Student Opportunities

The following LIMITED TIME opportunities have been shared through the weekly emails: 

********************************

OCDSB: Ottawa-China Group Trip / Cultural Exchange

The application to participate in the Ottawa-China Group Trip / Cultural Exchange taking place from May 4-16 2027 is now open for any interested grade 9 - 12 students from any OCDSB high school with priority given to students in the International Certificate Program.  The cost is ~$5000 (depending on the cost of flights) and includes 2-3 nights in a hotel with excursions in & around Beijing, flying to Chengdu to stay with host families, & activities in & around Chengdu. The slides from our November 2025 info session are linked here and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

Please sign up here to attend an Online Information Session on Wednesday, November 18 from 8 - 9 p.m.

The application is linked here and is due December 14.

********************************

Concordia University Faculty of Fine Arts - National Portfolio Day 

We are excited to invite students from your school to our upcoming National Portfolio Day. This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring artists and designers to receive valuable feedback and guidance on their portfolios before applying to university.

Students will have the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from accredited art and design schools to discuss their work, learn about different programs, and gain insight into the admissions process.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, November 2, 2026

• Time: 3 P.M. to 7 P.M. 

• Location: John Molson School of Business 9th Floor, 1450 Guy St, Downtown Montreal

• Who should attend: Students interested in pursuing art and design at the post-secondary level

• What students should bring: Examples of their artwork for review. A physical portfolio is not mandatory. As internet and cell data can be spotty, we recommend students download a copy of their portfolio to their device

• Participating institutions: Students will have the opportunity to have their portfolio reviewed by the following institutions:

Alberta University of the Arts

Concordia University

Maryland Institute College of Art

NSCAD University

OCAD University

Paris College of Art

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

University of the Arts London

• Registration: Registration is free. We recommend students register in advance. Register Here

********************************

Toronto National Portfolio Day

National Portfolio Day is coming to Toronto and over 20 art & design post-secondary institutions from across North America and Europe will be present!  Join us at our OCAD U campus to get personalized feedback on your portfolio and creative work. 

National Portfolio Day Toronto

️ Saturday, November 7, 2026

 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET

OCAD University 100 McCaul St. Toronto, ON M5T 3K1

Participating institutions:

• Alberta University of the Arts

• Alfred University School of the Arts

• ArtCentre College of Design

• College for Creative Studies

• California Institute of the Arts

• Concordia University

• Emily Carr University of Art + Design

• Fashion Institute of Technology

• Kendall College of Art and Design

• Maryland Institute College of Art

• New York School of Interior Design

• NSCAD University

• OCAD University

• Paris College of Art

• Parsons School of Design/Parsons Paris at The New School

• Rochester Institute of Technology

• School of the Art, University of Manitoba

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago

• The Cooper Union

• University of the Arts London

• Woodbury University's School of Media, Culture and Design

• York University

NPD is the perfect opportunity for students to:

• Get your portfolio reviewed by faculty and staff from some of North America's top design and fine arts institutions, including OCAD University. 

• Learn how to make your creative work stand out by receiving personalized advice from industry pros.
   

• Prepare early! If you're just getting started or applying in future years, it's still a great opportunity to receive feedback on your creative work.

• Check out these these portfolio resources on our site, and bring your best and most recent work to make the best use of time.

********************************

SPARK Photography Contest

SPARK is an open-call photography contest for 16–20 year olds in the greater Ottawa/Gatineau region. It’s a chance to be selected for a public art exhibition and be awarded 2 years of free tuition to SPAO’s College Diploma Program.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Ages 16-20 | Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Reside within 250km of the Ottawa & Gatineau region

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Submit 3 digital photographs (origin could be film, digital, or photogram)

• Judges will focus on originality and creativity; strength of narrative; technical proficiency

• No nudity, no blood, and no violent imagery

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 19, 2026 | 11:59PM

Follow SPAO on IG: @spaocentre

********************************

Black Youth Forum Course

The Black Youth Forum Course: An Experiential Learning Journey 2026-2027 is a Reach Ahead Credit Opportunity for African, Black, and Caribbean Students. The OCDSB Continuing Education department is offering a reach ahead credit opportunity for African, Black and Caribbean students. Students should be in Grade 11 and/or 12, but can include a Grade 10 student if they have taken careers or civics).This course offers students the opportunity to engage in a rich learning experience with the opportunity to participate in field trips,  further enhancing their research, problem solving and or critical analysis skills.

