Secondary School provides many programs that give you opportunities to:
Enrich your education (ICP, ILP, SHSM, Dual Credit)
Focus on the areas where you excel (CO-OP, SHSM)
Improve in the areas where you are challenged (Tutoring, ESL)
Learn in the way that best suits your learning style (CO-OP, eLearning)
Continue your education outside of regular school hours (Summer School, Night School)
Take courses not offered in your high school (eLearning, SHSM)
Click on the links below to learn more about these programs and speak to your Guidance Counsellor if you are interested in joining!
OCDSB International Learning Opportunities
The OCDSB offers a number of exciting opportunities for students who want to learn more about the world.
The OCDSB’s International Certificate Program is designed to recognize and honour students in grade 9-12 who demonstrate a commitment to being motivated, engaged and active global citizens. It provides students the opportunity to learn or improve another language, increase global awareness, develop leadership skills, and more.
For more information about the program, visit the International Certificate Program webpage or Instagram account: Internationalcertificateprog
For more information about study abroad and student exchanges visit OCENET’s Website.
Dual Credit Program at Algonquin College
The Dual Credit is an opportunity for Grade 11 or 12 students to...
experience the college environment
earn Algonquin College credit(s) AND credit towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma
gain a head start on career training
discover vocational pathways
The Dual Credit program is an exciting opportunity to come to college while you are in high school and earn a credit at both institutions. You will be completing a real College course that counts towards a certificate, diploma or degree program. Since you are completing this college course, you will be registered at Algonquin College, given a student number and have access to all the College technologies, including email and Blackboard. Because funding is provided through the School | College | Work Initiative there is no, or very little, cost to the student. This program exists to help you discover what educational or career pathway is right for you and to help get you closer to the goal of graduating high school.
Are you eligible for this program? Read more on our Eligibility information page
What courses are available, now and in the future? Find out via our Courses Available listing
When are applications accepted? See our Timeline
OCDSB: School Within a Trade (SWAT) - Enhanced Construction Program
The Enhanced Construction Program, a collaboration between the OCDSB and Local 93 Carpenters Union, provides Grade 12 students with a hands-on pathway to skilled trades through specialized training and co-op placements, catering to those who excel in experiential learning. This initiative allows students to gain practical skills and authentic industry experience, ultimately leading to potential pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
The program is organized into two distinct cohorts, each with a carefully structured schedule that outlines the curriculum and progression, ensuring students receive tailored education aligned with their individual needs and academic timelines, thereby facilitating a seamless transition into a trade career. The following graphics outlines the comprehensive schedule for each cohort, detailing the curriculum and progression through the program (more info on page 2):
Students will be registered in Launch Secondary School, which is staffed with OCDSB teachers and located at the Local 93 Carpenters Union in Kanata. Students will be enrolled as SWAT students for the semester they are attending, and will benefit from the following:
Hands on learning in state of the art facilities tailored to carpentry education
Access to 4 full-time Local 93 instructors
Industry recognized certifications and training
Transportation subsidy in the form of transit pass or mileage reimbursement (up to $350)
A bundle of trades related credits to support earning OSSD and in support of their individualized pathway goals. If the student already has earned any of these credits they will be provided an alternative option.
TCJ3/4CD (2 Credits)
MAP4C (1 Credit); prerequisite MBF3C
ENG4C/U (1 Credit); prerequisite NBE3C/U or ENG3C/U
Those who are interested in being a part of the SWAT program in Cohort A will have the chance to participate in the following events in preparation for this program in September:
Parent/Guardian Information Night - April 20, 2026 at Local 93 Training Facility
Local 93 In-Person Aptitude Test - June 1, 2026 at Local 93 Training Facility
Field trip permission forms to be provided centrally to students who have been selected for this opportunity
Applying to SWAT: Here is the Application Form for the SWAT program. This form can be completed directly by students. The deadline for applying to Cohort A is May 6, 2026
If you are interested in applying to SWAT, please set up an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor and check out the Coop Fair in the Library on May 6.
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OCDSB: School Within Innovative and Future Technologies - Enhanced Engineering Design Program (SWIFT)
The School Within Innovative & Future Technologies (SWIFT) program offers Grade 11 and 12 students a unique, hands-on opportunity to dive into the world of engineering and manufacturing in an immersive experiential learning environment. Focused on the engineering design process, students will expand on their STEM passions and further develop digital fluency in CAD/CAM software, robotics, and mechatronics while exploring "digital twin" concepts—designing in virtual spaces before creating physical prototypes. This program integrates courses like Computer Engineering (TEJ4M), Design Technology (TDS4M), and Manufacturing Technology (TMJ4M) to prepare students for high-demand STEM careers. Through direct mentorship with industry partners, participants gain the professional awareness and technical skills needed to excel in the future of technology and innovation
Program Details
In-class learning (daily at Launch Secondary hosted at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School, Nepean)
Students will be registered in Launch Secondary School, which is staffed with OCDSB teachers and located at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School (55 Centerpointe Drive). Students will be enrolled as SWIFT students for the semester they are attending, and will benefit from the following:
Hands on learning in state-of-the-art facilities tailored to STEM education
Industry recognized certifications and training
Transportation subsidy in the form of transit pass or mileage reimbursement (up to $350)
A personalized integrated credit bundle of Grade 11 &/or 12 STEM-related courses to support earning their OSSD and to meet their individualized pathway goals.
