15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Toronto
If you are a high school student in Toronto looking to explore your interests or build new skills, then a summer program can be a great way to gain practical experience while connecting with mentors and peers. Whether you are curious about data analytics, business, science, or engineering, the right program can shape your academic and career interests.
From university-hosted bootcamps to accelerator-backed entrepreneurship programs, you can find various opportunities for high schoolers in Toronto in fields such as education, technology, and the arts. Summer programs typically blend classroom learning with projects, research, and mentorship, allowing you to develop valuable skills before college.
This list highlights 15 summer programs for high school students in Toronto.
1. RBC Summer Tech Labs Program
Location: Toronto, ON; exact location and format (remote/hybrid/in-person) vary
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 2 – August 20
Application deadline: TBA, applications typically open in the spring
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12 enrolled in Ontario high schools
Royal Bank of Canada’s Summer Tech Labs is an eight-week internship, where you will serve as an Innovation Developer, tackling challenges in the financial technology space. In a small team of four, you will build functional prototypes using tools and resources such as GitHub, JavaScript, and React.js, while employing agile development and design thinking. Mentors and RBC staff will offer support to help you research, code, and present your solutions to a real business problem. You will also have access to professional development sessions during the program.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program format; need-based financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: On a rolling basis; summer cohorts typically have May/June deadlines
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or have some familiarity/experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers diverse virtual learning opportunities to students interested in developing foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence and machine learning. If you choose the AI Scholars program, you will attend 10 sessions focused on core AI concepts, data science principles, and practical applications through guided projects. For a more advanced learning experience, the AI Fellowship allows you to work one-on-one with mentors from universities to design and complete an independent project, with the potential for research publication. Both tracks are designed to give you exposure to the applications of AI in various fields, including healthcare, finance, and tech. As a participant, you will also be able to add your project to your portfolio of work.
3. SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program
Location: SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: Varies; some positions are paid or grant-funded, others are voluntary
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohort
Dates: 15 weeks; May – mid-August
Application deadline: Rolling; job postings and researcher-led hiring vary
Eligibility: High school students who will be enrolled in a university/college undergraduate program in the fall following the summer program
The SSuRe Program gives high school and undergraduate students conducting summer research at SickKids the opportunity to take part in a curriculum that covers both professional growth and scientific exploration. Over the course of 15 weeks, you will attend seminars led by hospital and research staff, undergo training in lab safety and clinical research practices, and present your project at a formal symposium. The program will begin with orientation sessions, including ethics briefings and occupational health training, to prepare you for research work. Weekly seminars will introduce you to a range of research fields, while targeted workshops will help you improve your communication and networking skills. Toward the end of the program, you will showcase your work through poster presentations and, if selected, compete for awards across various SickKids Research Institute departments.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts every year, including in the summer
Application deadline: May/June for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10–20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects high school students with remote internships at fast-growing start-ups in a wide range of fields, from AI and health tech to marketing, journalism, and sustainability. The internship runs virtually for eight weeks, during which you will work with a start-up on real tasks under the guidance of a company manager and a Ladder Coach. This structure allows you to develop project experience and get feedback in a professional setting, all while working from home. Companies in the program typically raise over a million dollars and are actively scaling, offering you a glimpse into the fast-paced world of start-up innovation. You will also participate in regular check-ins and have access to tools that help you manage your work, build a portfolio, and reflect on your progress. You can explore all the internship formats and areas here on the application form.
5. Sickkids S.T.A.R. (Students Advancing Research) Program
Location: SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer; exact dates vary
Application deadline: Opens in spring
Eligibility: Grade 11 and 12 students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, at least 16 years old, and identifying as Indigenous, Black, or Filipino
The S.T.A.R. program at SickKids is a paid, six-week opportunity to contribute to real scientific work. You will work with a research team at the SickKids Research Institute and complete your own project, presenting it at a research symposium. Alongside your lab work, you will also attend career seminars and mentoring sessions through the Kids Science program, gaining early exposure to professional pathways in STEMM. You will work in a hospital-based research setting, collaborating with professionals in a leading medical institution. The program specifically supports students from underrepresented communities in science and healthcare.
