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Discovery University

Applications for summer 2026 programs are due on May 1.
Please apply below.

Discovery University offers university-level courses to people living on low incomes or experiencing homelessness, taught by instructors from Ottawa’s universities – Carleton University, University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University.

There are no course fees, and course materials are free. Ten-week classes are offered twice a year.

*In order to attend Discovery University, applicants must be over 18 years of age.

Book Club

Class Times: Wednesdays: 1:00-3:00 P.M, May-August
Instructor: Emma Pratt
Location: University of Ottawa Desmarais Building, Room 11161– 55 Laurier Ave. E

Course Description:
This cozy series follows Takako as she heals from heartbreak and finds a sense of belonging while living above her uncle’s secondhand bookshop in Tokyo. Through both Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and its sequel, More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop she navigates life’s transitions by immersing herself in literature and the quirky community of the Jimbocho district. It is a gentle, atmospheric tribute to the transformative power of books and the solace found in unexpected places.

 

Art Afternoons

Class Times: Tuesdays: 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Instructor: Emma Pratt
Location: Ottawa Mission Chapel – 35 Waller St
Section 1: May-June
Section 2: July-August

Course description:
Join us for a series of weekly art based workshops. We will be doing a variety of activities together, including a gallery visit, tote bag painting, and exploring poetry.

Note: There are two sections of Art Afternoons. These two sections will be identical in course material, so it is not recommended that students take the same section twice.

 

Wellness Foundations

Class Times: Thursdays: 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Instructor: Emma Pratt
Location: University of Ottawa Desmarais Building, Room 11161 – 55 Laurier Ave. E
Section 1: May-June
Section 2: July-August

Course description:
Join us for a series of workshops exploring the foundations of wellness, with a focus on inexpensive, easily accessible wellness tools.

Note: There are two sections of Wellness Foundations. These two sections will be identical in course material, so it is not recommended that students take the same section twice.

 

Summer Application Form

"*" indicates required fields

Please select the programs you wish to apply for.
Students can apply to Book Club and one additional program per section.
May-August
[Section 1] Note: Sections 1 and 2 will contain the same materials. Taking the same program in both sections is not recommended.
May-June
[Section 2] Note: Sections 1 and 2 will contain the same materials. Taking the same program in both sections is not recommended.
July-August
MM slash DD slash YYYY
What is your gender identity?*
Preferred method of contact*
Education
Additional Information
How do you plan on attending Discovery University summer programming?*

This does not determine your eligibility into the program
Are you comfortable speaking and writing in English?*
Do you have regular access to a computer and/or internet?*
Is this your first time applying to Discovery University?*
New Student Reference
New students must submit a reference. Your reference must be an individual person who knows you well, it could be a counsellor, caseworker, social worker, doctor, or peer.
We understand that this information gives us permission to speak with your reference.
Please let this person know that you have given us their name and permission to ask about you.

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