STEAM Youth ESL+ Sciences and Arts Program (Summer 2025)
Overview
Students will be enrolled in two-week sessions comprising one week of ESL instruction and one week of science, technology, engineering, math and arts course programming. We will offer a total of eight two-week sessions. The ESL curriculum will remain consistent across all sessions, while the science, technology, engineering, math, and arts programming will vary. During the technical sessions, students will explore robotics, engineering, 3D design, industrial design, python programming, gaming, music and video production, and filmmaking.Our structured approach to the summer program ensures a comprehensive educational experience, combining language development with specialized technical skills. We foster creativity, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving abilities in our students within a university environment. The program is about improving English communication skills and enhancing their interaction with current technology and the arts, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
Please refer to Appendix A for pricing and contact information.
Program highlights
- 30 hours of English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) classroom learning
- 35 hours of science, technology, engineering, math and arts programming
- Programming could include engineering, computer programming, robotics, filmmaking, music, and video production
- Engagement in campus events and excursions
- Accommodation and meals provided
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Ontario Tech University facts
- Opened in 2003 - Less than one hour outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 11,000 graduate and undergraduate students and 30,000+ alumni
- 2 Locations: North Oshawa Campus & Downtown Oshawa Campus
- 6 Faculties; 2,000+ faculty and staff
- Degrees: 75 Bachelor's, 40 Master's and PhDs, and 30 College-to-university transfer programs
- 11 Canada Research Chairs
- 1,400+ international students representing 65 countries
Maclean's Magazine (Canada) and international rankings
- #144th in the world in the Young University Ranking (Times Higher Education)
- #1 in Canada for social science and humanities grants (Maclean's Magazine)
- #1 library in Canada for an undergraduate university
- #2 in Canada for total research dollars
- #3 in Ontario, #7 in Canada for engineering (US News)
- #4 in North America, #1 in Canada for Business and IT school (Hopp Marktforschung)
- Top 5 in Ontario for Mechanical Engineering (US News)
- Top 10 in Ontario for Electrical Engineering (Shanghai Ranking)
Continuous Learning Department
Ontario Tech University's Continuous Learning Department is the hub for not-for-credit programming at the university. Working in hybrid with faculties across campus, Continuous Learning builds and houses certificate programs and learning opportunities supporting lifelong learning.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math And Arts Programming - Weeks
Classes are held from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The science courses aim to unlock the future of innovation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Hands-on activities and immersive learning in engineering, robotics, coding, gaming, and more provide youth with the building blocks needed for a future in STEM!
English Language Centre at Ontario Tech University
The English Language Centre (ELC) offers various programs. This one-week summer program focuses on intensive English language learning and cultural experiences. Upon completion, a certificate of participation is granted.
Structure of English Classes
Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break at noon. During your week of English lessons, you will improve your English language skills in a university context. You will have a mixture of general and academic English lessons focusing on fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
By the end of the program, you will have improved your language proficiency and confidence, enabling you to better communicate in an academic and technical setting.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math And Arts Programming
- Programs engage participants with their peers and connect youth with similar interests.
- Women mentors inspire the next generation of STEM professionals in our "All girls" programs.
- Participants use STEM-based technology and equipment to develop skills relevant to today's globally connected world.
- Programs engage youth in STEM concepts connected to undergraduate curriculums, including engineering design, scientific inquiry, and coding fundamentals.
- Ontario Tech undergraduate STEM students and mentors provide leadership to further professional and personal development.
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VEX Robotics - BattleBots
The VEX Robotics - BattleBots program introduces participants aged 14 to 17 to robotics through the Engineering Design Process and computational problem-solving. Working in teams, they will design, build, and program robots using VEX EDR Robotics, culminating in a "Sumo Challenge" where robots battle to knock each other out of the arena. The program emphasizes interactive learning, simplifies complex topics, focuses on problem-solving and design thinking, includes hands-on activities, and is led by counsellors with solid leadership skills and enthusiasm for education.
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Connected Engineering
The Connected Engineering program is a unique opportunity for girls aged 14 to 17 to explore STEM through a cumulative project. Each day, they will learn and apply a new topic to their projects and the world around them. The program culminates in a head-to-head competition, providing a platform to showcase their skills. Led by female engineering students with strong leadership skills and enthusiasm for education, this program is all about interactive learning, simplifying complex topics, and fostering problem-solving and design thinking.
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The World of 3D Design
The World of 3D Design program is a thrilling journey for participants aged 14 to 17. They will explore modern inventions using 3D design and printing, transforming concepts into products through the Engineering Design Process. The program culminates in designing, building, and testing solutions to real-world problems. Led by counsellors with solid leadership skills and enthusiasm for education, this program is all about interactive learning, simplifying complex topics, and fostering problem-solving and design thinking.
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VEX Robotics - Industrial Design
The VEX Robotics - Industrial Design program, for participants aged 14 to 17, introduces robotics through the Engineering Design Process and computational problem-solving. Teams design, build, and program robots using VEX EDR Robotics to complete various challenges, such as the "Cup Stack Challenge." The program emphasizes interactive learning, simplifies complex topics, focuses on problem-solving and design thinking, includes hands-on activities, and is led by counsellors with solid leadership skills and enthusiasm for education.
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Design with Python
The Design with Python program introduces participants aged 14 to 17 to basic programming concepts through fun coding challenges, preparing them for future coding classes. No prior experience is required. Activities include sorting items with a pre-built robot in a competition. The program emphasizes interactive learning, simplifies complex topics, focuses on problem-solving and design thinking, includes hands-on activities, and is led by counsellors with solid leadership skills and enthusiasm for education. Virtual options are also available.
