Engineering Outreach
Discover our programs.
Elementary Programs
High School Programs
Teacher Programs
What we do.
At Engineering Outreach, our mission is to enrich the educational journey of K-12 students across the Durham Region and beyond, instilling a deep-rooted passion for STEM. We strive to make STEM education both accessible and inclusive, especially for those from traditionally underrepresented communities. Here’s how we make an impact:
- Accessibility and Inclusion: Ensuring every student has the opportunity to explore STEM, regardless of background.
- Hands-On Learning: Delivering immersive STEM experiences through workshops and activities in schools and community hubs.
- Digital Literacy and Skills Development: Equipping students with the necessary digital skills for the future.
- Support for Educators: Empowering teachers and school leaders with resources and training to enhance STEM education delivery.
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Our Supporters
We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our many supporters and partner organizations who believe in the power of STEM education. Their contributions not only fuel our initiatives but also help cultivate a diverse and vibrant community of young minds eager to dive into the realms of science, engineering, and math. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every child can achieve their potential in the exciting world of STEM.
Engineering Outreach is a network member of Actua. Actua is a leading Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization. Each year, the Actua network engages over 500,000 youth in 600 communities across Canada in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. Please visit www.actua.ca.
Current Open Programs
Junior Robotics and Automation Lab
Monday, August 17 to Tuesday, August 18
Grades 4 to 6
This hands-on, interactive program is designed to introduce Grades 4 to 6 students to the fascinating world of smart technology, coding, and engineering. Acting as young engineers, participants will tackle real-world challenges spanning environmental conservation, modern electronics, automation in factory supply chains, and motion-based software design. Through these engaging sessions, students will deepen their understanding of logic-based coding, circuit design, sensor integration, and the engineering process, all while collaborating with and learning alongside university role models.
Intermediate Robotics and Automation Lab
Wednesday, August 19 to Thursday, August 20
Grades 7 to 8
This hands-on, interactive program is designed to introduce Grades 7 to 8 students to the fascinating world of smart technology, coding, and engineering. Acting as young engineers, participants will tackle real-world challenges spanning environmental conservation, modern electronics, automation in factory supply chains, and motion-based software design. Through these engaging sessions, students will deepen their understanding of logic-based coding, circuit design, sensor integration, and the engineering process, all while collaborating with and learning alongside university role models.
Power Plant Patrol
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Grades 1 to 3
In this interactive workshop, participants will work with Dash robots and beginner-friendly coding tools to explore how engineers use technology to solve real-world problems. Children will learn how to program a robot to patrol a model power plant, inspect important locations, and respond to potential hazards. Along the way, they will be introduced to the Engineering Design Process as they ask questions, imagine solutions, create plans, test ideas, and improve their programs. Through teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking, participants will build confidence with coding while discovering how robots can help people perform important jobs in challenging environments.
Code Your Canvas
Monday, September 14 to Saturday, September 26, 2026
Grades 9 to 12
Code Your Canvas is a hands-on STEAM program for high school students that combines art, electronics, coding, and artificial intelligence. Over four evening sessions and a full-day Innovation & Showcase Day, participants will design and paint a custom canvas, build and wire an interactive LED circuit using Arduino, learn programming fundamentals, and explore how engineers use AI to enhance creativity and solve problems. Students will develop a one-of-a-kind light-up artwork that responds to user input while gaining experience in electrical engineering, computer programming, and design thinking.
Girls ENG Bootcamp
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Grades 9 to 10
Step into the lab and start shaping your future at the Girls ENG Bootcamp! Designed specifically for Grade 9 and 10 students, this immersive, full-day event offers a deep dive into the dynamic fields of Electrical and Nuclear Engineering. Whether you are completely new to engineering or already passionate about STEM, this double-workshop experience is built to challenge your thinking and help you start building a standout portfolio of real-world projects. Led by undergraduate mentors who are currently navigating these fields, you’ll tackle interactive, high-impact challenges, gain practical insight into modern technology, and collaborate with ambitious peers who share your drive to create.
Power Up Her Potential
Monday, September 21 to Monday, October 5, 2026
Grades 1 to 3
At the Power Up Her Potential Girls STEM Club, Grades 1 to 3 girls will step into the shoes of an engineer, build with their first blocks of code, and build unstoppable problem-solving confidence. Participants will create interactive games with Scratch, explore conductors and insulators using Makey Makey, and design wearable electrical safety gear. Through creative challenges and real-world applications, students will build foundational STEM skills, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and discover the exciting possibilities of engineering and technology.
Thinking in TinkerCAD
Grades 7 to 8
The Thinking in TinkerCAD Girls STEM Club is the ultimate creative workshop series where imagination meets innovation! This September, we are inviting girls in Grades 7 to 8 to step onto the canvas and become tech creators. Our main tool is TinkerCAD, a powerful, incredibly fun 3D design and simulation platform that lets students bring big ideas to life. Learning how to use TinkerCAD is a major superpower for young girls as it builds spatial reasoning, boosts technical confidence, and makes engineering feel like an interactive game. We will start with introductory concepts and apply them into real-world problems, building problem-solving skills that last a lifetime!
Indigenous Youth Days (September to October)
Friday, September 25 to Friday, October 30, 2026
Grades 1 to 8
Guided by Indigenous students, the Clubs are grounded in Indigenous land-based learning, demonstrating the intersections between Indigenous knowledge, STEM, and engineering design to Indigenous youth from Grades 1 to 8. We aim to renew students’ pride with their Indigenous identity and increase their confidence in the pursuit of STEM careers and education.
*NOTE: Program dates vary based on grade level. Please check the registration form to learn more.
Future Leaders in Training
Tuesday, October 20 to Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Grades 9 to 12
Unlock your potential with our transformative program designed to propel Ontario Secondary Students (Grade 9 to 12) into the forefront of tomorrow’s digital workplace. Dive deep into the world of technology, leadership, and innovation at Ontario Tech University, and emerge ready to lead the change in an increasingly digital era. Open to Ontario Secondary Students (Grade 9 to 12) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year, this program includes a series of hands-on workshops and additional opportunities to connect with Ontario Tech University students and engage in volunteering.
Inside Engineering
Monday, November 2 to Friday, November 6, 2026
Grades 9 to 12
Inside Engineering is a week-long program for high school students curious about which field of engineering might be right for them and what engineers in those fields actually study and work on. The program features five interactive, hands-on workshops — students can register for individual workshops or sign up for the full week as a package. Through engaging activities and conversations with current engineering students and industry experts, participants will explore 5+ engineering disciplines and discover which fields align with their interests and future goals.
Traditional Medicines and STEM Day
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Grades 9 to 12
Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island have long recognized the land as their fundamental classroom. Through practices like gathering food from animals and plants, as well as constructing sweat lodges, these traditions serve as essential tools for imparting crucial life skills to younger generations. These elements of Indigenous culture are rich with STEM knowledge, encompassing biology, chemistry, mathematical principles, and engineering concepts. This understanding underlines Engineering Outreach's belief in the efficacy of Indigenous land-based learning, which embraces an environmentally approach to education.
Indigenous Youth Days (November to December)
Friday, November 6 to Friday, December 4, 2026
Grades 1 to 12
Guided by Indigenous students, the Clubs are grounded in Indigenous land-based learning, demonstrating the intersections between Indigenous knowledge, STEM, and engineering design to Indigenous youth from Grades 1 to 12. We aim to renew students’ pride with their Indigenous identity and increase their confidence in the pursuit of STEM careers and education.
*NOTE: Program dates vary based on grade level. Please check the registration form to learn more.