The CEMC Workshop in Computer Science for Young Women exists to encourage young women, and people of other under-represented genders,* who are considering computer science as a career for the first time. It is a unique opportunity designed to ignite enthusiasm for computer science in interested students from across Canada who have had little or no previous exposure to computer science. Attendees learn that computer science is about much more than using and programming computers.
| Read quotes from past participants |
Intended Audience
We welcome applicants who are female or another gender identity under-represented in computer science*. Applicants must be in grade 9 and 10, have an interest in mathematics, and currently attend a Canadian high school or middle school. Participants should not have attended any similiar workshop.
Dates and Location
Saturday, May 11 to Saturday May 18, 2019 at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.
Cost
There is a $150 registration fee, including applicable taxes, to be paid after invited applicants have received their confirmation package.
- Accommodations, meals and other expenses for the week are included at no extra cost.
- Air fare expenses will also be paid by the CEMC.
Applying to Attend
The application deadline for 2019 has passed.
Applications are typically accepted from mid-January to mid-February. Applicants write a short essay explaining why they would be a good candidate. They must also have a Math, Science or Computing teacher fill out an on-line reference on their behalf. We are looking for participants with an interest in mathematics but little or no previous exposure to computer science. All applications must be completed by February 25, 2019. Applicants will be notified about acceptance around Wednesday, March 21st, 2019.
Who is selected?
We receive many applications for this workshop. We typically receive more qualified applicants than spots available, and we use lotteries to select among similarly qualified applicants. We are looking for participants with an interest in mathematics but little or no previous exposure to computer science. It is rare for two students from the same school to be selected. Applicants will be notified about acceptance in late March.
Pictures from Previous Workshops
Browse a small sampling of the many photos taken in past years.
*Why This Audience?
Computer science is a powerful tool, and diversity among computer scientists increases the potential for positive impact. One of the initiatives of the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing is to encourage better gender diversity in the field of computer science. See https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/wics/resources-and-information/statistics for recent statistics on gender diversity in computer science. Following the lead of University of Waterloo, CEMC recognizes those whose gender identity is neither male nor female, including gender-fluid, non-binary, agender and more. oSTEM indicates that these gender identities are under-represented in STEM fields.
Questions?
For more information, please contact us.
CEMC