15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Canada
If you’re a high school student with an interest in science, technology, engineering, or math, summer STEM programs are a great way to dive deeper into these fields. Many of these programs are designed to give students experience, problem-solving skills, and exposure. They’re also a great way to connect with like-minded peers and mentors, without necessarily coming with the high price tag of international or residential programs.
Across Canada, a number of reputable universities, research institutions, and nonprofits offer STEM programs specifically for high school students, making them both accessible and high in quality. Whether you're looking to explore biomedical research, robotics, or environmental engineering, there's likely a program tailored to your interests. These programs can help you strengthen your college applications and give you a clearer sense of the pathways available in STEM careers.
Check out our list of 15 STEM programs in Canada for high school students, based on academic rigour, mentorship opportunities, and subject variety.
15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Canada
1. University of Alberta - High School Youth Researcher Summer Program
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Stipend: $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25-30 students
Dates: July 3 - August 14
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grade 11, and who have completed, or are currently enrolled in (at minimum) Mathematics 20-1 or 20-2, Biology 20, and one other Grade 11 science course are eligible to apply. Applicants must reside in or north of Red Deer and be legally eligible to work in Canada.
The Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer Program (HYRS) provides Grade 11 students with a paid, six-week research opportunity focused on health and medical sciences. Emphasising areas such as digital health, data-driven research, commercialisation, and health system transformation, the program aims to cultivate early interest in research and innovation careers, particularly at the intersection of health and emerging technologies. You will gain exposure to Alberta’s health research ecosystem, building both skills and professional networks. Alongside research placements, you will engage in skill-building and career-oriented activities.
2. Veritas AI - STEM Track
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers specialised online programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The AI Scholars program introduces you to foundational concepts over ten sessions, combining theory with projects. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship offers 1:1 mentorship with researchers from top universities, culminating in an independent research project. You will also receive guidance on publishing your writing in high school research journals. These programs aim to provide rigorous academic writing exposure while supporting students in exploring potential research or career interests in AI and computer science.
3. University of Toronto - Youth Summer Program: Medicine Track
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Cost: $1,668 CAD. Scholarships are available to Canadian students to attend one module based on financial need and academic merit.
Cohort size: 120 students per week
Dates: Varies depending on the modules
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 are eligible to apply. Grade 9 students are eligible for Module 4: Microbiology.
The University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program in Medicine offers high school students an academic and structured introduction to various medical fields through a modular format. Each module combines lectures, discussions, and laboratory work, allowing you to explore topics such as human physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology. The program also includes career talks and guidance on preparing for post-secondary education in the health sciences. You will gain experience through supervised labs and access to university-level facilities and materials. Upon completion of each module, you will receive a certificate recognising your participation and learning.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - STEM Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating a high level of academic achievement are eligible to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas, including mathematics, biology, physics, data science, computer science, chemistry, and more. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application here.
5. York University - Spark Lab Summer Program
Location: York University, North York, ON.
Cost: $495 CAD. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment.
Dates: Weekly from July 7 to August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply.
The Spark Lab Programs at York University offer week-long science sessions for high school students in Canada. Designed to move beyond traditional classroom learning, the program engages you in experiment-based exploration of physics, biology, and chemistry within undergraduate teaching spaces. Divided into two streams, Experimental and Research, the program provides diverse learning experiences. Experimental Spark courses are led by undergraduates, teacher candidates, or certified teachers and emphasise interactive, activity-based learning. Research Spark courses are developed by graduate students and professors, drawing directly from their ongoing academic research.
6. University of Toronto - Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate: Highly selective.
Dates: July 7 – August 1. Followed by biweekly events from October to February
Application Deadline: November 13 - March 28
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents who self-identify as Black and are in grades 10 & 11 are eligible to apply
Blueprint is a four-week academic enrichment program designed for high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM. The program offers an introduction to the Engineering Design Process through projects, lab activities, and coursework in areas such as human health and mechatronics. You will explore multiple engineering disciplines, engage in educational excursions, and take part in community-building activities. Courses are taught by graduate students, with undergraduate mentors supporting the learning process. In addition to the summer component, you will also benefit from year-long workshops focused on leadership development and post-secondary preparation.
7. Queen’s University - Queen's Summer Engineering Academy Senior: Engineering Future Frontiers
Location: Queen’s University, Kingston, ON.
Cost: Tuition: $450 CAD | Residence Fee (Optional): $1050 CAD
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Session I: July 7 - 11 | Session II: July 28 - August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 are eligible to apply
The Engineering Future Frontiers program at Queen’s University offers high school students in Canada an introduction to university-level engineering through engaging learning. The program uses team-based design projects to develop skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking. Drawing from Queen’s first-year engineering curriculum, the program will enable you to explore multiple engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, computer, and mechatronics, while gaining experience in coding (block and C++), artificial intelligence, robotics, circuitry, prototyping, hardware integration, and 3D modelling. The program emphasises the engineering design process and encourages creative problem-solving through practical application.
8. University of Toronto - DEEP Summer Academy
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Cost: Domestic Students: $725 per week | International Students: $1100 per week
Acceptance rate: Selective.
Dates: Session A: July 7 – 11 | Session B: July 14 – 18 | Session C: July 21 – 25 | Session D: July 28 – August 1 | Session E: August 11 – 15
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed at least one year of high school.
