NEXUS Program | STEM Post-Secondary Transition Program

Support your journey from high school to post-secondary STEM.

NEXUS is an afterschool program for Grade 11–12 students that helps you build the technical and soft skills you need to succeed in college or university STEM programs.

Why Join NEXUS?

Be Ready for What’s Next

NEXUS gives you a head start by helping you prepare for the academic and personal challenges of post-secondary STEM programs.

Learn Tech Skills

Get hands-on experience with coding, artificial intelligence tools, scientific writing, and other essential skills used in STEM fields.

Develop Soft Skills

Strengthen your time management, note-taking, goal setting, and other study habits that will help you succeed in post-secondary.

Connect with Mentors

You’ll meet mentors who have been where you are, and will help you envision your own pathways and build your confidence in post-secondary.

Important Dates

Coming Soon!

Registration open:

September 2, 2025

Registration deadline:

None (Rolling)

Earliest Start Date:

September 23, 2025

Latest End Date:

December 12, 2025

How it Works

What You'll Learn

Tech and Science skills

You’ll get hands-on with coding, artificial intelligence tools, scientific writing, and other skills that are key in STEM programs.

Study and life skills

Workshops will help you build strong habits in studying, goal setting, stress management, and more—so you can thrive, not just survive.

Explore stem PSE & careers

Visit university campuses, meet real professionals, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what a future in STEM could look like for you.

Workshops are taught by trained expert STEM facilitators who complete a mandatory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

What Participants Say

Sometimes instead of asking to do some other math activity, I do have students asking, 'Can we go back on Scratch? Can we do some coding?' That’s a first that that’s happened: There’s enough interest, subsequent to the program, that students are thinking that this is not only an important way of learning but a fun way. And that’s very rewarding.

Nicolette DiFrancesco, OCT

Grade 7 Teacher, Pauline Johnson Elementary School, HWDSB

"This was a great opportunity for students already familiar with coding to get an extended experience beyond what I would be able to do. All of the kids had so much fun and were exposed to lots of great knowledge."

Laura Mamone, OCT

Grade 5/6 Teacher, Queen Victoria Elementary School, HWDSB

"I think providing them with an instructor that is knowledgeable and passionate about coding made the program a success. The students who were already very confident with coding were provided with extensions to their learning, and those who struggled were provided with very clear and easy to follow instructions."

Bethany Walker, OCT

Grade 5/6 Teacher, Dr. Davey Elementary School, HWDSB

Take a Peek Into the STEAM Engine Program

We work closely with teachers to create an unforgettable learning experience for our students. All workshops are hands-on and incorporate use of engaging instructional and assessment strategies that bring learning to life.