17 Summer Enrichment Programs for High School Students in Canada
Summer programs for high school students are a great way to develop practical skills, explore your interests, and connect with like-minded peers without a large financial investment. These programs often combine hands-on activities with guidance from experienced mentors, allowing you to dive deeper into subjects like science, technology, law, or the arts. Since so many summer programs for high school students are now available online, you can access quality learning from home, making it both convenient and cost-effective. If you’re a student in Canada interested in a particular area, participating in summer enrichment programs can give you a valuable head start toward your future goals.
Whether you prefer the traditional classroom setting or an interactive online experience, summer programs for high school students offer meaningful opportunities to grow academically and personally. To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 17 summer enrichment programs for high school students in Canada, featuring a range of topics and formats.
17 Summer Enrichment Programs for High School Students in Canada
1. High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Free; Approx. $15/hour stipend
Program Dates: July 3 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: 11th graders who reside in or north of Red Deer and are legally eligible to work in Canada; Must have completed or be currently enrolled in (at minimum) Mathematics 20-1 or 20-2, Biology 20, and one other grade 11 science course.
The HYRS Program, supported by Alberta Innovates, is a paid six-week opportunity for students to engage in health and medical sciences research alongside expert mentors at university labs across Alberta. As a participant, you will contribute to ongoing research projects focused on high-impact areas like digital health, data-driven technologies, commercialization of medical innovations, and health system transformation. You will gain practical lab exposure while developing skills in data analysis, research methodology, and problem-solving, particularly in areas such as AI applications in healthcare, clinical trial design, or patient engagement strategies. You’ll also attend career exploration through workshops, site visits, and networking events that connect you with professionals in Alberta’s research and innovation ecosystem. A core component of the experience is your exposure to real-world challenges like optimizing digital health tools or improving healthcare delivery systems, and contributing ideas to address them. The program culminates in a final presentation or report showcasing your work.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual with an optional in-person lab day at the University of Waterloo
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Virtual: August 11 – 15; In-person lab day: August 18
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: High school students in grade 11 or 12 in Canada (e.g., Secondary V and CÉGEP in Québec); Interested in exploring scientific concepts; Enrolled in or have completed grade 11 mathematics
The Quantum School for Young Students, hosted by the Institute for Quantum Computing, gives you the chance to dive into some of the most advanced topics in modern physics alongside peers from across the globe. You’ll learn about key quantum concepts like superposition, entanglement, and quantum mechanics while building the mathematical foundations necessary to grasp them, including linear algebra and complex numbers. You’ll attend expert-led lectures, engage in group problem-solving sessions, and interact directly with quantum researchers working at the forefront of the field. Topics range from quantum computing and cryptography to quantum optics and experimental methods, with an emphasis on understanding how quantum principles are reshaping technology. You’ll also participate in discussions centered on real-world quantum applications in computing, imaging, and security.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students 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 choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote, hybrid, and in-person at George Mason University, Virginia, U.S.
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (can be waived); Unpaid
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students must be 15+ for remote internships and 16+ for in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships; Some research labs are unavailable to non-U.S. citizens
A highly competitive opportunity, George Mason University’s ASSIP allows you to spend eight full-time weeks working with professional researchers on real-world scientific problems. If selected, you will be paired one-on-one with a faculty mentor and immersed in a hands-on research project that aligns with your interests. This can include neuroscience, machine learning, environmental science, bioengineering, or even game design and cybersecurity. You’ll gain practical exposure using advanced laboratory equipment and computational tools, while also sharpening your scientific writing and communication through reports, presentations, and discussions. This summer program for high school students includes forums and mentorship sessions where you'll explore STEM career pathways and engage with working scientists from diverse backgrounds. Projects often lead to published research or conference presentations, giving you a tangible outcome for your efforts.
6. Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth
Location: Alberta, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid minimum wage in Alberta
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Unspecified; Opens in November
Eligibility: High school students, post-secondary education students, or those accepted to post-secondary education programs and are between the ages of 15 and 22; More details here
The ELITE Program for Black Youth is a paid internship opportunity where you can gain practical experience working on real-world projects in fields like robotics, automation, tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Over 8 to 16 weeks (either full-time or part-time), you will be matched with university labs, industry partners, or government agencies to work on technical challenges using industry-relevant tools and equipment. As a participant, you’ll engage in interactive workshops on innovation and business development while receiving personalized coaching in resilience and career management. This is a strong option if you're interested in transitioning from high school into STEM-focused post-secondary education or employment. The opportunity to earn co-op or work experience credits adds an academic incentive.