The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) Summer Academy offers academically motivated high school students the opportunity to engage with advanced topics in science, engineering, and technology. Designed for students with a strong interest in STEM, the program introduces concepts typically taught at the upper undergraduate or graduate level. You will explore a range of disciplines through one-week courses led by graduate students and researchers, gaining experience with tools and laboratory equipment. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where you are encouraged to ask questions, take intellectual risks, and think creatively.
9. McMaster University - Engineering Immersive Experience
Location: McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
Cost: Check here for updated information
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Session A: July 7 – 11 | Session B: July 14 – 18 | Session C: July 21 – 25 | Session D: July 28 – August 1 | Session E: August 11 – 15
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 as of September are eligible to apply
The Engineering Immersive Experience at McMaster University offers high school students hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM learning. Led by undergraduate instructors from McMaster’s Faculty of Engineering and supported by faculty and staff, the program introduces you to engineering through interactive activities and problem-solving. You will engage with a range of STEM subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering techniques such as 3D printing and soldering, through lab work and collaborative projects. A central feature of the program is a week-long engineering challenge that allows you to apply your knowledge in a practical context. This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
10. University of Alberta - Future Creators
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply
Future Creators is a free, international mentorship program for high school students, run by the University of Alberta. You will be paired with engineering student mentors and guided through the process of building your own technology projects, ranging from solar chargers and robot cars to video games with machine learning elements. All necessary materials are ordered online and shipped directly to you, allowing you to complete projects from home. Weekly virtual sessions provide structured guidance and support as you learn technical skills and explore your interests in engineering and innovation. The program also offers the chance to compete for Innovation Awards, which recognise creativity and originality in project development.
11. University of Toronto - CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Cost: Domestic Students: $725 per week | International Students: $1100 per week
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Session A: July 7 – 11 | Session B: July 14 – 18 | Session C: July 21 – 25 | Session D: July 28 – August 1 | Session E: August 11 – 15 | Session F: August 18 – 22
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed at least one year of high school.
CREATE is a week-long academic summer program that introduces high school students to the field of engineering through design challenges modelled on undergraduate experiences. The program emphasises collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative exploration. You will engage in activities, lab experiments, and site visits, working through the Engineering Design Cycle to develop practical solutions. Guided by undergraduate and graduate students, and informed by current research, the program offers exposure to a range of engineering disciplines. You may register for multiple one-week courses, depending on availability, allowing for a broader exploration of your interests in science and engineering.
12. BC Cancer Research - Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program
Location: BC Cancer Clinic, Victoria, BC.
Stipend: A $3,000 bursary toward post-secondary education will be awarded to each student who successfully completes the 8-week program. The bursary will be held in trust for a maximum of 3 years; the funds will be released upon successful entrance into a postsecondary institution.n
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 2 - August 26
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Grade 11 high school students registered in Vancouver Island secondary schools are eligible to apply. Applicants must be nominated by the Science Department Head from their school and have the support of the school principal.
The High School Internship Program (HSIP) is an eight-week summer program that offers Grade 11 students the opportunity to engage with cancer research by introducing them to the methodologies, ethics, and impact. You will be nominated by your school and undertake an independent research project under the guidance of a designated supervisor and a team of scientists. Through experimentation and close mentorship, you learn laboratory techniques in cancer immunology and develop a deeper understanding of how research findings translate to patient care. The program culminates in a formal oral presentation of your project, with family, teachers, and peers in attendance.
13. Canadian Wildlife Federation - WILD Outside
Location: Various locations across Canada.
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment
Dates: Varies depending on the program
Application Deadline: No deadlines
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 years are eligible to apply
The Canadian Wildlife Federation's WILD Outside program is a national, conservation-focused initiative for high school students. Aimed at fostering environmental awareness and leadership, the program offers you opportunities to engage in conservation and community service projects while building a deeper appreciation for wildlife and natural ecosystems. Activities range from citizen science and stream restoration to trail maintenance and intergenerational conservation efforts. Designed as a flexible, drop-in program, WILD Outside allows you to participate according to your availability, encouraging consistent but adaptable involvement. Through outdoor experiences and collaborative projects, the program supports the development of leadership skills and environmental stewardship.
14. Shad Canada - A-Plus Program
Location: Multiple post-secondary campuses in Canada.
Cost: $8,900. Full and partial need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July 5 – 31
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school students currently completing Grades 10 and 11 in Canada are eligible to apply
Shad’s A-Plus program is a fully residential summer experience that combines STEM with the arts, humanities, business, and social innovation. The program emphasises leadership, ethics, and the societal impacts of science and technology. You will live on campus and engage in a rigorous schedule of academic sessions, collaborative design challenges, and experiential learning. With a focus on human-centred design, systems thinking, and empathy, you will explore complex global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and digital equity. Through workshops, mentorship, and exposure to diverse postsecondary pathways, you will build strategic thinking, policy development, and project management skills.
15. Genome British Columbia - Geneskool Summer Science Program
Location: Multiple university campuses across Canada
Cost: $350. Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Varies depending on the location
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students who are entering grade 9 or higher in the Fall are eligible to apply
This week-long summer program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct university-level experiments in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and genomics. Through lab activities, you will work collaboratively to investigate and analyse a scientific case, applying techniques such as blood typing, microscopy, and fibre analysis. Guided by science experts, guest speakers, and volunteer mentors, you will receive in-person instruction and personalised support throughout the program. Emphasising inquiry-based learning, the experience encourages you to direct your own lab work, develop analytical reasoning, and engage with real-world scientific challenges.