CREATE Weekends

Weekend STEM program for high school students

Discover CREATE Weekends, a hands-on weekend engineering program designed for high school students. Experience immersive engineering design challenges inspired by the diverse disciplines within the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore real-world problem-solving, develop technical skills, and gain insight into university-level engineering pathways.

Registration Opening Soon

The registration date for this program will be announced in the next couple weeks. Please join our mailing list for updates on future programs and registration times.

DATES

Round 1
Oct. 24, Oct. 31, & Nov. 7, 2026

Round 2
Nov. 14, Nov. 21, & Nov. 28, 2026

WHEN

Saturdays
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Where

U of T's
St. George Campus

Who

Grades
9–12

Course Fees

$320 per round
(3 Saturdays)

Program Highlights

CREATE Weekends is a weekend program for high school students interested in exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from a design perspective. Led by a team of enthusiastic and experienced university students, you'll explore advanced engineering topics and learn how different disciplines of engineering work together to build a better society.

CREATE Weekends is more than just lectures and theories. Over multiple weekends, you'll gain hands-on experience and practical skills by working collaboratively on a real-world challenge. Using the engineering design process, you'll learn to identify a problem, brainstorm solutions, build and test prototypes, and refine your design. This is your chance to apply what you've learned in the classroom to solve a tangible problem.

CREATE Weekends is designed for motivated high school students who are curious about STEM and eager to connect with like-minded peers. If you're interested in exploring advanced topics, developing your problem-solving skills, and seeing how engineers make a difference, this program is for you. You'll not only expand your knowledge but also build a community with other students who share your passion for innovation and design.

This season there are two courses offered per grade, and courses offered in Round 1 are repeated in Round 2. Students may take a course from one round or both rounds as long as they do not take the same course twice. Participation in Round 1 is not required before taking a course in Round 2.

Variety of STEM Topics

Exciting and engaging activities that explore various fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

2 Rounds of Courses

Students can register for a course in Round 1, a course in Round 2, or a course in both rounds.

Mentorship Opportunities

Courses are taught by undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Supportive Environment

A collaborative and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and think creatively.

Camaraderie

Students have the opportunity to make friends with other like-minded students while exploring exciting topics in engineering!

Dates & Registration Policies

Dates & Schedule

Eligibility

Registration Steps

Cancellations

Waitlists

Dates & Schedule

Dates

Round 1
Saturdays
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
October 24, October 31, November 7, 2026

Round 2
Saturdays
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
November 14, November 21, November 28, 2026

There are two courses offered per grade, and courses offered in Round 1 are repeated in Round 2. Students may take a course from one round or both rounds as long as they do not take the same course twice. Participation in Round 1 is not required before taking a course in Round 2.

Eligibility

This program is offered to students in Grades 9-12 during the 2026/2027 academic year.

Classes are divided into Grade 9/10, and Grade 11/12.

Students who are in Grade 8 this year, going into Grade 9 next fall, will not be eligible for CREATE Weekends this year.

Engineering Experience

This program does not require previous experience with engineering or STEM programs.

Registration Steps

Click on the "Register" button on the top or bottom of this page.
When registration is open, all the available courses will appear on the registration page.
Add the courses to your cart by clicking "ADD TO CART" after each course you are interested in.
If a course is full, it will say "WAITING LIST ONLY." Add it to your cart to add yourself to the waitlist.
After adding all the courses you're interested in to your cart, hit "CONTINUE" at the top of the page.
On the next page, enter your email address to sign in or create an account.
Indicate which child should be registered for each session you have added to your cart.
Answer the registration questions and read and scroll through the waivers.
Complete your online signature and click "CONTINUE TO CART."
Double check all course information is correct, then enter payment information and click "Pay now."

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email - if you do not, please reach out to us.

Cancellations

Cancellation Policy

A refund, less a $50 administration fee, is available for cancellation requests received on or before 11:59 PM the following cancellation dates:

For Round 1 courses (Oct. 24-Nov. 7): Cancel by Sunday, October 18, 2026
For Round 2 courses (Nov. 14-Nov. 28): Cancel by Sunday, November 8, 2026

Any cancellations made after this day are not eligible for a refund.