7. Youth Ambassadors Program
Location: Various locations in the U.S.
Cost: Fully funded
Program Dates: Varies by country; July/August for Canada
Application Deadline: Varies by country
Eligibility: High school students between 15-18 years old at the start of the exchange; More details here
As a Youth Ambassador, you will join a cohort of high school students from across the Western Hemisphere for a three-week exchange that emphasizes civic engagement, leadership development, and cultural exchange. The summer program for high school students blends service projects with leadership training and community-based learning, giving you the chance to work with mentors and local leaders from NGOs, businesses, and public institutions. You’ll engage in workshops focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and environmental protection, while also volunteering and living with host families to better understand the social fabric of your host community. A key component of the experience includes time in Washington, D.C., where you’ll explore public institutions and develop a broader understanding of policy and international cooperation. Whether conducted virtually or in person, the exchange encourages you to apply your learning through a post-program service initiative in your home community, reinforcing its focus on civic impact.
8. Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Current 9th-11th graders from around the world; Must identify as girls or nonbinary
Participants in the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program spend two weeks in a live virtual classroom exploring game design and fundamental computer science concepts while building practical tech skills. You will work on practical projects that introduce you to coding in contexts like artificial intelligence, web development, data science, and cybersecurity, while being guided by instructors and guest speakers from major tech companies. The curriculum also includes the game design process and user experience (UX) design, helping you understand how digital products are developed from concept to prototype. Beyond technical learning, the program connects you with a supportive network of peers and mentors, including engineers and entrepreneurs who provide insights into college and career pathways. Workshops focus on soft skills such as presenting ideas, collaborating on team projects, and navigating tech careers.
9. University of Toronto Medicine Youth Summer Program
Location: In-person at the University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: CA$1,668
Program Dates: Multiple modules available from July to August
Application Deadline: Registration opens on February 12
Eligibility: Canadian & international students in grades 10 to 12; Grade 9 students are eligible for Module 4: Microbiology - Learn To Appreciate The Little Things In Life
If you’re curious about the inner workings of the human body or envision a future in medicine or biomedical research, the Youth Summer Program gives you hands-on access to real-world science. Through focused week-long modules, you’ll study topics like physiology by recording vital signs and blood pressure, or dive into pharmacology to understand how drugs are absorbed, metabolized, and sometimes misused. You might also investigate a mock crime scene using forensic genetics, applying DNA fingerprinting techniques to analyze biological evidence in a lab setting. In microbiology, you’ll isolate and identify bacteria, explore antibiotic resistance, and perform classic procedures like Gram staining. All sessions are led by expert instructors and include access to professional lab facilities, equipment, and reagents. At the same time, lectures from medical researchers and practitioners will help you gain insight into current issues in healthcare and what it takes to enter the field.
10. University of Toronto Law Youth Summer Program
Location: University of Toronto's Faculty of Law, Toronto, Canada
Cost: CA$1,175 + non-refundable CA$98 registration fee
Program Dates: Multiple modules available from June to July
Application Deadline: Registration opens on February 12
Eligibility: Canadian & international students in grades 10 to 12
The University of Toronto’s Law Youth Summer Program gives you the chance to experience law school from within Canada’s top law faculty. You’ll learn from specialized modules such as criminal law, where you take on roles in a simulated murder trial; international law, which is focused on human rights and global legal standards; and corporate law, which has you negotiating complex business deals. Each module blends lectures with hands-on activities like debates, advocacy exercises, and case analysis, helping you build argumentation, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills. Faculty of Law staff and guest speakers provide mentorship and insights into legal education and career paths. Field trips, on-campus experiences, and real-time exposure to legal practice make this program a solid introduction to the study of law.
11. SRI Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Starts July 2 (tentative)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years of age by July 1; Must be legally authorized to work in Canada; Must have good academic standing in math and sciences
The SRI Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program places you directly in a biomedical lab setting, where you’ll get to assist with actual ongoing research at the intersection of physics, engineering, and medicine. You will contribute to ongoing projects in areas, such as experimental biology, medical device engineering, and basic programming, often blending these disciplines in a hands-on environment. Whether you’re helping with data collection, coding small applications, or supporting the design of ultrasound-based therapeutic tools, the summer program for high school students pairs you with experienced mentors who guide your development. The lab's work focuses on advancing non-invasive treatment technologies, giving you exposure to cutting-edge biomedical research. You will be expected to actively support the lab’s operations while building practical skills that go beyond classroom learning.