6. University of Toronto’s Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto’s St. George campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application deadline: March 28; applications open on November 13
Eligibility: Black Canadian students in grades 10-11 who are interested in STEM careers
Blueprint is a four-week summer program offered by the U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering to Black high school students with a strong interest in science and engineering. Here, you will engage in university-level courses like mechatronics and engineering in health care, while also learning about the engineering design process through labs and team-based projects. The program, taught by graduate instructors and supported by undergraduate mentors, covers both technical learning and personal development. Outside the classroom, Blueprint offers community-building activities, excursions, and leadership workshops aimed at supporting your journey through high school and beyond. After the summer, you will get to engage in year-long programming that includes academic preparation and leadership study.
7. STEM Fellowship’s Research Exploration Opportunity (REO)
Location: Various universities across Canada
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically runs in summer; exact dates vary
Application deadline: Varies by site
Eligibility: High school students in Canada
The REO program by STEM Fellowship is a multi-institutional experience designed to help high school students experience firsthand what it’s like to work inside a real university research lab. You will work with a graduate student mentor, shadowing them, attending lab meetings, seminars, and participating in basic experiments using modern scientific equipment. The goal is to introduce you to research beyond the classroom and help you learn about STEM fields. The program also includes tours of university facilities and opportunities to learn about the academic and professional aspects of science. While all students are welcome to apply, priority is given to those from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds.
8. ELITE Program for Black Youth – Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
Location: Various sites across Canada (including universities, industry, and government labs); some virtual components may be possible
Cost: No cost; paid opportunity (full-time or part-time)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8–16 weeks; typically July–August for high school students
Application deadline: The portal opens in November each year
Eligibility: Black youth who are high school students, post-secondary students, or transitioning into post-secondary education and are 15–22 years old
Designed to connect Black youth with opportunities in emerging technologies, the ELITE Program combines paid internships with training in innovation, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Depending on your availability, you can choose between full-time or part-time placements, where you will work with industry, university, or government partners and gain professional work experience. The internships are designed to help you build technical skills in areas like robotics, manufacturing, or biomedical technologies while also offering training in leadership and business development. You will be matched with a host based on your interests and goals. In addition to technical training, the program offers counselling and coaching to help you adapt to the expectations of a professional environment.
9. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 2 – August (end date not specified)
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who are at least 16 years old and legally authorized to work in Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre offers summer research experiences in its Focused Ultrasound Lab to high schoolers. Here, you will contribute to the lab’s ongoing research in the fields of tech, medicine, physics, engineering, and biology. You may engage in project work, such as investigating the impact of focused ultrasound on various mechanisms, designing circuit boards, and conducting experimental work. Throughout the session, you will gain insight into medicine, research, and device development.
10. YMCA Youth Leadership Programs
Location: YMCA of Greater Toronto, Ontario (multiple locations across the GTA)
Cost: None
Dates: Available year-round and in the summer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students, ages 11–18
The YMCA Youth Leadership Development (YLD) and Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) programs are designed to help you strengthen leadership and communication skills while also earning volunteer hours. The YLD program offers opportunities to participate in activities like group projects, workshops, and community engagement to help you become more confident and socially aware. If you are new to Canada, NYLD provides additional support for adjusting to your new environment, learning about Canadian society, and improving your English in a friendly and inclusive space. Both programs include opportunities to volunteer, meet peers, and explore your interests through youth-led initiatives. You will work with facilitators and peers to plan and deliver projects that reflect your leadership journey.
