When Patricia Sheridan was a high school student, her decision to study engineering at U of T had a lot to do with her DEEP experience.
And she’s not alone. The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) Summer Academy, now in its eleventh year, has inspired more than 9,000 high school students from around the world, and counting. Each year in July, students with a deep passion for engineering visit the U of T campus to get a glimpse into what it’s like to pursue engineering at the post-secondary level.
Here, students learn in a hands-on environment through courses that range from nanomaterials, to engineering leadership, to product design. And, they’re taught by the best and brightest engineering alumni and graduate students – like Sheridan, who is now a PhD student in Engineering Leadership Education.
As a DEEP instructor, Sheridan says that what continues to stand out about ‘DEEPsters’ is their endless curiosity about engineering.
“Many stayed back to finish conversations that were started in class, or to ask more questions about the topics, or engineering at U of T,” said Sheridan, who taught three courses this summer, including a Dragon’s Den-style course on innovative design. “I had so much fun teaching them every day.”
For Sheridan, it was important for her to participate because of the experience and knowledge she gained as a DEEP student.
“When I participated in DEEP, I saw a high calibre of intellectual, fun-loving and sociable people that I felt I would fit right in with – and I have, since I came to U of T Engineering,” she said. “This is my second year teaching at DEEP, and I look forward to it every year. Not only is it rewarding to help shape the future of the students I work with, but it is also a lot of fun for me too.”
DEEP is just one of a number of outreach initiatives that are shaping the future of aspiring engineers. This summer, the Faculty enriched its outreach programming by launching DEEP Leadership Camp – a two-week engineering leadership development course located at Gull Lake, in Northern Ontario – as well as Big Ideas: Creativity, Design and Innovation Camp, a collaboration with the Rotman School of Management that challenges young participants to reinforce their engineering interests, while nurturing their entrepreneurial potential. The two new program joins a suite of successful outreach initiatives taking place this summer, such as Jr. DEEP,Girls’ Jr. DEEP and ENGage.
Find out more about U of T Engineering’s outreach initiatives at:outreach.engineering.utoronto.ca.
