Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program
High school students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in classwork and fieldwork in the Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program at St. Thomas University.
The program is open to Canadian and international students completing Grade 11 or Grade 12 and will introduce them to an academic and social experience in one of Canada’s most highly rated learning environments.
Participants are enrolled in an introductory university course that combines classroom work with experiential field work. They live in a supervised environment in residence, eat in the dining hall, and participate in study sessions. They will also take part in numerous campus and social activities.
The course is part of STU’s Advanced Standing program, which allows students to earn post-secondary credits in high school.
Summer 2026 Course Offerings
SEST 1013 Understanding Environmental Problems
We hear about environmental problems every day – the changing climate, plastics pollution, species extinctions, mountains of waste. What’s going on? Why are these things happening? Are they connected? How should we respond?
This course helps unpack these questions. Applying systems thinking and the planetary boundaries framework, students will explore the root causes of these problems. Using energy and food systems as case studies, you will explore two big ideas: 1) how human systems – the economy, culture and politics – influence the Earth systems in negative and positive ways; and 2) how to imagine and work toward more sustainable futures.
Through lectures, hands-on activities, simulations, system-mapping, and field trips to local food and energy sites, students will learn how exceeding planetary limits leads to environmental problems and how collective action to change those systems supports climate stability, food security, ecological health, and resilient communities.
"The Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program was so much fun! It was an excellent preview into what university life would look like and has greatly helped prepare me for STU in the fall. The community of students and staff here at STU have been truly welcoming. I have made so many amazing friends and memories, all in the span of two weeks! I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in archaeology, or anyone who is interested in trying university out a little early!"
– Sawyer Holmes
Admission Requirements
Applicants will be required to meet the following minimum requirements for admission to the program:
Students who are currently in Grade 11 (starting Grade 12 in Sept. 2026) must have an 80% or higher on a grade 11-level, academic English course (or equivalent) and an 80% or higher on a Grade 11-level academic history or social studies course.
Students who are currently in Grade 12 (going into first year of university Sept. 2026) must meet STU’s Admissions Requirements.
The cost of the all-inclusive two-week program, which includes tuition, residence accommodations, and meals, is $1,250 (CDN). A limited number of financial need based bursaries are available.
"I would recommend this program because I met so many nice people here and I really learned a lot about the real processes of archeology. I had a really great time, and all of the outings were super well planned and super entertaining. It was a great experience, and I would totally do it again"
- Serena Whalen