High School Programs

AI Essentials Series

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Open to: Grades 9 to 12 
Date: Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual 
Cost Per Participant: FREE

AI Essentials Series is a hands-on, interactive set of FREE workshops for students in Grades 9 to 12. Whether you're into coding, ethics, or real-world applications of AI, this series helps students gain future-ready skills in a fun, exploratory environment.

Please note that all workshops are virtual and recorded. The workshop will take place on Google Meet.

Access to a computer/laptop/Chromebook is required to participate in the program.

You can sign up for any workshop from the following, or all workshops! All workshops are independent, so please sign up to any one although we recommend you to take them all!

Details:

Module 1: Introduction to AI - Monday, July 27, 5 to 6:30 pm

Module 2: Machine Learning and Data Applications - Tuesday, July 28, 5 to 6:30 pm

Module 3: Key Skills and Applications of AI Logic - Wednesday, July 29, 5 to 6:30 pm

Module 4: AI in the Workplace - Thursday, July 30, 5 to 6:30 pm

Module 5: The Societal & Ethical Impacts of AI - Friday July 31, 5 to 6:30 pm

Spots are limited!

Code Your Canvas

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Open to: Grades 9 to 12 
Dates & Times:
Monday, September 14, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, September 21, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Ontario Tech University, North Oshawa Campus
Cost Per Participant: $219 + tax
Early Bird: Register before August 15th and receive $20 off, for a total of $199 + tax.

Paint It. Code It. Illuminate It. Create with AI.

Join Ontario Tech University for an exciting new STEAM experience where creativity meets engineering.

Designed for students in Grades 9–12, Code Your Canvas introduces participants to the world of electrical engineering, computer programming, and artificial intelligence through the creation of an interactive artwork. Students will transform a blank canvas into a personalized, light-up masterpiece by combining painting, circuitry, Arduino programming, and AI-powered design tools.

Throughout the program, participants will learn how circuits work, build and wire their own electronic system, and use Arduino programming to control LEDs through multiple lighting modes. Students will also explore how engineers use artificial intelligence to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot code, and enhance designs.

Working alongside Ontario Tech engineering students, participants will develop technical skills while expressing their creativity through art and storytelling.

The program culminates in an Innovation Day featuring an engineering guest speaker, networking lunch, AI-enhanced project development, and a science-fair-style Parent Showcase where students will demonstrate their completed interactive artworks and share their engineering journey.

No prior experience with coding, electronics, painting, or AI is required.

Each student will take home their completed interactive LED canvas at the conclusion of the program.

Program Fee Covers:

• Four guided evening workshops
• Full Innovation Day experience
• Guest engineering speaker
• Lunch on Innovation Day
• Canvas and painting supplies
• Arduino hardware and electronic components
• Engineering student mentor support
• Artificial intelligence learning activities
• Parent Showcase participation
• Certificate of Participation
• Take-home interactive LED artwork

Spots are limited to 20 students!

Inside Engineering

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Open to: Grades 9 to 12 
Date: Monday, November 2 to Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location:
Ontario Tech University, North Oshawa Campus — Monday & Wednesday
Virtual — Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Cost Per Participant: $35 per workshop — $150 for all five workshops (save $25)

Join us for the second cohort of Inside Engineering, a hands-on program hosted by Ontario Tech University!

Open to high school students in Grades 9–12, Inside Engineering is an exciting opportunity for students curious about which field of engineering might be right for them — and what engineers in those fields actually study and work on.

This dynamic week-long program features five interactive workshops covering a variety of engineering disciplines. Students can register for one workshop or sign up for the full week to get the complete experience.

Through engaging hands-on activities, conversations with current engineering students, and guest talks from industry experts, participants will explore 5+ engineering fields including Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Software, Nuclear, Manufacturing, and Aerospace Engineering.

Learn about the day-to-day work of engineers, discover what excites them about their careers, and gain valuable advice about engineering courses and post-secondary pathways for engineering.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get an inside look at the world of engineering and discover where your interests might take you!

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Unlock your potential with our transformative 4-week program designed to propel Ontario Secondary Students (Grades 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 (Grades 9 to 12) for the 2025 - 2026 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.

