Workshop overview
Hosted at the University of Waterloo, SPARCS is a unique workshop that promotes curiosity and excitement about computer science through engaging lectures, labs, and hands-on activities. Designed specifically for beginners, the workshop supports those who have little to no computer science experience.
SPARCS welcomes girls and gender minorities into a supportive and inclusive environment where they can discover how creative, impactful, and accessible the study of computer science can be. Participants will interact with expert educators and mentors, gaining a deeper understanding of the field while exploring its many diverse areas, applications, and pathways. Our goal is to inspire, empower, and equip all attendees with the confidence and skills needed to pursue future opportunities in computer science.
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Workshop details
The SPARCS workshop welcomes anyone who identifies as a girl. We also welcome gender minorities who feel comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of women.
SPARCS is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge. If you have not had the opportunity to explore computer science, or you are unsure where to start, this workshop is for you. If you are interested in computer science but lack the experience or confidence to pursue the subject on your own, we encourage you to apply.
Applicants must be in Grade 9 or 10 and currently attending a Canadian high school or middle school.
*Why this audience?
Mathematics and computer science are powerful tools, and diversity among mathematicians and computer scientists increases the potential for positive impact. One of the CEMC’s primary objectives is to promote greater gender diversity in mathematics and computer science.
See recent statistics on representation of women and gender minorities at the University of Waterloo in Math and Computer Science.
- Participants stay on campus at the University of Waterloo for one week, during which time they participate in lectures, labs, and hands-on activities that introduce them to various facets of computer science.
- Participants will also have opportunities to connect with like-minded students from across the country and enjoy social time with each other and esteemed faculty members and University of Waterloo students.
Dates: Sunday, May 2 to Saturday, May 8, 2027
Location: University of Waterloo
Participants stay on campus in student residences and are chaperoned by university students, who will also stay on-site. Most meals will take place at the residence eatery, which offers a range of dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal meals. We do our best to accommodate all dietary needs.
- Applications for the 2027 SPARCS workshop will open in September 2026.
- As part of the application, a math or science teacher must complete a short reference form on behalf of the student applying.
- Based on these submissions, the CEMC will contact applicants about their selection status in late February. If accepted, applicants will then be required to fill out a registration form with more information about logistics and pay the workshop registration fee.
There is no fee to apply for the workshop. There is a $350 non-refundable registration fee to be paid after selected applicants have received their confirmation package. This fee includes any applicable taxes, meals, travel expenses (if applicable), and accommodation. Financial support to cover the cost of the registration fee may be arranged for students in need. For more information about financial support, please contact Fiona Dunbar.
For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to contact us at cemc.events@uwaterloo.ca