11. U of T’s CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges
Location: University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: 725 CAD/week (domestic) | 1,100 CAD/week (international)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
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: Round 1: February 25 – March 23 | Round 2: March 24 – April 13 | April 14 – May 4 | Round 4: Rolling starting from May 5
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12 who have completed grade-level math and science courses
CREATE, a summer program run by the U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, introduces high school students to engineering design challenges. You will participate in a week-long session that mirrors how engineering students work by identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, and testing prototypes based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Course offerings vary by grade level, with topics ranging from robotics and biomedical devices to transportation systems and software engineering. The program includes labwork, small-group collaboration, and presentations that reflect the full design process. You will also get to learn from current U of T students, who share their experience navigating university-level STEM programs. Site visits and interaction with research labs are part of the experience.
12. University of Toronto Law Youth Summer Program
Location: University of Toronto's Faculty of Law, Toronto, Canada
Cost: 1,175 CAD + non-refundable 98 CAD registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 60 students/week
Dates: Multiple modules available from June to July
Application deadline: Registration opens on February 12
Eligibility: Canadian and international students in grades 10 to 12
If you are curious about how the legal system works or are thinking about law as a future career path, the University of Toronto’s Law Youth Summer Program (YSP) is a chance to experience college-level law education firsthand. The program takes place at U of T’s Faculty of Law and offers several themed modules such as criminal law, international law, corporate law, and social justice. Each module includes lectures, simulations, and workshops led by legal scholars, practicing lawyers, and guest speakers, with activities like mock trials, legal debates, and visits to courtrooms and law firms. During the program, you will examine how legal reasoning is applied in real cases and explore the roles of lawyers, judges, and policymakers.
13. U of T’s Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP)
Location: University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: $725 CAD/week (domestic) | 1,100 CAD/week (international)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
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: Round 1: February 25 – March 23 | Round 2: March 24 – April 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12 who have completed grade-level math and science courses
If you want to dive into engineering and science topics beyond the regular high school curriculum, the Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) at the University of Toronto offers a range of intensive summer courses in STEM. DEEP offers instruction and activities in advanced topics like self-driving robotics, biomedical engineering, machine learning, and environmental chemistry in a university setting. The program is taught by graduate students and researchers from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. You will learn how to work with real engineering tools and lab equipment and collaborate with peers from Canada and beyond to develop experimentation and critical thinking skills. Courses are divided by grade level, and you can choose from a list of specialized topics that match your interests.
14. University of Toronto Math Academy
Location: University of Toronto’s St. George campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: 450 CAD + tax
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~ 25 students
Dates: August 11 – 15
Application deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
The University of Toronto Math Academy is a one-week summer program for high school students who have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy tackling abstract, theoretical problems. Admission is competitive and based on a written problem set and personal statement. If selected, you will join a small cohort to explore a single advanced topic such as graph theory, prime numbers, or knot theory in depth, guided by faculty, graduate students, and researchers from U of T’s Department of Mathematics. The focus is on exploring unfamiliar mathematical concepts through group problem-solving, discussion, and creative reasoning, rather than practicing standard techniques. You will engage in what mathematicians call “real math”, asking questions, forming conjectures, and looking at patterns in new ways.
15. University of Waterloo’s Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual with an optional in-person lab day at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON (about 1 hour away from Toronto, ON)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 200 students
Dates: Virtual: August 11 – 15; In-person lab day: August 18
Application deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12 in Canada (e.g., Secondary V and CÉGEP in Québec); enrolled in or have completed grade 11 mathematics
The Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) is a week-long academic program hosted by the Institute for Quantum Computing. You will join students from across Canada to study foundational topics in quantum mechanics, cryptography, and quantum computing through a mix of lectures, problem-solving sessions, and discussions led by researchers in the field. The program will introduce you to key concepts like entanglement, superposition, and linear algebra in an accessible yet intellectually challenging way. You will learn how quantum technology is being used to transform fields like communication, computing, and imaging. Throughout the week, you will also have the opportunity to interact with graduate students and faculty, ask questions about careers in physics and engineering, and get a preview of cutting-edge research.