What is CEMC (University of Waterloo) and what does its website offer?

Updated

CEMC stands for the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, an outreach organization based at the University of Waterloo. Its website (cemc.uwaterloo.ca) is a hub for mathematics and computer science contests, free learning tools and resources, and workshops and events, organized by grade level from Grade 3/4 through Grade 11/12. It is aimed at both students and educators, in Canada and internationally.

Who runs CEMC and what is its mission?

According to the site, CEMC has been "inspiring youth since 1963" and describes itself as the largest outreach organization of its kind in Canada. Its stated mission is to increase interest, enjoyment, confidence, and ability in mathematics and computer science among learners and educators. The organization says it works closely with the broader education community to support students and educators.

What does the website offer?

The homepage groups its offerings into three main areas:

  • Mathematics and computing contests — designed by teams of mathematicians, computer scientists, and educators for students in Grades 5 to 12. The site notes they suit a range of abilities, from learners exploring the subjects to advanced students who want to stretch their limits.
  • Tools and resources — free, online materials. One example highlighted on the homepage is the "Problem of the Week."
  • Workshops and events — interactive workshops intended to build confidence in math and computing.

The site also organizes contests, workshops, and resources by grade level, with entry points for Grade 3/4, Grade 5/6, Grade 7/8, Grade 9/10, and Grade 11/12.

How large is CEMC's reach?

The homepage presents the following impact figures:

Metric Figure
Students 300,000
Countries 85+
Contests 16

Who is it for?

CEMC's audience spans two broad groups:

  • Students — from those who want to explore math and computer science and build confidence, to advanced students seeking a challenge.
  • Educators — the site states CEMC supports teachers in creating a lasting impact in math and computing education.

A testimonial on the homepage from an educator in British Columbia, Canada, describes the contests as fostering traits such as resilience, adaptability, persistence, and strategy-based thought.

Where to start on the site

If you are new to CEMC, the homepage offers several direct entry points:

  1. Explore contests — for an overview of the contest program and how contests work.
  2. Tools and resources — to access free online materials, including the Problem of the Week.
  3. Workshops and events — to find interactive sessions.
  4. Grade-level sections — to jump straight to the contests, workshops, and resources most relevant to a specific student.

The site does not publish pricing details on the homepage, so check individual contest or event pages for any fees or registration requirements.