Ready, Set, University! Connecting High School Students with Summer Opportunities

On March 5, the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) teamed up with the Experiential Learning Hub to host Ready, Set, University!, a webinar offering a sneak peek into the many academic, social, and career building opportunities available to high school students this summer at the University of Guelph. Whether students are looking to strengthen their university applications, earn early credits, explore career options, or experience campus life, the information session highlighted a range of programs designed to help students thrive.

Academic Upgrading: Strengthen Admission and Earn Credit

The webinar kicked off with Academic Upgrading (AU), a program intended for students who don’t want to go back to high school to complete 4U upgrading to meet admission conditions. AU at SCS provides students with a chance to complete 4U-equivalent courses like ENGL*1030 - Effective Writing (ENG4U equivalent) and CHEM*1060 - Introductory Chemistry (SCH4U equivalent). Students earn credits that can be applied towards a university degree while completing upgrading courses.

The flexibility of online asynchronous courses allows students to learn at their own pace with responsive instructor support.

High School Enrichment: Get a Head Start on University

Next, the webinar introduced High School Enrichment, which allows Grade 12 and 12+ students a chance to experience university-level learning in a supportive, low-pressure environment. It’s a great way to explore new subjects, build academic confidence, and earn degree-level credit all before starting their first semester of university.

A variety of first-year courses are available and include:

• UNIV*1000 – University Learning Skills
• ENVS*1060 – Discovering Planet Earth
• FRHD*1100 – Life: Health and Well-Being
• FARE*1300 – Poverty, Food and Hunger
• NUTR*1010 – Introduction to Nutrition

Students can take up to three online asynchronous courses; many will choose to use this opportunity to ease the transition between high school and university, giving themselves a valuable academic head start.

For both the Academic Upgrading and the High School Enrichment opportunities, bursaries are available and a Credit/No Credit grading framework is applied from the start of enrolment. This grading framework helps to take the stress out of the equation, and fully supports students in reaching their goals while easing their transition to university.

Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP): A Direct Route to a Degree

The Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP) through SCS offers a welcoming entry point for learners who haven’t completed any post-secondary studies but want a structured, supportive route into a degree program. Over two semesters, students complete at least four undergraduate courses. Achieving a 70% cumulative average guarantees admission into the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce programs, creating an accessible and guided entry into university life.

Own Your Future Career Camp: Build Confidence and Career Skills

For students still figuring out what comes next, the Own Your Future Career Camp with the Experiential Learning Hub offers a hands-on way to explore career pathways. Designed for grades 9–12 and recent graduates, this one-week camp blends practical skill-building with guided self discovery.

Participants work with career advisors to develop resumes, practice networking and interview skills, and build a personalized action plan. The camp also includes interactive sessions with campus partners from engineering and entrepreneurship to animal health and history.

Two sessions are available in July and August 2026, with early bird and regular pricing available.

Discover Your Future Summer Institute: A Global Learning Experience

The webinar wrapped up with an overview of Discover Your Future Summer Institute, a two-week academic and cultural experience offered by SCS for high school students aged 15-17. Designed for both a domestic and international audience, the opportunity blends university-level learning with memorable excursions and community-building.

Participants explore disciplines across all eight University of Guelph colleges—including interactive lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities. Outside the classroom, they enjoy trips to iconic destinations like Niagara Falls and Toronto, as well as local Guelph attractions. With residence accommodations, meals, activity fees, transportation, and 24/7 staff support included, the program offers a safe, welcoming environment where learners can experience student life and make lasting connections. Optional intensive English programming is available before each session, with two sessions running in July and August.

Helping Students with Whatever Comes Next

Ready, Set, University! showcased a wide range of opportunities built to help students feel prepared and excited about what comes next. From academic upgrading to immersive summer institutes, the University of Guelph is here to support students in discovering what’s possible and help them step into the next chapter of their lives with confidence.