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    Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment Program
    In-person Program

    Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment Program

    by University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach

    Explore software and hardware through practical projects, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and a cybersecurity simulation at the uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range.

    Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completed Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    University of Ottawa, SITE building, Ottawa, Canada

    Cost

    $375

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Computer ScienceEngineeringCybersecurityArtificial Intelligence
    Language: English, with French support
    Sessions / cadence: 5 days, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Campus experience: uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range simulation
    Mentor model: Weekly meet-and-greets

    Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment summary

    This University of Ottawa enrichment program connects software development with the hardware behind it, giving students practical ways to explore both sides of computing.

    Activities cover embedded systems, microcontrollers, programming, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. A uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range simulation introduces professional responses to cyber threats.

    It suits students who want to test whether they enjoy building and understanding computing systems, rather than focusing only on writing code.

    What is Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment Program?

    The Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment Program is a University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering outreach program that introduces the relationship between software and hardware. Students explore embedded systems, microcontrollers, digital signal processing, and software development using Python, HTML, and Java.

    The experience emphasizes hands-on investigation and practical solutions rather than a single programming topic. Cybersecurity activities include a simulation at the uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range, and students also explore artificial intelligence. The broader enrichment series includes mentor meetings to discuss experiences and careers in the field.

    Why Succeed highlights Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment

    • Connecting software with hardware helps students distinguish computer engineering from a course focused only on coding.

    • Embedded systems and microcontrollers make the program relevant to students curious about how smart devices work.

    • The uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range simulation gives cybersecurity a concrete, practical context.

    • Mentor meetings add opportunities to ask questions about study and careers alongside the technical activities.

    Who is Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy practical problem solving and want to explore both software development and the hardware behind computing systems.

    Not ideal if

    You want sustained specialization in one programming language; the curriculum deliberately spans hardware, software, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

    Is Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment worth it?

    This is a useful option for testing an interest in computer engineering through practical activity. The combination of software, hardware, and a Cyber Range simulation offers more variety than a course centered on one coding language.

    Its broad introductory scope also limits how deeply students can pursue any single topic. Treat it as subject exploration and a starting point for further projects, rather than a substitute for sustained programming practice.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $375; includes Hands-on activities and field-specific projects, Software and hardware exploration, uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range simulation, Artificial intelligence activities, Enrichment-program mentor meet-and-greets.

    Provider details

    Review the University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; University of Ottawa, SITE building, Ottawa, Canada.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment need?

    Effort level

    Moderate, with full daytime participation.

    Best started

    Begin planning a few weeks before your chosen session once its dates are announced.

    Main challenge

    Moving between software, hardware, and cybersecurity topics.

    Typical preparation

    • Try a short beginner Python exercise to become comfortable reading and changing code.

    • Write down questions about how software controls hardware and how cyber threats are defended against.

    • Plan daily travel around the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. program hours and discuss lunch sign-out arrangements.

    Useful if

    You want a practical basis for choosing further computing study.

    What do students do on Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment?

    You explore how software and hardware work together through hands-on activities and practical problem solving. The curriculum also introduces cyber defense and artificial intelligence.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Investigate computing systems and the relationship between their software and hardware.

    2. 2

      Explore embedded systems, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing.

    3. 3

      Practice software development using Python, HTML, and Java.

    4. 4

      Take part in cybersecurity activities and a uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range simulation.

    5. 5

      Explore artificial intelligence and discuss experiences in the field with enrichment-program mentors.

    Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Programme dates

    20-24 July 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completed Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 by summer 2026.

    How much does Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment cost?

    Program fee

    $375 — Canadian dollars for the five-day session.

    Funding or discounts

    • Cancellation fee: $40 — Administrative charge for each cancellation.

    What's included

    Hands-on activities and field-specific projects, Software and hardware exploration, uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range simulation, Artificial intelligence activities, Enrichment-program mentor meet-and-greets

    How to apply to Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment

    1. 1

      Review the grade-completion requirements and Engineering Outreach policies.

    2. 2

      Use the official University of Ottawa OutStem enrichment-program registration portal.

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    What does Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Software development

    Explore software applications using Python, HTML, and Java.

    Hardware and embedded systems

    Investigate embedded systems, microcontrollers, and the hardware that runs software.

    Digital signal processing

    Explore digital signal processing as part of the connection between software and hardware.

    Cybersecurity

    Explore cyber defense through activities and a hands-on uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range simulation.

    Artificial intelligence

    Explore how artificial intelligence technologies are shaping the future of computing.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment?

    A typical day during the program.

    Program day

    Daily activities run within this attendance window, with supervised breaks.

    Lunch break

    The exact lunch time varies with the instructor's schedule.

    Who teaches on Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment?

    Enrichment-program mentors may be graduate students, professors, or industry professionals who share their experiences and answer students' questions. Teen programs are generally taught in English with a bilingual instructor offering French support.

    Where do students stay on Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment?

    Non-residential plan

    • Campus venue: The day program is based at the University of Ottawa's SITE building.
    • Supervised breaks: Supervised breaks are offered during snack time and other downtime.
    • Lunch sign-out: Students in Grade 9 or older may sign out at lunch and sign back in afterward.

    The university is not responsible for students while they are signed out during lunch.

    What happens after Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build a foundation for further software and hardware study.

    Develop familiarity with embedded systems and microcontrollers.

    Explore further interests in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

    Use mentor conversations to understand computing study and career paths.

    Where does Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment take place?

    The program is based at the University of Ottawa's SITE building, 800 King Edward Avenue, in Ottawa, Canada. The university's downtown campus has access to public transit.

    Software and Computer Engineering Enrichment FAQs

    It combines software and hardware development, including embedded systems, microcontrollers, digital signal processing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

    The program description names Python, HTML, and Java.

    Students take part in a hands-on simulation at the uOttawa–IBM Cyber Range to learn how professionals defend against real-world cyber threats.

    Teen programs are generally taught in English, with a bilingual instructor offering French support.

    Program hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch generally lasts one hour and takes place between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., depending on the instructor's schedule.

    Break periods are supervised. Students in Grade 9 or older may sign out during lunch; the university is not responsible for students while they are signed out.

    The enrichment curriculum does not change significantly from year to year. The provider recommends trying a different program when returning for another summer.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Program Registration Home | OutStem Forms
    • Information package | Faculty of Engineering
    • Conventions and Reservations | About us
    • Policies and frequently asked questions | Faculty of Engineering
    • Summer enrichment programs for teens | Faculty of Engineering

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)

    • Program curriculum reviewed

    • Grade requirements checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Canadian-dollar fee checked

    • Daily hours reviewed

    • Supervision and refunds reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.