Whenever possible, courses will integrate community partners to ensure the interconnectedness of the various subject areas. Students will therefore have presentations from various community partners such as CBC, Ontario Black History Society, Hard Conversations, Jaku Kondit, Ottawa Black Educators’ Network (OBEN), Heads of Missions from various countries, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, York University, Algonquin College and the Ottawa Writers’ Festival.  Registration is now open

Program duration: Tuesday evenings, from November 3, 2026, through May 25, 2027. (Additional evenings and some school days may be required as we draw closer to the Forum date.)

Class Times:  5:30 - 9:21 p.m.

Location: The course will be delivered in-person at Adult HS, 300 Rochester St. 

*Students are required to attend regularly in order to benefit from learning with community partners and meet curriculum expectations, maximizing opportunities to display curriculum mastery through observations and conversations as well as student products, as outlined by the Ministry of Education.

Course options

Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 11, Open (IDC3O)

Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, Open (IDC4O)

Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, University (IDC4U)

OCDSB Student Registration: Please register by completing this form: 2026-2027 OCDSB Black Youth Voices: An Interdisciplinary Approach - Student Registration Form

********************************

Rainbow Youth Forum

The Pathways to Interdependence Program 2026/2027 is a Reach Ahead Credit Opportunity for students in Grade 11 or 12 (or Grade 10 students who have already taken Civics/Careers) who are interested in building leadership skills by planning workshops for the Rainbow Youth Forum. The OCDSB Continuing Education department, in partnership with the Equity Program team, is offering a reach ahead credit opportunity for students interested in building leadership skills by planning workshops for the annual Rainbow Youth Forum. This course offers students the opportunity to engage in a rich learning experience with the opportunity to participate in field trips,  further enhancing their research, problem solving and or critical analysis skills.  Whenever possible, the courses will integrate community partners to ensure the interconnectedness of the various subject areas. Students will therefore have opportunities to learn through virtual workshops, guest speakers, or collaborative projects with various community partners, such as the Rainbow Service Providers Network.

Program duration: Tuesday evenings from November 3, 2026 - May 25, 2027 (Additional evenings & some school days may be required as we draw closer to the Forum date).

Class times: 5:30 - 9:21 PM

Location: The course will be delivered in-person at Adult High School, 300 Rochester St

Students are required to attend regularly in order to benefit from learning with community partners and meet curriculum expectations, maximizing opportunities to display curriculum mastery through observations and conversations, as well as student product, as outlined by the Ministry of Education.

Course options:

• IDC3O (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 11, Open)

• IDC4O (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, Open)

• IDC4U (Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, University)

OCDSB Student Registration: Please register by completing this form: 2026-2027 OCDSB Pathways to Interdependence Program - Student Registration Form

********************************

Free OC Transpo Rides for Youth

Starting September 1st, youth aged 11 to 18 can ride OC Transpo for free after 5:00 p.m. on weeknights, and all day on weekends and holidays. Students with an active OSTA student pass will continue to ride free at all times during the school day. For those without an existing pass, a PRESTO card can be purchased and set to the Youth fare type — proof of age is required. Please visit octranspo.com for more information.

********************************

Parliament Hill - Page Program

Are you considering attending a post-secondary school in Ottawa?   Each year, 40 students are selected from across Canada to participate in the Page Program. Pages are first-year students registered at one of the eligible post-secondary institutions in the national capital region. They work on a part-time basis for one year. 

In the chamber and around Parliament Hill, pages support parliamentary democracy by providing a range of services to members of Parliament. This incredible work experience broadens their knowledge of the rich traditions of the Canadian parliamentary system.

Applications are open to November 8, 2026.

********************************

Rideau Hall Foundation: Forum for Young Canadians

Join Forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa!  The Forum for Young Canadians National Summit is your opportunity to stop into the heart of Canada's democracy and see how national decisions are made - up close.  Forum is open to Canadian youth aged 15 - 18.  You don't need prior experience in politics, just an open mind, a willingness to learn and a drive to contribute to your community.  

Forum activities include:

• Meeting Senators, Members of Parliament and other influential leaders

• Real-World simulations to understand how policies are shaped

• Skill-Building workshops on topics like media literacy, Indigenous governance and ethical leadership

• Cultural and social activities: form lifelong friendships and network with peers who share your passion for change

Session 1: February 7-12, 2027 / Session 2: February 28 - March 5, 2027 / Session 3: April 18 - 23, 2027

Applications open from September 8 - October 25.  Visit forum.ca to apply!

