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❓ The after-school cohorts Info Package has all the information you need to share our programs with your friends and classmates! If you find something missing or have questions - please let us know! When you’re ready, apply here! Applications are accepted until 11PM on October 9.
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💻 What is the Techccelerator and EngAcademy?
- Techccelerator: Software engineering program
- EngAcademy: Electrical + computer engineering program
- Runs on Tuesdays after-school, Oct 17 - Dec 5, 4:30PM - 6:30PM
- Some sessions are combined - Techccelerator and EngAcademy learn + work together
- Other sessions are split up - Techccelerator and EngAcademy work in their teams separately
🔎 What’s the point?
There’s 2 main drives behind our programs:
- Students aren’t learning all the skills they need for industry success at school
- Students don’t know what they can do with engineering or how to apply skills they’ve already learnt to the real world
👥 Who’s it for?
- Students in grades 10-12
- Interested grade 9 students - please email us in advance of your application
- Students will be placed into skill-matched groups to give everyone their best chance for success!
🔨 What will I do in the Techccelerator?
- Work in a small team to design, build, deploy, and pitch a React app in a startup-like environment
- Build industry-relevant skills such as:
- Teamwork, problem solving, and project management using Agile methodology
- UX design and prototyping in Figma
- Version control with Git
- Beginner business skills like pitch presentations, researching competitive advantage, and making a profit
- Get to know mentors from the local tech industry, UVic professors and teaching assistants, and senior UVic students
- Check out past projects here!
💰 How much is it?
- $150 upon acceptance
- Scholarships available in cases of financial need
🔨 What will I do in the EngAcademy?
- Work in a small team to design, build, and pitch an Arduino device in a startup-like environment
- Build industry-relevant skills such as:
- Teamwork, problem solving, and project management using Agile methodology
- UX design and UI prototyping in Figma
- Beginner business skills like pitch presentations, researching competitive advantage, and making a profit
- Get to know mentors from the local tech industry, UVic professors and teaching assistants, and senior UVic students
- Check out past projects here!
🚀 How do I apply?
❓FAQ
What if I have no coding experience?
That’s fine! Our mentors will teach you everything you need to know to get started with coding. Just come with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
We strongly encourage students with an interest or background in business, marketing, or design to apply!
What if I already have experience with coding?
Awesome! Students with prior tech experience are always welcome. Students will be placed into skill-matched teams so that they can work at their own level.
We emphasize all aspects of working in engineering, like team management, business, and design, so even the most experienced coders will learn something new!
What’s the schedule like?
Each day has a series of workshops, activities, and building time. Here’s the general overview of your weeks:
Week 1: Team building + design thinking
Week 2: UX design + tech skills
Week 3: UX design + tech skills
Week 4: Development
Week 5: Development
Week 6: Business + development
Week 7: Development
Week 8: Deployment + pitch presentations
How many spots are available?
After-school cohorts cap at 10 students for each program - 20 students total for after school classes.
Spring break & summer cohorts cap at 16 students per week.
What’s in it for me?
- Develop skills that school doesn’t teach you but that the industry needs
- Develop business skills that can help you find employment or create your own startup
- Get a jumpstart on your tech portfolio
- Create meaningful connections with leaders in the tech industry, UVic staff and faculty, and likeminded young people
- Build a reciprocal relationship with HighTechU
- HTU will have future volunteer or work opportunities that are offered to program alumni first
- Explore diverse career pathways in technology
- Engineering
- Design
- Business and marketing
What does a typical team look like?
Students will be placed into teams of 2-3. These teams are skill-matched but balanced based on interests.
For example, in a team of 3, all 3 people may have the same general knowledge of coding, but 1 person is interested in business, 1 person is interested in design, and 1 person is interested in coding.
We do this so that teams can not only work at their own level, but also learn new skills from each other and split up the work to cater to their personal interests. This gives teams the best chance of creating an awesome product!
I have more questions.
Please email the Program Coordinator, Kiara, at [email protected]