Think About Math!

Source: https://cemc.uwaterloo.ca/workshops/student-workshops/tam Parent: https://cemc.uwaterloo.ca/

Think About Math! (TAM) is an in-person, 3-day workshop that aims to fuel an interest in mathematics among girls who are entering Grade 9. We also welcome gender minorities who feel comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of women.

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Workshop overview

This workshop is designed to ignite enthusiasm for mathematics and its applications, demonstrating that math is fun, relevant, and leads to exciting careers. TAM participants will meet with University of Waterloo Math alumni and current students, and learn about their career paths. They will explore various topics in applied math and learn about famous mathematicians along the way.

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It was so inspiring. I already loved math, but this confirmed that I am 100% committed pursuing math. It was so great to see the Waterloo campus and the guest speakers were very interesting. The career part was by far my favourite. It was so interesting to see the Mathematics graduates and jobs that I did not even know were a possibility for me, such as the president of Staples. It has inspired me so much as I never thought that a job that big was even a possibility, and seeing that she was just a regular person like me encouraged me to set high goals for myself. Also, it was great to hear tips and suggestions from such successful people in many different areas of math.

TAM Participant from Ontario, Canada

Workshop details

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Audience

The TAM workshop welcomes anyone who identifies as a girl. We also welcome gender minorities who feel comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of women.*
Acknowledging that diversity goes beyond gender, we strongly encourage applications from girls who identify as Indigenous, Black, or as a member of a racialized group.
Applicants must be in Grade 8 in the 2025-26 school year and entering Grade 9 in Fall 2026. They must be currently enrolled in a Canadian high school or middle school in Ontario, Canada. Please note that TAM is a day camp and overnight accommodation will not be provided for participants in this workshop.
The CEMC invites students of all mathematical abilities to apply to TAM. Our goal is to create a friendly and collaborative environment in which students can explore fun mathematics. Therefore, we will not consider grades or contest scores when admitting students to this camp.

*Why this audience?

Mathematics and computer science are powerful tools, and diversity among mathematicians and computer scientists increases the potential for positive impact. One of the CEMC’s primary objectives is to promote greater diversity in mathematics and computer science.

See recent statistics on representation of women and gender minorities at the University of Waterloo in Math and Computer Science.

Format

Participants will work with a mentor to explore two topics in applied math that are not currently part of the high school curriculum. They will also meet with Waterloo Math alumni and current students to learn about their study and career path. Participants will get to tour the campus and attend a session on succeeding in high school mathematics. Finally, they will have the opportunity to research the life of a famous mathematician. In addition to these activities, each day, students will also have the opportunity to socialize and build community through activities such as sports and trivia.

Lunch will be provided at the workshop. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to reach the workshop venue.

Click here to view a tentative schedule for the workshop.

Dates and location

Dates: Monday, August 24 to Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Location: University of Waterloo

Timings:

This camp takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each day.
Drop off time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Pick up time: 5:15 p.m.

Application process

Interested students can fill out the TAM online application form up to Thursday, April 30, 2026:\ Apply Now
Based on these submissions, the CEMC will contact applicants about their selection status in May. From the applications, approximately 40 students are selected to register for and attend the workshop. If accepted, applicants will then be required to fill out a registration form with more information about logistics and pay the applicable fees to attend the workshop

Fees

Think About Math! is a completely free program offered by the CEMC.

Contact information

For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to contact us at cemc.events@uwaterloo.ca

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