12. University of Toronto Math Academy
Location: University of Toronto, St. George campus
Cost: CA$450 + tax
Program Dates: August 11 – 15
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 with very strong mathematical thinking ability
The University of Toronto Math Academy is a one-week intensive enrichment program designed for high school students who demonstrate strong mathematical reasoning and creativity. If you're accepted, you’ll spend the week exploring a single advanced mathematical topic in depth, often one that’s abstract, non-standard, and intellectually stimulating. Rather than focusing on rote methods, the program emphasizes what mathematicians refer to as “real math,” blending lecture-based instruction with collaborative problem-solving in small groups. You'll be encouraged to challenge assumptions, think flexibly, and approach problems from multiple angles. Each session fosters a deep, immersive experience with mathematics that’s rarely found in traditional classroom settings. The academy also helps you build critical thinking and analytical skills in a supportive environment led by faculty and experienced instructors.
13. University of Toronto Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto, St. George campus
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: November 13 – March 28
Eligibility: Black Canadian students in grades 10-11 who are interested in STEM careers
The Blueprint program offers a four-week academic enrichment experience aimed at deepening your understanding of engineering concepts and their real-world applications. Throughout the program, you will engage in two engineering courses, such as Mechatronics and Automation or Engineering and Human Health, that combine lectures with practical labs, giving you practical experience in problem-solving and design. Blueprint stresses the Engineering Design Process, encouraging you to create innovative solutions to real challenges. It also fosters a supportive community of peers and mentors, including graduate students and undergraduate engineering mentors, to guide your learning and growth. After the summer, the engagement continues with year-long workshops tailored to prepare you for university and develop leadership skills through sessions like My Academic Preparation Sessions (MAPS) and leadership training for younger students.
14. McGill Summer Academy
Location: McGill University Downtown Campus, Montreal, Quebec
Cost: CA$4,950
Program Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 19;| Session 2: July 20 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10 and 11 (For students in Quebec: Sec IV and Sec V)
McGill University’s Summer Academy invites high school students to explore university-level topics during a two-week program in Montreal. Open to both Canadian and international students entering grades 11 or 12, this program allows you to choose between neuroscience and health sciences or global citizenship and migration. The curriculum combines academic lectures, collaborative simulations, and team activities. You’ll also get to experience Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods and vibrant summer festivals in this summer enrichment program for high school students in Canada.
15. Summer @Concordia Youth Camps
Location: Concordia University campus
Cost: Varies by camp
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (registration start dates vary)
Eligibility: High school students (specific age requirement varies by camp)
Concordia University’s Summer @Concordia Youth Camps offer motivated high schoolers a wide selection of academic and creative programs in areas such as engineering, science and engineering, digital arts, artificial intelligence, theatre, and more. Specialized options like GirlSET and STEAMpunks encourage exploration of science, sustainability, and design, allowing you to choose between varied fields. Depending on your interest, you can dive into activities like game design, music composition, 3D modeling, or textile innovation. Many of the camps are one to two weeks long and take place on Concordia’s Loyola and Sir George Williams campuses.
16. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Available across all 50 U.S. states + Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands; Participants will be placed within a 45-minute commute of their home
Stipend: $3,000
Program Dates: June – August (flexible)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; At least 16 years old by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship program for high school students interested in learning more about aquatic science and conservation. Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, the program matches students with professional mentors in locations across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, within commuting distance from their homes. You will receive a $3,000 stipend and work on real-world projects involving water quality testing, habitat restoration, and fisheries management. Targeted especially toward students from underrepresented backgrounds, the program combines hands-on fieldwork with career mentorship in ecological science.
17. STEM Co-Operative Placement Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Semester-based; Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions available
Application Deadline: Rolling; early inquiries recommended due to limited spots
Eligibility: Canadian high school students in grades 11-12; Should complete a school-supported co-op placement
This virtual STEM co-op gives Canadian high school students the chance to explore career paths in science and space through collaborative, project-based learning. You’ll work in small teams—typically just two or three students per term—designing science communication tools and educational content related to topics like space exploration, chemistry, or environmental science. You’ll gain first-hand experience in research translation, model design, and public science engagement, making it a practical option for those seeking early exposure to STEM work environments.
Image source - University of Toronto