Ask a 10-year-old in Waterloo region about the University of Waterloo and they may tell you about the time they played with Nao or Talos, the humanoid robots housed in Waterloo Engineering's RoboHub.
Every week, elementary school-aged students from across the region, visit campus as part of the Kids on Campus and "Mentor" lab programs to learn about a variety of topics including AI and technology literacy. Their visits can include stops at the RoboHub, Institute for Quantum Computing, Crash Labs (MME) and WatiMake Lab. Not only do these programs become a foundation for the students' future success, but they play a role in maintaining the region's strengths in developing talent and technology.
In the past five years, Engineering Outreach has offered more than 3,000 programs and reached nearly 100,000 youth.
"Our region benefits from having one of Canada's most innovative universities here in our backyard," says Sophie Nasato, senior manager Engineering Outreach. "There is nothing like seeing the spark that ignites in the eyes of so many of the young people who visit our campus when they program a robot or learn how technology impacts their world."
The impact of the University goes far beyond the sharing of knowledge, innovative research or launching of start-ups. Through outreach programs led by each of its faculties, Waterloo engages and motivates children and youth in its community to be curious and explore. From STEM programs to the arts and sports, the University seeks to inspire its broader community.
There are many factors that draw students and researchers to Waterloo. Its reputation for being cutting-edge and its co-op program are two of the biggest, but its connection to community is another.
Fourth-year Mathematical Physics (co-op) and Astrophysics minor student, Lauren Brown first experienced Waterloo outreach as an eight-year-old attending ESQ summer camp. "Outreach played a major role in my decision to ultimately attend Waterloo," she says. "While I enjoyed my schooling, I strongly benefited from learning about topics outside of the standard curriculum, surrounded by like-minded individuals."
Brown attended ESQ summer camps and Go Eng Girl programming for five years. She says she also benefited from Engineering Outreach classroom workshops. "It was a full-circle moment when I started attending schools in the region to teach students about the same topics I had been interested in back then. I decided to work with Outreach because I wanted to give back to the community that helped me grow into the learner I am today."
Waterloo was established in the 1950s with the goal of helping tackle some of the world's most daunting challenges. Today, Waterloo continues to share with the world innovative solutions to global challenges while working in collaboration locally to ensure they are addressed in its own surrounding communities.
These challenges include preparing a workforce that is agile and ready for whatever tomorrow brings. That work doesn't simply begin when first-year students step onto campus. For many youth in the Waterloo region, it starts in elementary school with a trip to campus, a classroom workshop with Waterloo students, or by attending a summer camp.
"I still remember seeing my fingerprint for the first time and participating in energy and water filtration activities in grades four or five when Waterloo scientists visited my class," says Tasbiha Saif Ansari, a third-year student in the Science and Business program at Waterloo. Today, Ansari volunteers with the outreach team at the Faculty of Science.
Often in collaboration with community partners and schools, Waterloo provides outreach programming that includes camps, the Earth Science Museum, clubs, workshops, conferences and community events. This programming is designed for all youth, with an emphasis on those historically under-represented in STEM and under-served populations.
Simone Sankhe is finishing up her first year as a Math and Business major a joint program between Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier. "Attending ESQ at a young age made STEM feel exciting and accessible, and it definitely helped spark the passion that led me to where I am today."
Not only did Sankhe participate in ESQ camps and Leader in Training programming at Waterloo, but she was a high school leader in 2023/24, and part-time outreach instructor for the past two years. "It's honestly incredibly rewarding. I love working with Engineering Outreach because we're able to work with so many kids from different backgrounds and it's always so impressive to see how much they already know, and how their interest in STEM is growing."
Helping young Canadians discover STEM
"We're trying to give every young person in our area, whether they are 7 or 17, the chance to immerse themselves in science and technology," says Nasato. "The interest and demand from the community continues to grow, and we are grateful to our many donors and partners for supporting the expansion of these offerings."
The programs are supported by Waterloo and many generous individual donors and organizations. As lead sponsors, Actua and Let's Talk Science play an important role in expanding many of the programs to ensure under-served populations have an opportunity to participate. Actua provides funding for many of Waterloo's engineering outreach programs while Let's Talk Science supports science outreach.
While most engineering programs are funded by sponsors and donors, both Faculties largely rely on volunteers, co-op students and staff. Between the Let's Talk Science program, campus lab days and the Earth Science Museum, the Faculty of Science annually connects with close to 10,000 students ranging from grades 1 to 12.
The campus lab workshops, that take place in April and May, draw grade 11 and 12 classes from across the region and as far as Toronto and Windsor.
"All of our programming is about removing barriers, and letting young people explore and discover," says Heather Neufeld, manager Science Outreach. "Our overall goal is to help feed people's curiosity and sense of wonder when it comes to science and learning."
It is often a full-circle moment for outreach staff and volunteers when they work with young students. "I love when students ask big' questions because these often lead to fruitful discussions and provide an opportunity for students to ask scientific questions outside of the typical school structure, and without the added pressure of grades," Brown says. "When students think critically and are interested enough in the material to ask scientific questions, it reminds me of my own experiences at that age, and it is amazing to be a part of that experience for them."
Everyone involved from participants to instructors benefits from outreach according to Neufeld. "Not only are we inspiring young minds to explore and discover STEM topics, but outreach is also a great opportunity for our student volunteers to connect with the public, share their passion, and explain complicated topics in a way we can all understand."
Inspired by its long-standing connections with the community, the University continues to foster these connections with the goal of having a positive impact locally and globally. Outreach plays a lasting role in encouraging young and old to be curious and explore what's possible.
Here is a selection of University of Waterloo outreach programming:
ESQ Summer Camps led by the Faculty of Engineering with support from the Faculty of Science includes a variety of hands-on activities that explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and feature STEM mentors and tours of exciting spaces on Waterloo's campus. Campers will experiment with new technology, develop valuable skills, and connect with friends. Camps are offered in four grade ranges: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7 and 8-9. Find out more about other programs hosted by Engineering Outreach.
You can keep up with the variety of opportunities offered by Science Outreach by signing up for their mailing list. Public lectures, community events and opportunities for both students and schools are shared monthly.
The Student Art Innovation Lab is a mobile Faculty of Arts outreach program that hosts workshops and exhibitions.
Ecology Lab at the Faculty of Environment provides enrichment programs and workshops that include both field and lab activities designed for the students.
The Faculty of Mathematics offers a variety of outreach and enrichment programs to promote mathematics and computer science.
The Faculty of Health has been opening its doors for more than 50 years to host Kinesiology Lab Days. The program introduces high school students to kinesiology the science of human movement.
Waterloo's Athletics and Recreation department offers summer youth camps where campers can explore new skills, try out exciting activities and grow into confident Warriors.
