SummerUp · Business & Data

Microsoft Excel – An Introduction

A Starter Kit for Excelling at Excel

by the Lifelong Leadership Institute

Excel is far more than a spreadsheet. It teaches students how to organize, analyze, and present data in ways that support academic success and open doors to future opportunities. Proficiency in Excel is an essential skill for anyone who wants to work confidently with information, solve problems, and make smart decisions using data. Adding Excel to your toolkit—and your résumé—signals readiness, confidence, and a commitment to excellence.

SummerUp’s Microsoft Excel – An Introduction course gives high school students a powerful head start in one of the most widely used tools in school, university, and the workplace. This course introduces students to the core building blocks of Excel: setting up spreadsheets, entering and managing data, performing calculations, and creating clear visual displays that communicate meaning.

This course is ideal for students who recognize that data literacy is central to fields such as health sciences, social sciences, business, finance, policy, justice, and STEM.

Read more about why Excel skills matter:
Excel Dominates Tech Job Market Despite AI Talent Wars – LambHam, August 31, 2025
Why Excel Is Still the Most Important Workplace Skill – LinkedIn, January 8, 2026

Learning Outcomes & Takeaways

Upon completing SummerUp’s Microsoft Excel workshop, students will be able to:

Apply Essential Excel Skills

Navigate the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar
Use core Excel terminology accurately
Enter and format date and time values
Work with multiple worksheets within a workbook

Construct and Manage Data Cells

Insert and delete rows and columns
Use AutoFill and AutoFit to streamline data entry
Rename, hide, and unhide worksheets
Apply colour to worksheet tabs for organization

Use Formulas Effectively

Enter and edit basic Excel formulas
Apply AutoSum and SUM functions
Use introductory statistical functions
Create, modify, and troubleshoot formulas
Apply basic text functions

Create Standard Charts

Build basic charts from data
Add alternative text for accessibility
Move and resize charts
Change chart types
Modify chart design and layout

Technical Requirements & General Information

This course is offered by the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) as part of our commitment to expanding access to transformative learning experiences for Black youth—experiences that have too often been limited by historical inequities. We aim to nurture the talents, ambitions, and leadership potential that Black youth possess while ensuring they have full access to the skills and opportunities that drive future success.
Because this is a fast-paced, three-session, three-day learning experience, only students who can commit to attending all three sessions should apply. Students who cannot attend the full three-session course are encouraged to consider future opportunities.
Students must have reliable Internet and Zoom access as well as a suitable computer with Microsoft Excel installed. Tablets and smartphones are not sufficient for the technical activities planned.

Course Instructor

Sylvia Orrico, BEd

College Professor · Business Facilitator

Sylvia Orrico brings 39 years of professional experience at Centennial College, including 17 years of teaching Business courses. She is highly skilled in the Microsoft Office 365 suite—Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook—and is exceptionally well positioned to support and inspire SummerUp students as they build a strong foundation in these essential tools.

Her passion for lifelong learning and her commitment to helping students transform their futures continue to fuel her work in the classroom. Sylvia holds a Bachelor of Adult Education from Brock University and has completed additional studies at Centennial College.

Course Snapshot

Status: Applications closed

Dates

Section 1: Tuesday, August 11 to Thursday, August 13, 2026
Section 2: Tuesday, August 25 to Thursday, August 27, 2026

Daily Schedule

Tuesdays: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (includes orientation)
Wednesdays: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mode

Online live (Zoom)

Venue

Online (Zoom)

Duration

3 days (Tuesday – Thursday). The course is offered twice – please apply for one of the two sections.

Instructional Leader

Sylvia Orrico, Professor (Business), Centennial College

Fee

No charge.

Equipment

Reliable Internet; Zoom access; computer with Microsoft Excel installed. Tablets and smartphones are not sufficient for the technical activities planned.

Certificate

No.

Who Should Apply

Leadership by Design (LBD) students, who in September 2026 will be in Grade 12 (C24), Grade 11 (C25) or first-year university (C23).
Other Black youth in Ontario, who in September 2026 will be enrolled in Ontario Grades 10, 11, and 12.
Students interested in learning about Microsoft Excel and managing data.
Students with no prior knowledge of Excel (the course is designed to welcome beginners while offering meaningful challenge for students with some prior knowledge of Excel).

Important

Apply only if you can commit to attending all three days of your respective section.

We admit eligible applicants on a rolling, space-available basis. Act to submit your application as soon as possible.