Language Immersion for STEM Entrepeneurs

11:30 - 1:00 p.m

Lunch Break

Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break Lunch Break
1:00 - 4:00 p.m

Engineering Design and Entrepreneurship Training

Engineering 
Design and 
Entrepreneurship 
Training

Sociocultural 
Outings 

Engineering 
Design and 
Entrepreneurship 
Training

Engineering 
Design and 
Entrepreneurship 
Training

Dates and Fees

  • Dates: Summer 2024. *Exact dates to be confirmed with partner institutions.
  • The tuition fee is $3,599.

Accommodation Fees

  • Residence Option (meals not included): $1,100
  • Homestay Option (meals included): $1,550
Students working on a computer together

Are you an institution looking to send a group of students to the LEAD program?

The uOttawa Language, Entrepreneurship, and Design (LEAD) for STEM program is the perfect way for students to gain new skills, make new connections and experience everything that the University of Ottawa has to offer.
For more information, email us