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 will also meet mentors, either graduate students, professors or industry professionals, who will share their experiences in the field and answer your questions.  

Our enrichment programs

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Interested in shaping the future of infrastructure while solving environmental challenges? The Civil & Environmental Engineering Enrichment Program lets you explore both the design and sustainability aspects of building the world around us. From designing green cities to constructing bridges, this program will introduce you to core concepts in civil engineering and environmental protection. You'll engage in hands-on projects where you'll design and test models using advanced engineering software, all while gaining a deeper understanding of how civil engineering helps address issues like climate change, pollution, and urban development. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible. 

Introduction to Engineering

Get a taste of the diverse and dynamic world of engineering with the Introduction to Engineering Enrichment Program. Explore the fundamentals of six engineering disciplines — mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, software and computer engineering. Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on activities, you’ll design, prototype, and solve real-world challenges! Gain practical experience in university labs and classrooms and interact with professionals to discover which engineering path suits you best. Whether you’re undecided or eager to explore various fields, this program offers the perfect introduction to the diverse and dynamic world of engineering. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible. 

Introduction to Science

Are you curious about the world around you and the science behind it? The Introduction to Science Enrichment Program is designed for students who want to dive into the exciting realms of biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Through interactive experiments and explorations of on-campus labs, you’ll learn how scientific principles shape everything from the natural world to new emerging technologies. Whether you're drawn to the mysteries of the human body, the vastness of space, or the potential of sustainable energy, this program will deepen your understanding of scientific principles and introduce you to exciting career paths in the field. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible. 

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

Take your passion for technology to the next level with our Computer Science and AI Enrichment Program. You'll explore how computer scientists tackle challenges in cyber security, graphics, and networking, while gaining hands-on experience building and testing code in languages like C++, Python, HTML and JavaScript. Work on real-world projects, develop software solutions, and learn to create intelligent systems with AI and machine learning. With guidance from experienced mentors, this program will help you deepen your understanding of programming, algorithms, data structures, and the latest technologies shaping our digital world. Whether you want to develop cutting-edge applications, design complex networks, or explore the future of AI, this program is your gateway to becoming a computer scientist or software engineer. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible. 

Software and Computer Engineering

If you're fascinated by both software and hardware, the Software & Computer Engineering Enrichment Program offers the perfect blend of both worlds. Learn how to develop software applications while understanding the hardware that runs them. Dive into topics such as embedded systems, microcontrollers, digital signal processing, and software development using Python, HTML, and Java. You’ll gain hands-on experience by dissecting and understanding different systems, creating real-world solutions and develop a strong foundation in both software and hardware development. Additionally, you'll explore cybersecurity through different series of activities and a hands-on simulation at the uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range, where you’ll learn how professionals defend against real-world cyber threats. You’ll also get the chance to explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence, learning how AI technologies are shaping the future of computing. This program provides a strong foundation for anyone passionate about creating the next wave of smart technologies. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible. 

Pre-Medicine

Kickstart your medical journey with our Pre-Medical Enrichment Program! Explore the anatomy and physiology of the human body through hands-on activities like suturing, casting, and injections. Gain valuable insights into the medical field by touring university labs, interacting with professors, and learning about diverse healthcare careers such as nursing, physiotherapy, and pharmacy. This program will deepen your understanding of medical science and give you a firsthand look at the training required for a career in healthcare. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible. 

Mechanical Engineering

Unlock your potential in engineering with our comprehensive Mechanical Engineering Enrichment Program! Dive into the dynamic world of mechanical design, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science through hands-on projects and real-world applications. Work with tools like 3D printing technology and advanced software on our on-campus mech labs, you'll bring your ideas to life. Whether you're passionate about designing sustainable technologies, robotics, or solving complex engineering challenges, this program provides the perfect platform to build your skills and gain valuable experience in mechanical engineering. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible.

Chemical Engineering

Explore the exciting world of Chemical Engineering in our immersive enrichment program! Dive into the application of chemistry, physics, and math as you learn to design processes that transform raw materials into valuable products. Through hands-on activities, including simulations and lab experiments, you’ll explore topics such as thermodynamics, reaction engineering, engineering computation, and materials processing. You’ll also work on solving real-world challenges related to clean energy, water treatment, and pollution control, equipping you with a solid foundation for a future in chemical engineering. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible.

Neuro-discovery: Explore the Brain Through Neuroscience 

Enter the fascinating world of neuroscience! The Neuro-discovery Camp invites curious teens to discover, in a fun and interactive way, the mysteries of the brain, how it works, and human behavior. Participants can expect fun experiments, scientific challenges, observation games, and mini-research projects that will make you see your mind in a whole new light! This program will give you a solid foundation for better understanding the world of brain science and help you explore future studies in neuroscience, scientific psychology, health or biomedical sciences, and other fields. Participants must have completed grade 9 to 12 by summer 2026 to be eligible. 

Schedule: Summer 2026

Please note we’re closed July 1 (Canada Day statutory holiday) and August 3 (Civic Holiday).  

  • June 29 to July 3: Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • July 6 to 10: Pre-Medicine
  • July 13 to 17: Introduction to Engineering
  • July 20 to 24: Software and Computer Engineering, and Neuro-discovery.
  • July 27 to July 31: Introduction to Science, and Pre-Medicine
  • August 4 to 7 (4-day week): Chemical Engineering
  • August 10 to 14: Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • August 17 to 21: Mechanical Engineering 

Enrichment programs details

Grade level

Completion of Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 by summer 2026.

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

$375 per week ($305 per week for four-day week programs)

Additional information and forms

Ready?

Make STEM activities a part of your summer!