Venture Academy 30 years- share your experience
Venture began in 1991, as Engineering and Science camp with spaces for 120 children. It was started by Dr. Brian Allen, an undergraduate engineer, and with the strong support of the Faculty of Engineering. Venture’s goal was to introduce children to the principles of engineering and science through discussion, exploration and practical applications.
In 1994, Venture became part of Actua, a national organization that provides support to local organizations that offer educational science and technology programs to youth.
In 1995, a Computer and Technology stream was developed to increase the impact of Venture’s programming and expand the variety of engineering disciplines covered. Recognizing a need for greater involvement in the community, Venture began offering travelling workshops to local elementary schools in 1998, with programming that complemented their classroom curriculum. Venture has continued to grow over the past decade via expansion of existing programs and outreach initiatives. Most recently, in the fall of 2009, Venture started a Girls Club dedicated to promoting education in engineering, science and technology to girls in a fun and interactive club environment during the school year.
Established in 2005, The Learning Enrinchment Advancement Program (LEAP) started. LEAP attracts bright and eager students from across Canada and around the world. The intensive program combines lectures, design projects, lab experiments, industry tours and extracurricular events. Work on leading-edge projects with professors, graduate students and undergraduates . Along with academic preparation for university, LEAP offers students a taste of campus life with the opportunity to live in residence during their session.
In 2020 LEAP joined forces with Venture to make one cohesive program for grades K to 12.
Over Venture Academy 30 years of operation, its program has grown to reach over 1885 students from grades 1 to 12 at their summer camp, and over 30, 000 additional students through workshops and outreach events. Venture continues to grow every year while maintaining the superb standards campers, parents, and teachers have come to expect. Venture’s increasing success is demonstrated through its achievement of the Hamilton Reader’s Choice Platinum Award for the best overall summer camp in Hamilton.