DiscoverE
Welcome to the Fred Otto DiscoverE Program
Established in 1993, the Fred Otto DiscoverE program works everyday to get youth excited about science, technology, engineering and math. Our goal is to help demystify engineering and showcase the amazing research, programs and fields of study within engineering and how they are used in the real world. Engineering is using what we have learned from science to make the world a better place. Engineers solve problems and invent solutions to help humans and the environment.
Learn More About Our Impact
DiscoverE's Impact Report showcases its commitment to long-term student success in STEM. The report details how their programs are increasing student interest in engineering, deepening their knowledge of STEM concepts, and strengthening essential 21st-century skills such as teamwork and problem-solving.
Read the ReportWhat we offer
The Fred Otto DiscoverE program offers programming in multiple ways. In each program, youth explore different engineering topics and disciplines. All projects are developed with direct links to the Alberta programs of study. For more information on any of these programs please email discovere@ualberta.ca.
Summer Camps at University of Alberta North Campus
Stay tuned for information coming soon about the 2027 summer camp season! Youth entering grades 1-9 in September 2027 can participate in week-long day camps focused on different engineering disciplines. Campers take part in hands-on activities, creative projects and mentor sessions from experts. Bursaries will be available!
Off-Campus Summer Camps
The Fred Otto DiscoverE program summer camps are coming to rural and Indigenous communities across western Canada and the Northwest Territories! We invite local mentors, Elders and Knowledge Keepers to join us for sessions throughout the camp week. If you are interested in the Fred Otto DiscoverE program coming to your community or want to learn more about this program, please contact discovere@ualberta.ca.
Email for Information
Classroom Kits
Classroom kits are a fun, engaging way to bring DiscoverE programming to your school! Kits include a lesson plan, student workbooks, and all the materials needed for a teacher to run a hands-on engineering activity in the comfort of their own classroom with up to 40 students. Each classroom kit explores the engineering design process through the lens of a different engineering discipline.
We are currently working on new kits for additional grades that will be ready to ship to schools across Alberta soon!
Learn more about classroom kits
fem+ Program
The Faculty of Engineering's fem+ program is a 7-month mentorship experience for female, non-binary and 2SLGBTQ+ high school students interested in exploring the possibilities within engineering. Participants attend exclusive info sessions, faculty events and campus tours.
Each mentee is paired with a mentor, who is a current engineering undergraduate or graduate student. Mentors give their mentees a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to study engineering and the University of Alberta!
Join the Team!
If you thrive in a fast-paced, flexible and friendly work environment, then the Fred Otto DiscoverE program is the place for you! We hire multiple times throughout the year, so make sure to check back for current opportunities often.
The Fred Otto DiscoverE Program also offers a variety of volunteering and mentoring opportunities, as well as our junior instructor program.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
Apply to be a Mentor
450000+
Youth reached over the last 30 years
100+
Different communities visited in AB, BC, NWT and Saskatchewan
118
Camp programs during Summer 2026
Give to the Fred Otto DiscoverE Program
As a not-for-profit organization we are extremely grateful for the support of the Faculty of Engineering. We are able to run our programming thanks to the generous support from individual donors, corporations and foundations.
Your support is invaluable in making the Fred Otto DiscoverE program a success. It allows us to keep camper fees low, reach more communities and provide bursaries for children in financial need to attend camp. Thank you for your continued support of the Fred Otto DiscoverE program! You are brightening futures for thousands of children who will be the engineers of tomorrow.
Connect with DiscoverE
2-215 Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9
780-492-8779
discovere@ualberta.ca