Cancellations can be done through your online account, or by emailing us at outreach@engineering.utoronto.ca.

Waitlists

If a course you are interested in is listed as WAITING LIST ONLY on the registration page, it means all spots are currently full. If the course is full, add it to your cart and go through all the registration steps to join the waitlist.

If a spot opens up in the course and you are the next person on the waitlist, the system will automatically send you an email asking if you would like to register for the spot. At that point you can decide if you would like to register or be removed from the waitlist.

Please note that waitlist offers have a deadline. If your waitlist offer deadline passes and you have not responded to the offer, your waitlist offer will expire and the spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

Questions about CREATE Weekends?

Fees

Course Fees

$320 per course (3 Saturdays).

Please note it is not possible to register for single days.

Bursaries and Financial Aid

We are now able to offer bursaries towards this program. Please note, we only have a limited number of bursaries available, so not all applications will be approved. Bursaries may cover 10-75% of the course fees. Students may receive a bursary for a maximum of one course per season.

To apply for this bursary, please fill out an application here:

Fall 2026 Bursary Application

If you are interested in hearing if bursaries become available in the future, please add your email to our Bursary Mailing List here.

Course Offerings

Classes are divided by grade. Please read the course descriptions carefully to see which courses are offered to which grade group.

Round 1: October 24, October 31, November 7, 2026
Round 2: November 14, November 21, November 28, 2026

Grade 9/10 Courses

Chemical Engineering Sampler

Course offered in Round 1 and Round 2

Are you curious about how chemistry and biology can be used to solve the world's biggest challenges? This course offers an immersive look into the dynamic fields of Chemical and Biomedical engineering through a blend of interactive theory and practical application. You will explore molecular transformations, investigate how engineers design life-saving technologies for human health and energy, and work in teams to optimize biological and chemical processes based on the engineering design cycle. Step into the role of an engineer and start building your foundation through our Chemical Engineering Sampler course!

Disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering

Mission to Mars

Course offered in Round 1 and Round 2

What does it take to plan, build, and run a successful expedition to another world? Experience the full lifecycle of space exploration! Start by analyzing light signals with electronic sensors to search for habitable planets, then assemble an autonomous rover to navigate simulated Martian terrain. Finally, take on the role of an industrial engineer to evaluate human factors, design operator interfaces, and optimize system efficiency for maximum mission impact. This course bridges physics, robotics, computer science, and systems design for an action-packed space challenge, perfect for students interested in a wide range of engineering topics.

Disciplines: Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Science

Grade 11/12 Courses

Smart City Designs

Course offered in Round 1 and Round 2

Ever wonder how modern cities manage thousands of interconnected devices, autonomous vehicles, and rising noise levels? Combine electrical, computer and environmental engineering in this interactive series of workshop! You’ll learn the basics of circuit analysis, programming, and wave mechanics to solve urban challenges from every angle. In this course, you will work in groups on exciting activities such as building smart traffic intersection prototypes, optimizing mini power grids, designing acoustic barriers, and using spatial tools to map city sounds. Build your tech toolkit and see how hardware and algorithms keep our world running smoothly.

Disciplines: Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering

Surviving Deep Space

Course offered in Round 1 and Round 2

How do engineers protect human life beyond Earth's protective atmosphere? Let us show you you aerospace engineering from an angle you haven't seen before. This course explores how materials and physiological science protect the human body from cosmic hazards. Through various lab activities, you will learn about radiation intensity, molecular DNA breakages, and explore the engineering solutions used to shield space crews. Acquire a multidisciplinary toolkit across biophysics, data modelling, and aerospace systems to engineer the future of spaceflight.

Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Bioengineering, Engineering Science

Registration Opening Soon

The registration date for this program will be announced in the next couple weeks. Please join our mailing list for updates on future programs and registration times.

Related Programs

CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges

Jr. DEEP Weekends

Jr. DEEP Summer Camp

Engineering Outreach is a proud member of:

Ontario Camps Association (OCA)