Despite ongoing gender disparities in STEM, the CEMC and the University of Waterloo remain deeply committed to fostering equity. For over 20 years, the CEMC has offered workshops and programs designed to support students from gender identities underrepresented in mathematics and computing. These initiatives aim to build confidence, spark curiosity, and demonstrate that success in STEM is not only possible – but within reach. By providing access to enriching learning experiences, valuable resources, and a diverse community of peers, we strive to create an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.
This year’s SPARCS workshop saw 39 students in Grades 9 and 10 participate throughout the week in engaging lectures and hands-on activities. Students came from across Canada to participate in this workshop and foster an interest in computer science. Some students have limited access to computer science resources, so this workshop helps to introduce them to new learning opportunities they may not have experienced otherwise.
SPARCS explores topics such as quantum computing, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, digital hardware, and programming. The diversity of content among sessions shows participants the breadth of computer science’s real-world applications. These sessions are led by Waterloo faculty and graduate students. Some of these sessions, particularly quantum computing and artificial intelligence, focus on demystifying these big concepts. Participants learn how these tools and technologies could either help or harm us. In the case of digital hardware, participants work under the hood of a computer to better understand how they operate. In programming, students use their logical thinking skills to facilitate problem-solving. Participants also take part in an undergraduate panel, where current University of Waterloo computer science students of various backgrounds, fields of study, and interests share their experience as a computer science student in university.
“Having such a wide variety of both topics and mentors helps students relate to computer science experts and understand the nuances involved in further pursing the field.”
- Valentina Hideg, SPARCS Co-Director
During their week at SPARCS, participants stay in a University of Waterloo campus residence and alongside their academic learning they participate in various social activities including a trivia night and a talent show. For many participants, SPARCS is their first experience of university life outside of their homes and being able to stay in campus residence together with others helps to build their independence and encourages meaningful relationships. They eat meals together and spend time socializing after workshops, which fosters a sense of belonging.
“Participants share with us after the workshop that they feel more knowledgeable and more confident. They also say that they can now visualize themselves working in the field whereas before it was not something they knew how to picture.”
- Sarah Chan, SPARCS Co-Director
By the end of the week, participants have made lasting connections with other students and faculty at Waterloo, making them a part of a larger community of like-minded individuals. Participants in the workshop come with varying levels of computer science experience and interest and often are unsure if they want to pursue a career in the subject. The workshop expands their views regarding the breadth of opportunities that computer science can offer.
“I enjoyed how the workshop is meant to help young women interested in computer science feel comfortable and take that leap to get into the topic despite it being mostly male dominated I honestly felt more comfortable having this opportunity as one of my first looks into computer science rather than being one of the only females in a class. Opportunities and resources like this are needed for females who want to try out computer science, but feel too nervous to do it with how little women are in it. I know these opportunities are needed because I was one of those people.”
- 2025 SPARCS Participant
A group of students that started out hesitant and unsure of whether computer science is right for them were excited to pursue it further by the end of the week. The positive response that students have towards computer science because of the SPARCS workshop bodes well for a future with more diversity in the field. The SPARCS workshop will continue encouraging students to explore the many disciplines that computer science offers by providing more learning opportunities and access to a supportive community.
Story by James Mason