The Enrichment Academy (EA) is a multi-year scholars program aimed at empowering students from communities that are underrepresented in higher education to see that a university education is within their reach and beneficial to their future aspirations. By laying a foundation for success through academic support, mentorship, and post-secondary planning resources, the EA also strives to make the University of Toronto’s undergraduate programs more accessible and achievable. Students join the Enrichment Academy in the summer after completion of Grade 8 and enjoy sustained engagement with the EA all the way through their high school graduation, with both academic-year and summer touchpoints built into the structure of the program. The program launched in the summer of 2023 and adds a new cohort of 25 students to its total enrolment each year.

The Hart House Outdoor Leadership Program is a unique and exciting weekend adventure that brings together a small group of teens who are ready to learn and grow. This is the perfect low-stakes environment for youth to build their confidence in the outdoors – and within themselves. Through team building, outdoor adventures at the Hart House Farm, skill development, moments with caring mentors, and more, youth will cultivate connections with the land and learn ways to meaningfully give back to their community. The program includes a full day at Hart House, on the University of Toronto’s downtown St. George campus, followed by a full day-trip to the Hart House Farm in Caledon the next day. Bus transportation from Hart House to the Farm is provided.

The Hart House A/V Tech Mentorship Program provides youth the opportunity to gain practical experience with different careers in the audio/visual field while being paid for their commitment. Audio-Visual (AV) technicians set up, operate, and maintain multimedia equipment for events.
Prioritizing QTBIPOC, women, low-income, precariously housed, and/or disabled youth who are 16-18 years old, this program also works to change the face of the AV tech industry from the ground up.
In collaboration with the A/V and Events team at Hart House, youth experience 9 hours of hands-on workshop learning on topics like audio, video, and lighting. Throughout the program, they are connected to immersive learning opportunities related to audio-visual programming at Hart House, and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field on sector-relevant knowledge and skills.

The Hart House Group Fitness Mentorship Program provides youth the opportunity to become certified fitness instructors while being paid for their commitment. Prioritizing QTBIPOC, low-income, precariously housed, disabled, and/or Muslim youth who are at least 18 years old, this program also works to change the face of the group fitness industry from the ground up.
In connection with the Well Being Collective team at the Hart House Fitness Centre, we provide scheduled theory and hands-on learning opportunities under the supervision and mentorship of senior group fitness instructors. Mentees are sponsored for the cost of the textbook, the Ontario Fitness Council written and practical exams, and a 2-year OFC membership after successfully passing their exams.
The program runs twice a week throughout July and August for a total of around 40 hours.

A program that aims to help high school-aged youth strengthen their leadership skills by taking on key roles in an advisory council setting. Similar to a Hart House Club or Committee, youth get to guide their own activities – designing and executing projects relating to their interests – and build genuine connections along the way.
Members of the Hart House Youth Advisory Council have the opportunity to gain useful experience as they hone their personal and professional skills by participating in fun, interactive workshops and meetings. While it’s a casual space to learn and grow, youth have real opportunities to shape the future of Hart House by sharing their thoughts and insight through advisory tasks and presentations to the Hart House Board of Stewards.
The program is led by work study students, and advised by a Hart House staff.

The KUUMBA E.S.T.E.A.M. Conference is a full day of inspirational discussions, activities, and workshops held for Grade 7 & 8 Black female students in partnership with the Peel District School Board. The conference welcomes around 400 participants annually for over 50 workshops/activities.

Individuals from racialized and marginalized groups remain significantly underrepresented in psychology research at all stages, which becomes particularly evident at the graduate and faculty level. The Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT) is a free, trainee-led high school program in the Department of Psychology that aims to provide racialized students an opportunity to learn about a broad range of topics in psychology and to gain hands-on research experience. Over two weeks, SPRINT participants attend sessions covering a broad range of psychology disciplines, and training in topics including research methods, statistics, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Students apply their knowledge by working in groups to develop a novel research proposal with undergraduate and graduate student mentors. SPRINT has been successful and well-received by participants, volunteers, the university, and broader community.

Through the LAUNCH summer program, students participate in the U of T Engineering experience from the convenience of their community. LAUNCH allows students the opportunity to take part in fun and engaging STEM learning through hands-on activities modelled after U of T science and engineering courses. The course instructors are current undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Toronto in Science and Engineering fields who share their experiences in STEM and provide mentorship to students interested in STEM careers.

Girls’ Jr. DEEP Summer Camp is a STEM program for all girls in Grades 3-8 to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. The program helps participants develop critical thinking skills, boost their confidence, and unleash their inner genius.

Jr. DEEP Summer Camp allows students in grade 3-8 the opportunity to take part in fun and engaging STEM learning through hands-on activities modelled after U of T science and engineering courses. Course instructors are current undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Toronto in science and engineering fields who share their experiences in STEM and provide mentorship to students interested in STEM careers.