Why You Should Join:

• Gain In-Demand Skills: Acquire hands-on experience in leadership, problem-solving, financial literacy, and cultural competency through engaging workshops.
• Mentorship from Industry Leaders: Connect with inspiring Ontario Tech undergraduate STEM students who will mentor you in both your professional and personal development.
• Real-World Application: Volunteer with our Engineering Outreach team to apply what you’ve learned and gain valuable experience that counts towards your OSSD community involvement requirements.
• Preparation for Future Opportunities:  Get ready for summer program instructional roles and other opportunities, such as our NextGen Leaders Network (NLN) Internship program. Those who successfully complete FLIT will receive a $100 top-up if they apply and are successful with our NLN internship program.
  • To learn more about our NLN internship program, please visit the NextGen Leaders Network Page. 
  • Please note that completing the Future Leaders in Training Program DOES NOT guarantee you a spot in the NextGen Leaders Network Internship program. Students who successfully complete FLIT will have application reviewal priority before the application is opened up to the public, NOT a guaranteed spot in the Internship program.

What You’ll Achieve:

• Essential STEM and Digital Skills: Through experiential learning, grow your STEM knowledge to solve real engineering challenges.
• Broadened Perspectives: By engaging with mentors and peers from various science and engineering disciplines, you'll gain new perspectives, meet new people, and discover new passions.
• Community Involvement: Increase your community involvement and practical experience by volunteering with our programs, aiding in children and youth’s educational development.
• Certification of Completion: Successfully complete the program and receive a certificate, highlighting your participation and the skills acquired during the program.

Empower yourself to become a leader of tomorrow by joining the Future Leaders in Training Program. Seize this opportunity to shape your future and make a difference in the digital world!

In order to successfully complete the program and receive a certificate, students must:

• Attend two out of four of the virtual essential skill workshops
• Attend one out of two of the in-person digital skill workshops

Session Details

**Please note that all of the essential skill workshops are VIRTUAL while the digital skill workshops are IN-PERSON.**

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Hunter Johnson, Indigenous Program Coordinator, hunter.johnson@ontariotechu.ca

Digital Design and Engineering

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Master the art of digital fabrication with our three-part Digital Design and Engineering workshop series! This progression-based workshop takes students from the absolute basics of 3D modeling to creating complex, multi-part assemblies. Whether you are interested in engineering, product design, or 3D printing, these sessions provide the technical foundation needed to turn your ideas into digital reality using industry-standard cloud-based software.

What’s in Store:

• Session 1 - Intro to 3D Design: Master the Onshape workspace and tools like Extrude and Revolve. You'll design and export a custom keychain as your first digital prototype.
• Session 2 - Functional Objects: Move beyond basics to design a functional phone stand. Learn how to use dimensions and constraints to ensure your phone stand can fit perfectly with your phone.
• Session 3 - Advanced Assemblies: Learn to modify existing designs with charging cable slots and decorative patterns. You'll model a phone and use Mates to create a full digital assembly of your stand and device.

Why you should join:

• Portfolio Building: Walk away with STL files and digital prototypes that showcase your CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills.
• Industry Tools: Learn Onshape, a professional-grade platform similar to Solidworks and used by engineers and designers worldwide.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Zahraa Bassyouni, High School Program Coordinator, Zahraa.bassyouni@ontariotechu.ca

NextGen Leaders Network (NLN) is a branch from our Future Leaders in Training (FLIT) Program that prepares students for the industry of tomorrow. Although these are two separate programs, students who complete FLIT prior to completing NLN, will receive the following after completing both programs: 

• FLIT specialization on their certificate of completion for NLN 
• Given priority for an instructor position at Engineering Outreach 
• $50 top-up 

NLN is a seven-week internship program that provides Black and/or female-identifying youth an immersive opportunity to develop their leadership skills, while being shadowed under our specific black youth, and all girls team. Selected students will collectively do training together, but then will branch off to their designated group to design and develop culturally relevant programs.

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Virtual Girls Coding Workshop Series

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Cost Per Participant: FREE

Get ready for the ultimate mix of tech design and creative storytelling! This session takes students on an exciting journey through digital art and programming as they graduate from visual Scratch blocks to text-based C++ logic.

From scratch-built animated stories and classic arcade mechanics to fully customized text adventures, participants will get tons of hands-on coding practice.

We're thrilled to watch these innovative creators master advanced decision-making logic and bring their custom digital universes to life!

Go CODE Girl Conference | Annually

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Open to: Grades 7 to 10
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 
Time: 10 to 3:30 p.m. 
Location: Ontario Tech, North Oshawa Campus 
Cost Per Participant: FREE

Curious about coding, AI, or how games and websites are made? Go CODE Girl is a free, hands-on conference where you’ll explore coding, software engineering, and computer science in a fun and welcoming environment—no experience needed!

You’ll learn coding basics through interactive activities led by Ontario Tech Engineering students and see how coding is used in everyday life. You’ll also hear from current university students and industry professionals about what software engineers and computer scientists actually do, what university is like, and how you can get started now.