Students are required to take one timetabled eLearning course during their semester.
Successful completion of the SWIFT program prepares students for various post-secondary destinations.
If you are interested in applying to the School Within Innovative & Future Technologies program, please complete the application form. The deadline for applying for Semester 1 - Sept. 2026 to Jan. 2027 is May 6, 2026. The deadline for applying for Semester 2 - Feb. 2027 to June 2027 is November 11, 2026.
If you are interested in applying to SWIFT, please set up an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor and check out the Coop Fair in the Library on May 6.
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OCDSB: IBEW Local 586 Electrical Union Cooperative Education Program
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has partnered with the IBEW Local 586 Electrical Union to offer full-day co-op placements for up to 25 students per semester as Electricians with unionized employers. This program allows students to develop industry skills and knowledge, with the potential for apprenticeship opportunities upon graduation for successful participants.
Program Details
For the first 4 weeks students will be participating in pre-placement learning delivered by Local 586 training staff
Pre-placement learning will focus on job readiness and industry certification training that will meaningfully prepare students for the community placement experience
After successfully completing the pre-placement requirement through Local 586, students will transition to a community placement hosted by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers where they will remain for the remainder of the semester
This program is reliant on external grant funding through the Skills Development Fund from the Ontario Government, and programming is subject to change based on funding availability.
Student Benefits
$5000 Stipend from Local 586 for successful completion of the program
Required PPE at no cost to the student
Certification training at no cost to the student
Transportation subsidy through OYAP (up to $350)
Basic hand tools and equipment provided through OYAP
Sponsored apprenticeship (RTA) and accumulating apprenticeship hours towards an their Electrician pathway
Ideal Candidate
Interested in pursuing a career as an Electrician
Enrolled in full day co-op (either Sem 1 or 2)
Strong academic achievement, particularly in subjects related to math, science (physics), and English
Priority will be given to students in Grade 12 and on track to earn their OSSD at the close of the 2026-2027 school year
Previous OYAP and/or Tech and Trades experience an asset
Access to reliable transportation an asset
Expression of Interest
Please complete this Expression of Interest Form in order to submit an application to the IBEW Electrical Co-op Program. All applications will be vetted centrally through Program Services in consultation with IBEW recruiters to determine suitability for the program.
The deadline for applying to Semester 1 is May 13, 2026
The deadline for applying to Semester 2 is November 18, 2026
If you are interested in applying to IBEW Coop Program , please set up an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor and check out the Coop Fair in the Library on May 6.
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OCDSB: National Capital Region Army Reserves Cooperative Education Program
Program Services is pleased to share some details on the National Capital Region Army Reserve Cooperative Education Program. This Co-op is a joint undertaking between the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the 33 Canadian Brigade Group. The aim of this Military Co-op program is to introduce OCDSB youth to career opportunities in the Armed Forces and Army Reserves.
Program Highlights:
Scheduled to start in February 2027 (Semester 2)
Paid experience which earns students > $124.40/day
Participating students will be required to attend parts of their training (such as Basic Military Qualifications) outside of the Ottawa region
In addition to the weekly schedule, students in the program commit to working one evening per week, and one weekend per month
Any training or work that takes place outside the Ottawa Region and/or regular school hours, would place students under the direct supervision of DND staff and not the OCDSB
Ideal Candidates (DND policy subject to change):
16 years of age or older (students under 18 will require guardian permission)
Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Have completed 15 High School Credits
Highly Motivated and seeking a challenge
Interest in the Canadian Armed Forces
Enrolled in full day co-op for Sem 2
Here is a comprehensive Parent/Guardian Information Package with additional details on program specifics. Please review this package with prospective students to ensure they understand the requirements, obligations, and timelines for enrolling in this program. We will update this package as we receive more details from the Department of National Defense.
Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
The OCDSB and 33 Canadian Brigade Group will be hosting information sessions during the months leading up to the application deadline. Please ensure expression of interest forms (on the next page) are being submitted to receive up to date information and communications.
Expression of Interest
Please complete this Expression of Interest Form (using your student OCDSB email) to receive future communications or to move forward with an application to the Armed Forces Co-op Program. Completing this form helps ensure students are tracked and supported during the application process by both the OCDSB and Army Reserve Recruiters.
NOTE: All program offerings are determined by the Department of National Defense and the 33rd Canadian Brigade Group. All applications are vetted and approved through the Department of National Defense, and successful applicants are not determined by the OCDSB.
If you are interested in applying to IBEW Coop Program , please set up an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor and check out the Coop Fair in the Library on May 6.