********************************

Ontario Youth Orchestra Applications (for June - August 2027)

The mission of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is to recruit the best young classical musicians from across the country and prepare them for careers as professional orchestral musicians. Each year, NYO Canada auditions more than 500 musicians ages 16-28. Under the guidance of our world-renowned faculty of professional musicians and educators, orchestra members participate in the NYO Canada big LITTLE Concerts Series and Orchestral Training Institute, including a recording session, and a concert tour with performances in Canada and abroad in some of the world’s finest concert halls. As the bridge between music education and a music career, NYO Canada’s vision is to launch Canada’s next generation of professional orchestral musicians by offering a comprehensive program that encompasses a full range of skills and experiences, entirely tuition free. Additionally, each member of the orchestra receives a personal scholarship generously provided by our sponsors and donors. The mandate of NYO Canada is to discover and inspire well-rounded and skilled orchestral musicians, to support and promote Canadian emerging composers and artists, and to build appreciation for classical music among audiences in every corner of the nation.

Program Dates: Mid-June to Early August 2026

Location: Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo Campus

Important Dates

October 1: Applications Open

February 1: Auditions Due

March: Orchestra Announced

Application Fee Schedule

Early Bird ($50) October 1-7

Regular ($75) October 8 – November 30

Final Fee ($100) December 1 – February 1

Find more information and apply here

********************************

Ottawa Brain Bee

Ottawa Brain Bee is an initiative organized by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Ottawa Chapter. SfN Ottawa is a non-profit geared towards community outreach and spreading awareness to topics related to neuroscience.

The Brain Bee is a knowledge and trivia competition about the brain and neuroscience for high school students (grades 9-12). Participants receive free study material and prizes are awarded to the top participants. The student placing first in the Ottawa Brain Bee wins a brand-new iPad and a volunteer summer internship at a Carleton University neuroscience lab and is given the opportunity to represent Ottawa at the Canadian National Brain Bee. The winner of the national competition wins a cash prize ($1500), a spot competing at the International Brain Bee, and many other perks. The top student at the international competition wins a cash prize and a global internship.

Our Ottawa champions have had great success over the past couple of years - our 2022 Ottawa Brain Bee winner went on to place first at both the Canadian and the International Brain Bee and our 2025 winner also won the Canadian Brain Bee and placed 2nd Internationally.

We are currently in our recruitment phase for the 2027 Ottawa Brain Bee competition. 

This is an incredible learning opportunity for high school students with the potential to put their knowledge into practice if they win. 

For more information, you can visit our local website (https://sfn-ottawa.ca/ottawa-brain-bee/) or the National website (https://brainbee.ca/).

********************************

Queen’s Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Development Conference (QLEAD)

QLEAD is a student-run conference at Queen’s University that brings together high school students from across Canada from November 12 - 15 for a weekend focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Through speakers, workshops, case challenges, and mentorship from Commerce students, delegates build practical skills, confidence, connections, and gain exposure to university life.

For 25 years, QLEAD has worked with organizations including Google, RBC, CIBC, P&G, and KPMG to create meaningful experiences for students.

Application:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6q1SEpgpZCoeUx7LJp9LthZc4yK--Nl6cefIWUd5glTc2-A/viewform

Website: https://www.qleadofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qleadofficial/?hl=en

2025 Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT6FW1Zz1UU

Financial assistance is available through the application for students who may face barriers to attending.

********************************

University of Ottawa - Destination: Family Medicine

Destination: Family Medicine is an interactive, transformative day, where students will receive a working stethoscope, branded event t-shirt, mentorship opportunities and teaching from world-class educators is their gateway to discovering the vital role of family physicians in our society and their many different skill sets.   Family Physicians provide care in medical clinics, hospitals, operating rooms, emergency rooms, sports medicine centres, sexual medicine clinics, patient homes, maternity suites, disaster relief settings, and public health settings. The twenty-three inspiring stations we have planned celebrate these diverse skill sets.

About the Event:

• Program Date: Friday November 6, 2026, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

• Location: University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre and The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9 

What’s in Store: This interactive experience is perfect for students curious about the medical field and offers a glimpse into the varied and dynamic world of Family Medicine. Students will:

• Participate in engaging, hands-on small group workshops designed to introduce them to the essential skills and techniques used by family physicians daily

• Choose the streams that match their interests including Anglophone and Francophone streams

• Meet award winning uOttawa clinical faculty

• Interact with medical students and resident physicians who will provide support and mentorship, answer questions, and give insights into interesting “side gigs” that make life beyond medicine interesting

Registration Details:

• Fee: $200 plus tax per student

• Included: Registration fees including onsite materials, event branded t-shirt and lunch.

• Not included: Transportation to and from course location

• Eligibility: Open to all high school students who demonstrate a keen interest in pursuing a career in family medicine

• Register now!