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The Future of Gaming
The Future of Gaming program, for participants aged 14 to 17, provides hands-on experience in game design and development at the Ontario Tech Faculty of Business and Information Technology Gaming and Virtual Reality Laboratory. Participants learn to design, develop, produce, and test games using tools like Blender and Unity. Coding experience is required. The program includes daily outdoor cooperative activities, use of high-tech equipment, hands-on activities, a low camper-to-counselor ratio, and is led by certified teachers.
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The Hollywood Filmmaking Studio
Mentored by master filmmakers, campers will experience hands-on exploration of the filmmaking process, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Working in small crews, they will learn about cinematography, scriptwriting, and editing. Campers will then create, act, and edit a short film and movie trailer. Participants will use technology such as MacBooks, 4K cameras, tripods, boom microphones, green screens, and drones. The program culminates in a red-carpet popcorn film festival, with movies archived in the Film Camp in a Box digital theatre. Due to the nature of the Hollywood Filmmaking Studio camp activities, opting into Ontario Tech University’s Summer Camp Photo/Video Release and the Film Camp in a Box Photo/Video Consent and release during registration is mandatory. Campers will make videos of each other individually or as a group, and it will not be possible for the camper to participate in the camp and not be filmed.
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The Music Video Production Studio
Offers an immersive experience in music video production. Mentored by master filmmakers, campers will explore the music video production process, including pre-production, production, and post-production. In small crews, they will learn about cinematography specific to music videos and advanced editing techniques. Using an existing pop culture song, campers will listen to the lyrics, understand them, and create their own story and meaning. They will then act in and edit their full music video, and crews will also create their own promotions and advertising links to showcase their video. The program culminates in a red-carpet popcorn film festival, with movies archived in the Film Camp in a Box digital theatre. Due to the nature of the Music Video Production camp activities, opting into Ontario Tech University’s Summer Camp Photo/Video Release and the Film Camp in a Box Photo/Video Consent and release during registration is mandatory. Campers will make videos of each other individually or as a group, and it will not be possible for the camper to participate in the camp and not be filmed.
Accommodation and meals
During your stay, you will live in residence on the Ontario Tech University campus and have a bus pass so you will be able to get around the city of Oshawa. You share a suite with another student.
You will have your bedroom with a door that contains a bed with clean linen (sheets, pillow, and blankets) and private storage for your belongings (such as a chest of drawers or a closet). You will share your bathroom with one other student.
You will have a quiet place to study, usually in your bedroom. You will have three daily meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner— served in the residence dining room.
Niagara Falls – Excursion
You will go on a day trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario, to see the Canadian and American Falls. Niagara Falls is excellent for sightseeing, shopping, and other unique activities on Clifton Hill. You will also receive a ticket to the Hornblower Boat Tour, which takes you to the heart of the falls.
Daily schedule
*Dates are subject to change
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ESL + VEX Robotics – BattleBots (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + VEX Robotics – BattleBots Dates* Activities Monday, June 23, 2025 to Friday, June 27, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Saturday, June 28, 2025 to Sunday, June 29, 2025 Day Off Monday, June 30, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Canada Day (National Holiday) Wednesday, July 2, 2025 to Saturday, July 5, 2025 VEX Robotics – BattleBots (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) -
ESL + Connected Engineering (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + Connected Engineering Dates* Activities Monday, June 30, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Canada Day (National Holiday) Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Thursday, July 3, 2025 to Saturday, July 5, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Sunday, July 6, 2025 Day off Monday, July 7, 2025 to Friday, July 11, 2025 Connected Engineering (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) -
ESL + The World Of 3D Design (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + The World Of 3D Design Dates* Activities Monday, July 7, 2025 to Tuesday, July 8, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Thursday, July 10, 2025 to Saturday, July 12, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Sunday, July 13, 2025 Day off Monday, July 14, 2025 to Friday, July 18, 2025 Minecraft (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) -
ESL + VEX Robotics – Industrial Design (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + VEX Robotics – Industrial Design Dates* Activities Monday, July 14, 2025 to Tuesday, July 15, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Thursday, July 17, 2025 to Saturday, July 19, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Sunday, July 20, 2025 Day off Monday, July 21, 2025 to Friday, July 25, 2025 Minecraft (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) -
ESL + Design with Python (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + Design with Python Dates* Activities Monday, July 21, 2025 to July 22, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Thursday, July 24, 2025 to Saturday, July 26, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Sunday, July 27, 2025 Day off Monday, July 28, 2025 to Friday, August 1, 2025 Minecraft (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) -
ESL + Hollywood Film Making Studio (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + Hollywood Film Making Studio Dates* Activities Wednesday, July 30, 2025 to Saturday, August 2, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Sunday, August 3, 2025 Day off Monday, August 4, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Wednesday, August 6, 2025 to Saturday, August 9, 2025 Hollywood Film Making Studio (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) -
ESL + Music Video Production Studio (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + Music Video Production Studio Dates* Activities Monday, August 5, 2025 to Tuesday, August 6, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Wednesday August 7, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Thursday, August 8, 2025 to Saturday, August 10, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Sunday, August 11, 2025 Day off Monday, August 12, 2025 to Friday, August 16, 2025 Music video Production Studio (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) -
ESL + The Future of Gaming (2 Weeks)
Daily schedule for ESL + The Future of Gaming Dates* Activities Monday, August 18, 2025 to Tuesday, August 19, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Niagara Falls Excursion Thursday, August 21, 2025 to Saturday, August 23, 2025 ESL Classes (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Sunday, August 24, 2025 Day off Monday, August 25, 2025 to Friday, August 29, 2025 The Future of Gaming (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Contact Information
For more information about the program, please contact us at continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca
