STEMing UP Program

STEMing UP Program

Want to Stand Out on Your University Applications?

Join STEMing UP; A free 2-week program for BIPOC girls & gender-diverse youth (ages 13-17)* *Free for applicants who demonstrate financial need.

Learn coding, build real apps, connect with tech mentors, and boost your chance at top universities and scholarships.

Program Dates: August 11–23, 2025
Location: Hybrid (Online + Optional In-Person Meetups in Ontario)
Applications for 2025 are closed. 

Why Join?

  • Build a real portfolio to submit with your university, scholarship applications or internships
  • Learn app design, coding, and leadership from real tech pros
  • Meet other awesome young people like you who love tech
  • Add an impressive achievement to your resume

What You’ll Get

  • Mentorship & Coaching
  • A Free Laptop (for eligible low-income participants)
  •  $100 WiFi Support (*Free for applicants who demonstrate financial need.)
  • Hackathon Prizes (such as job shadowing and 1-on-1 mentoring)
  • Volunteer Hours
  • University & Scholarship Guidance

Who Can Apply?

  • BIPOC girls & gender-diverse youth ages 13–17
  • Live in Ontario
  • Curious about tech, coding, or business
  • Want to make a difference in the world—and stand out doing it

Priority is given to low-income, newcomer, 2SLGBTQI+, and underrepresented youth.

Proven Results

Our graduates have gone on to:

    • Universities like UofT, Carleton, Western, Waterloo, York and others
    • Internships at BMO, Scotiabank, Mount Sinai, Shopify
    • Win national & international hackathons
    • Careers in computer science, bioengineering, psychology, and more

What You'll Learn

  • Coding & App Building
  • Design Thinking & Prototyping
  • Business & Leadership Skills
  • Pitching Your Ideas to Real Experts
  • Projects based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals

What Students Are Saying

I can honestly say that this program taught me so much more than just coding! After leaving the program I walked through the world as an entrepreneur, critical thinker and a leader. I can look back at my summer with hEr VOLUTION and point it out to an important milestone in my personal and professional journey!

The program made me realize that stepping out of the box is important. Experiencing the program made me more confident and motivated to take on projects I’d be afraid of doing out of expected failure, and I feel grateful that I don’t think that way anymore.

How to Apply

Click the button below to apply.

Deadline: July 25th, 2025

Spots are limited, and we do fill up fast!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment for STEMing UP?

Program commences – August 11th, 2025 

Week 1:

  • Monday – Friday: in class business and coding training (10 AM – 3 PM)
  • Friday:  hackathon – applied learning 
  • Saturday: Project Pitching  for feedback from judges – 10 AM 

Week 2:

  • Monday – Friday:  coding training (10 AM) & tailored/independent + team training (2 – 3 hours) 
  • Friday: (24 hours) hackathon 
  • Saturday: Demo Day/Winner Selection and Celebration 10 AM 

Program ends on August 23rd, 2025.

*Please note that the program schedule may be adjusted to fit everyone’s learning. A complete schedule will be sent to participants one week before the program start.  

August 1st, 2025.

We Couldn't Do This Without You!

We thank all of our sponsors for their generous support.

If your company is looking to invest in STEM opportunities for at-risk and underserved youth, please contact us for more details on our partnering opportunities.

Platinum Partners

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Gold Partners

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brainstation gold

Silver Partners

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