Leader In Training Program

What Is It?

The Engineering Science Quest Leader In Training (LIT) Program was introduced to engage high school students applicants who will have finished grade 9 or higher (as of July 2023) and are interested in becoming staff with Engineering Science Quest. The program builds leadership skills through group problem solving, hands-on program development and delivery, first-hand experience working with children and the opportunity to complete volunteer service hours.

Leaders in Training Building a Spaghetti Tower

The Leader In Training program is split into two components. The first component is a one week (40 hours) training session which prepares the LIT's to enter a camp room and provide support to Engineering Science Quest staff and campers.  The second component is a minimum of one week (approx. 40 hours) of volunteer placement with an Engineering Science Quest camp.

*Please note this program runs in-person and is not an overnight program. Overnight accommodations can be booked separately and links will be sent to accepted applicants for next steps.

Curious about what the differences are between the Engineering Science Quest Leader In Training Program and Catalyst Summer Program? Learn more about the Leader In Training vs. Catalyst Summer Program.

When Is It?

Training weeks usually take place at the beginning of summer - stay tuned for 2024 details. Please join our mailing list for the latest updates! 

Application

Applications must include:

  • ESQ LIT Application Form
  • Personal Interest Application

The Personal Interest Application is a creative way to express your interest in this program. We have a few previous applications if you need examples of Personal Interest Applications. You can be as creative as you like with it. Video, audio, artwork, a poem, letter... the format is up to you! Make sure to tell us about:

  • Yourself and your interest in science, engineering, leadership and beyond
  • What you think the skills of a good leader are?
  • An idea for an activity you'd like to teach to other participants your age.

Maximum size: approx. 1 sheet of paper or 2 minutes of media

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We will continue to accept applications until we fill the available spots in the program. For that reason, we recommend applying as soon as your application is complete.

Applications for 2023 are now closed. Stay tuned for 2024 LIT Application information in late 2023!

*Please note this program runs in-person and is not an overnight program. Overnight accommodations can be booked separately and links will be sent to accepted applicants for next steps.

Submission

Please send all submissions through the above application link. If you are unable to submit a piece of your application, you may email it to us at esqinfo@uwaterloo.ca after submitting your application form. 

Cost

The Leader in Training Program includes a registration fee (2024 TBD; 2023 was $275+HST) and includes one participant T-shirt. A special bursary program is available for those in financial need through our registration system. Please see the registration page for more details on accessing this form.

Please note:

The registration fee of is due only upon acceptance into the program. If accepted, applicants will receive an email which provides information about session placement and paying the registration fee.

 

If you require overnight accommodations:

Please note this program runs in-person and is not an overnight program.

Overnight accommodations are optional and can be booked separately and links will be sent to accepted applicants for next steps.

2024 TBD

The cost of this for 2023 was as follows:

 

LIT Training Week
Double Room  $660
Single Room (limited availability) $745

 

LIT Volunteer Week (per week)
Double Room  $790
Single Room (limited availability)  $895

 

**To confirm, overnight accommodations are not required to attend this program and are available to book for those who require it**

Cancellation policy

If arrangements for cancellations are made with Engineering Science Quest with more than 2 weeks notice to the start of the intended registered session, a full refund minus a 25% processing fee will be given. Cancellation requests with less than 2 weeks notice will be charged a 50% processing fee. There are no refunds for cancellations given with less than 48 hours notice. 

Note: There is no charge for switching sessions (pending availability).

Payment options

Debit or Credit

Catalyst accepts MasterCard, VISA and American Express as well as Debit cards (non-Interac). Card numbers are kept with the utmost security. All charges are processed directly by the university and will appear on your credit card bill as either "U of W Cashiers Office" or "U of Waterloo ESQ (Engineering Science Quest)".

We do not accept cash or cheque payment.

Credit Card and debit payment must be made through our online registration system, we are not able to process payment on the phone or in person.