Young students try university for a week

Gazette
Students listen attentively to a video presentation about oceans at a mini-course.
What’s with all these child prodigies on campus? Thousands of high school students will get a taste of their future fields of study by attending week-long university mini courses from May 7 to 11.
Students listen attentively in a classroom.

By Paul Grenon

Does it seem like University students look younger every year? Relax, it’s not that you’re just getting older. Nearly 2,000 high school students will be on the main and Alta Vista campuses from May 7 to 11 to attend 94 mini-courses on everything from information technology to law.

Highlights of the Enrichment Mini-Courses Program (EMCP) will include everything from a hi-tech chance to fly drones to learning about the traditional Indigenous smudging ceremony.

The EMCP program, now in its 38th year at uOttawa, offers highly interactive courses that combine brief presentations, practical exercises, laboratory exercises, group discussions and field expeditions.

The mini-courses are designed to inspire students from grades 8 to 11 in Eastern Ontario and Secondary II to V in Western Quebec to pursue post-secondary studies. The program includes disciplines such as information technology, psychology, engineering, science, geography, communications, music and law. The 94 mini-courses – 41 in French and 53 in English – highlight the breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise of our professors and graduate students.

Part of a successful and proud history

The EMCP is a unique annual event in the world of Canadian education. Since its creation in 1981, over 50,000 talented students have explored a field of study or area of interest in a university or college setting. These students acquired knowledge and skills that helped them achieve academic success.

Support our future students on May 11

You can motivate and support the next generation of bright minds by attending the annual EMCP symposium, where the students will display posters of the key results and themes of their mini-courses. All faculty members and university staff are invited to the event, which takes place on May 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, at the University Centre.

Help us ensure a successful week

We ask all faculty members and university staff to be attentive and mindful of the presence of these young students during the week.

For more information, please contact the Centre for Continuing Education by email continue@uOttawa.ca or by telephone 613-562-5802.