Meet other girls who are curious about tech, ask questions, try something new, and leave feeling more confident about exploring coding and STEM in the future!

Future Eng All-Girl Engineering Conference | Annually

Join us for a day of discovery, networking, and innovation at the FUTURE ENG All-Girl Engineering Conference. You'll uncover the allure of various engineering fields and learn why this career path could be your destined journey. Engage directly with the vibrant world of engineering through discussions about its diverse disciplines, the exciting career opportunities it offers, and networking sessions with engineering students from Ontario Tech and seasoned industry professionals.

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Go ENG Girl Conference | Annually 

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Go ENG Girl is a free event where girls in grades 7 to 10 can dive into the exciting world of engineering! You'll get to build, experiment, and explore hands-on projects while learning what makes engineering so awesome. No need to be a science whiz---just bring your curiosity and creativity! Girls will enjoy hearing from a female engineering guest speaker and meeting like-minded peers!

Parents are also welcome to attend to enjoy insightful guest speakers and team up with their children to tackle a fun engineering activity in the afternoon!

BYTE Labs: Black Girls in Code

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• Cost Per Participant: FREE
  
  

  Byte Labs is designed to cultivate technical fluency and strategic problem-solving skills, providing young Black girls with the essential coding architecture required to navigate and lead in a digital-first economy.

  Participants will transcend basic consumption of technology to become architects of it, mastering logic-based sequencing, algorithmic thinking, and data-driven decision-making. By progressing from modular block-based logic into advanced Python syntax and Machine Learning frameworks, students will engineer functional prototypes that address localized real-world challenges. This rigorous curriculum emphasizes iterative testing and rapid prototyping, ensuring every participant can deploy clean, scalable code and validate their solutions through peer-reviewed debugging. They won't just learn to code; they will master the art of translating complex problems into executable software solutions.

  Beyond the keyboard, this program embeds each student into a collaborative ecosystem of industry mentors and visionary peers, reinforcing their identity as innovative STEM leaders and securing their place within a powerful professional network.
  
  If you have any questions about the programs, please email paulaoluchi.duru@ontariotechu.ca

Black Youth Innovation STEM Club

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Join us as we dive into the exciting fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, exploring how Black innovators have shaped STEM, and empowering the next generation to do the same!

This event is in partnership between the Engineering Outreach’s Black Youth Program and Pickering Public Library to explore the world of STEM through engaging, hands-on projects and mentorship from Black university students.

Black Youth Virtual Digital Safety Workshops

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Our Black Youth Digital Safety Workshops, designed for students in grades 8 to 12, offer a series of virtual sessions that equip participants with essential computer skills, coding knowledge, and practical tools for navigating the online world safely. Tailored to each age group, these workshops introduce foundational digital skills to younger students and progressively build towards more advanced coding and digital safety topics for older participants. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, these workshops empower Black youth to confidently explore STEM opportunities while staying safe in the digital space.

Black Legacy in STEM Conference 

Ontario Tech University’s Engineering Outreach is proud to present the Black Legacy in STEM Conference. Developed by Black Ontario Tech University STEM students and staff, this conference aims to introduce Black youth in Grades 9 to 12 to STEM while empowering them to pursue academic excellence and leadership.

Students will participate in hands-on STEM workshops, engage in personal and tech development sessions, and connect with Black undergraduate students and alumni through a roundtable discussion. They will also take part in a session on the post-secondary application process, gaining insight into university pathways and opportunities. The day will conclude with an exciting STEM challenge, where students can put their skills to the test for a chance to win a prize

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Stay tuned for the upcoming land-based learning day that occurs every fall. 

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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 underlies Engineering Outreach's belief in the efficacy of Indigenous land-based learning, which embraces an environmental approach to education. 

New this year, the InSTEM team is piloting an innovative curriculum set to receive official accreditation in 2026. Starting that year, students will have the opportunity to earn a high school credit over the summer—learning on the land, in a setting that goes beyond the traditional classroom.

In preparation, the summer of 2025 will offer a unique 8-week pilot program where students won't just participate in the curriculum—they’ll help shape it. As co-creators, students will provide feedback on course lessons, assessments, and community-based workshops, while also engaging in all activities as full participants in the land camp experience.

Throughout the program, students will strengthen their leadership and team-building skills through hands-on learning and group challenges. They’ll also take part in multiple community-led workshops, delivered by local Knowledge Holders and community members. By the end of the summer, students will collaborate to plan and lead their very own youth-designed land camp day, putting their learning into action while giving back to the community.