Principal’s Delegates Bursary
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive future for healthcare by ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to this transformative experience. We are offering a limited number of bursaries to help remove barriers to participation. This bursary will waive the registration fee for students who may face financial, geographic, cultural, or other attendance challenges. These participants will be known as “Principal’s Delegates” and will receive all the same programming as every other student and will be fully integrated in the program. Parent/guardian permission to participate and a reference letter will be required. Apply here by September 11. Selected students will be notified in October.

********************************

Girls SySTEM Mentorship

Are you considering a career in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math? Sign up to be paired with a professional mentor in your field of interest via Girls System Mentorship Eastern Ontario. We're a non-profit organization based in Canada that strives to bridge the gap between men and women in STEM.

Some of the benefits of becoming a mentee include:

·      Free one-on-one mentoring with a professional in STEM

·      Access to monthly workshops and events to further your STEM interests

·      A platform to connect with other like-minded individuals

Applications to become a mentee for the 2026/2027 program year are now open. Apply to become a mentee here.

Although our program targets self-identifying young women, it is open to students of any gender. We ask that mentees are able to commit 1-2 hours a month. Our program is hybrid, so we provide virtual and in-person opportunities to accommodate everyone. Mentee applications close on September 15, 2026.

Mentees will be paired with the mentor that we see most fitting based on shared interests and goals, hobbies, and overall compatibility. More information can be found on our website. 

********************************

Her Path Project 

Her Path Project is a student-led virtual mentorship program that connects university and college students with girls aged 13–18 who are interested in STEM, healthcare, and related fields. Our goal is to help girls work toward their education and academic growth by connecting them with mentors who can share insight, experience and practical advice about pursuing studies and careers in science, medicine and health-related fields.  Founded in Ottawa, Her Path Project is run by university students who are passionate about helping younger students reach their educational goals and explore future opportunities in STEM and healthcare.   

How it Works: Girls ages 13-18 complete a short mentee sign-up form and each mentee is matched with a mentor studying in a related field.   Mentor and Mentees meet once or twice per month (online ) to discuss: 

• Study tips and academic planning 

• Choosing university programs or courses 

• Career paths in STEM and healthcare 

• Goal setting, organization and motivation.   

Her Path Project helps girls move from interest to action by providing real conversations, relatable mentors and academic guidance.   The program is completely free, virtual, and designed to be flexible around students’ schedules.

Mentee Sign-up: https://forms.gle/9gaeJgFzdwGAuKCh8

Questions: herpathproject.info@gmail.com

******************************

NROC RC - The Social Spot 

A FREE neuro-affirming social skills group for teens in Grades 9 - 12 to learn and practice skills in navigating social situations with confidence.  

See poster below!

******************************

Enriched Support Program (ESP) at Carleton University

ESP is a program which assists students who have the academic potential to succeed in a university setting, though whose grades are not necessarily reflective of this. The program offers various supports such as access to mentors, student advisors, academic coaching, and facilitated workshops, in order to assist students in achieving their academic potential.

Oftentimes, ESP students are those whose grades do not meet the requirements to gain initial admission into an undergraduate degree program. By completing a year in ESP, students are given the chance to complete credits that will count towards a degree program and later apply to gain admission into that program. Feel free to explore here for more information about our program.

Follow @carleton.esp on Instagram!

*******************************

Bridge to Campus

Bridge to Campus  is a student-led, non-profit organization that helps high school students across Canada build connections with university students, as they prepare for the transition to post-secondary education. Ever since we launched the organization, we have been able to pair mentees from Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and beyond with mentors who share personalized advice on applications, scholarships, campus life, and career pathways.

Our Services (All free of charge)

1. 1-on-1 Mentorship: Students are paired with a university mentor who provides tailored guidance and support on university applications, admission essays and ask any questions that they may have. This year, our mentors will be from McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and Queen's University. This service is completely online, and meetings are conducted through platforms such as Zoom. 

2. Themed Webinars: Interactive panels with current university students covering topics such as university applications, choosing the right program, financial aid, dorm selection and more.

3. Essay Review Service: Online essay review service where your students have the opportunity to submit their scholarship essay to be peer-reviewed by our pool of mentors across the university students we work with.

We understand the importance of protecting students’ privacy and ensuring safe online interactions, so we have created a Privacy Policy, which outlines the measures we take to safeguard high school students participating in our services. This includes strict guidelines for mentor–mentee communication, protocols to protect student information, as well as procedures to be in place in case of mistreatment.

Learn more about the organization at www.bridgetocampus.net. 

*********************************

YMCA -YWCA - Newcomer Youth Leadership Development Program

The YMCA-YWCA Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program is looking for Youth aged 13-25 -  especially youth who have permanent resident, refugee or CUAET* status .

They hold events, activities, workshops and sessions for youth. Click here for more information.