Welcome

We’re all using Information Technology all the time.

We know about smartphones and tablets, but it’s also packed inside everything from automobiles to greeting cards. IT’s everywhere in health, energy, retail, finance, communication, transportation, entertainment and research. Could we function without it? Would we want to?

Information Technology is an exciting team sport whether you’re interested in business, technology or society. The people that create it can bend it to their will and use it to change the world for the better. Their passion and imagination can do amazing things: find cures for diseases, conserve natural resources, build citizen engagement, educate the world, do things that no-one has even thought of yet … Information Technology is the key!

So, if it’s so important, who dreams it up? Who makes it? Who keeps it working?

YOU COULD!

We created TechU.me so you could experience what an IT career is really like. Build your skills. Learn from people who are doing it. Try it for yourself!

Join a team of all kinds of people and make something that matters with help from professionals in Ottawa’s high tech scene.

Your future will be amazing!

Marcellus Mindel

Head of Academic Partnerships, IBM Canada

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About the program

Led by the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE), TechU.me encourages students to pursue careers in technology through educational programming in Ottawa’s schools.


Originally known as the Ottawa High School Technology Program, TechU.me began as a pilot in 2007 and has since welcomed FedDev Ontario as a Program Supporter. Through FedDev, TechU.me has received funding and the mandate to expand the program to 25 secondary and 190 elementary schools by March 2014.

TechU.me focuses on the grade 10 programming course, partnering high school students with grade 3 students to create educational mobile apps. With the help of their teachers and industry mentors, the grade 3 clients provide the inspiration, content, and visual design for the grade 10 students’ app development.

In 2012 TechU.me added Summer Technology Camps to its curriculum, aimed at students in grades 6 to 8. In 2012, we launched our annual AppJam, for students in grades 11 and 12.

TechU.me thanks its Program Supporter and its many Program and Event Partners for their continued support.

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Program evolution

From 2007 to 2011, IBM and the Ottawa Software Cluster collaborated on projects to encourage enrollment in post-secondary technology programs under a pilot project called the Ottawa High School Technology Program: a series of industry-led activities aimed to discover why students were not choosing technology careers. Based on student and teacher feedback, the project identified that industry-led interaction had the greatest impact on increasing students’ interest in pursuing technology careers.

In 2012 TechU.me is increasing technology know-how in Ottawa’s schools and inspiring careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. TechU.me offers engaging programs and events geared to students in grades 3 – 12. TechU.me focuses on the grade 10 programming course, partnering high school students with grade 3 students to create educational mobile apps. With the help of their teachers and industry mentors, the grade 3 clients provide the inspiration, content, and visual design for the grade 10 students’ app development.

The high school students are mentored by industry professionals working in Ottawa’s innovative technology sector.

Also in 2012, TechU.me added Summer Camps aimed at students in grades 6 through 8 and launched our AppJam for students in grade 11 and 12. By 2014, TechU.me aims to have 25 secondary and 190 elementary schools participating in our program!

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Success stories

Enjoy these testimonials from mentors and students and check out our TechU.me Gallery for results!

 

“My biggest surprise was the amount that the kids got done. They were producing applications at a level that I would expect in first or second year university students, not 15 year olds.” Mentor, Tod Creasey, Rational Team Concert Development and Legal
IBM Ottawa Lab

“I went on to do Grade 11 Computer Science. I definitely would not have continued in this field if it weren’t for this technology program / course. So my message to students… take advantage of this opportunity! You will never forget this experience. I know that I never will. :) ” Samira, student

“When I was in university, this would have been a 2nd year course… I was impressed with how fast the students grasped programming constructs, software design, user experience, debugging, and project planning all while learning the basics of Java.  Well done guys!” Mentor, Adam Boyle, Product Manager, Agile Communications Environment, Avaya

“There is no reward more satisfying than watching a child enjoy a game created by you.” Dipesh, student

“It’s amazing how capable students are of solving complex problems when given a little push. Near the end of a class, I explained the concept of recursion to a student who was facing a classic dynamic programming problem, but didn’t have time to help him work out a solution. The next time I saw him, he had taken my general explanation and successfully applied it to his specific problem. I was very impressed!” Mentor, Dan Menard, Software Developer, Macadamian

“The course has been really enlightening for me. It has opened my eyes to a career in technology. Through the course, I found that I enjoy programming. All the places we’ve been have been really interesting and informing. All the mentors and partners added onto the ~outstanding~ experience I had. It was a great privilege to be able to participate in this amazing program. It feels awesome to know how much we are helping others!” Warda, student

The Grade 10 students were face-to-face with real customers with real demands. Arguably, those little kids wanted “everything,” but isn’t that the reality of a consumer driven product? The Grade 10 students did not yet appreciate the incredible learning experience they were embarking upon. Neither did the Grade 3 students for that matter. Even more critically, neither did either of their teachers. … Problems encountered were challenges to be “cracked” open. You cannot beat this learning experience. Perseverance, hard work, teamwork and sheer determination combined for success. This is a life lesson. from Canadian Teacher, Sept. 2011, by Cathy Vachon, a Grade 3 Teacher at St. Luke Elementary School, Ottawa, and Patrick Coxall, a Grade 10 Teacher at Mother Teresa High School, Ottawa.

As an avid novice app developer, a career in the technology sector has always been one of my main choices. However, I had thought that a career as a software developer would be dull and repetitive for the majority of the time. This experience proved me wrong. From what I observed, you are always working on new projects and challenges. Many of which might also be games, which can be fun to play and debug. There are also special events when working in a company like bitHeads. For instance, towards the end of my employment, they announced a bitHeads version of the Summer Olympics with simple games and sports. Aly, 2012 AppJam Winner & summer student at bitHeads

 

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Latest from TechU.me

Students

Passionate about all things Technology? Then TechU.me is the program for you.

Teachers

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Mentors

Learn how to become a mentor now.

Industry

Become a partner now!