At the intersection of virtual design and physical creation, the School Within Innovative & Future Technologies (SWIFT) is where OCDSB students build the future. As the most recent of our innovative programs within Launch Secondary (housed at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School), this program gives grade 11 and 12 students the keys to a modern invention lab.
SWIFT moves beyond traditional learning and challenges students to master "digital twin" technology manipulating complex designs in a virtual world before bringing them to life through robotics, mechatronics, and precision manufacturing. Students don't just study innovation; they engineer it, gaining the technical edge needed to lead the next wave of global technology.
Connecting to the future: The first step
The foundation of the SWIFT experience is a direct connection to industry partners. By exposing students to potential career pathways early on, the program allows them to expand their learning goals and outcomes beyond the traditional classroom. This professional mentorship provides a behind-the-scenes look at the tech world, helping students gain the professional awareness needed to excel. As SWIFT student Waaiz I. explains, "Through opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain insight into various fields, I was able to better understand my interests. This experience ultimately solidified my decision to pursue Electrical Engineering."
The engineering journey: Exploration, coding, and design
With their career and academic goals in mind, students dive into the engineering design process through virtual exploration and research. They use professional software and coding skills to build "digital twins" detailed virtual versions of their projects. These models let them test out ideas and fix mistakes on a computer before they start building with real materials.
Once their virtual research and simulations are complete, the work moves to the workshop floor. Using high-precision tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines, students transform their digital concepts into physical prototypes. These projects are technically diverse, ranging from coding with AI models for autonomous drones to the construction of self-driving electric vehicles.
Technical mastery and "messy" learning
While the program is built on advanced academic expectations offering a specialized bundle of university- and college-level credits, including Computer Engineering, Design Technology, and Manufacturing Technology it also embraces the experimental nature of engineering. Jennifer Coleman, System Principal of Program Services, explains: "SWIFT came from an idea where students were telling us they wanted to learn differently. We know that learning has to be messy, and in this program, with all of the opportunities and equipment, students are allowed to get messy."
Preparing for post-secondary success
Whether a student is heading toward a post-secondary engineering program or moving directly into a high-demand STEM career, SWIFT provides a strong foundation for success. The program often helps students discover specific niches within their field of interest. For example, student Eve B. shared, "It introduced me to the nuclear industry... and made me realize I find nuclear energy super interesting! Because of that, I'm planning on doing a minor in nuclear studies."
Beyond technical discovery, students gain a broader perspective on their future careers. Solomon D. noted, "SWIFT showed me the importance of a diverse skillset, connections, and people skills... I believe it has changed the way I will go about [university] and the experience I'll have."
Are you ready to join the next generation of STEM professionals and engineers?
Apply by the dates below for equal consideration:
- Semester 1 (September 2026 to January 2027): May 13, 2026
- Semester 2 (February to June 2027): November 11, 2026
