14 Summer Programs for High School Students in Vancouver
If you are a high school student, a summer program could be a good way to utilise your summer break to learn more about your fields of interest. Summer programs are an effective way for you to gain exposure to practical skills and professional environments. They combine practical learning, giving you a chance to work in labs or with top-tier equipment, with valuable opportunities to build networks and gain mentorship.
Vancouver is host to various prestigious universities and organizations that offer summer programs across disciplines, from technology and business to the arts and sciences. Participating in such programs helps students enhance their knowledge, build confidence, and prepare for future pursuits. In-city students could save on long-distance travel with these local programs. If you are eager to expand their learning beyond the classroom, summer programs are a worthwhile path.
To guide you, we’ve compiled a list of the top 14 summer programs for high school students in Vancouver.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate: Low - moderate selectivity
Application Deadline: November 22 - January 19
Dates: 8 weeks in the Summer with flexible start and end dates
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; 16 years old by internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship designed for high school students with an interest in fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you are paired with a local mentor to guide your experience. Depending on location, internships may involve fieldwork, lab analysis, data management, or community outreach. Activities could include water quality testing, electrofishing, or habitat restoration projects. Participants complete biweekly time sheets and submit both a mid-summer and final report. The program serves as an introduction to career paths in fisheries biology and environmental sciences.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
Veritas AI, founded by Harvard alumni, provides research opportunities for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session introductory course covering the fundamentals of AI and data science through real-world projects. It is designed for students who are new to the field and want a strong foundation. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers one-on-one mentorship and a personalised research project. Fellows also receive support to publish their work in high school journals and present it in showcases. To learn more, check out past student projects here.
3. VFS Intro to Animation, Film & Design Intensive
Location: Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $500
Application Deadline: One week prior to workshop start date
Dates: July 14 - July 18
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The VFS Intro to Animation, Film & Design Intensive gives you a five-day overview of core creative disciplines in media arts. You’ll learn how animation, film, and design combine to produce engaging content. Sessions cover idea generation, storyboarding, 2D design, and digital filmmaking techniques. You’ll also practice editing, lighting, and sound design while working on a portfolio-ready project. Instruction is hands-on and uses software like Adobe Illustrator, Premiere, and After Effects. This program introduces you to the workflows and skills needed for careers in visual media.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students; No previous experience necessary
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with the chance to pursue personalised research across multiple disciplines. As a participant, you’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor to design and carry out an independent project. The program runs for 12 weeks, during which you’ll work one-on-one to develop and complete a full research paper. You can choose from subjects such as psychology, computer science, data science, international relations, and more. Applications are available through the provided link.
5. VFS Digital Design – Motion Design Intensive
Location: Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $500
Application Deadline: One week prior to workshop start date
Dates: July 7 – July 11
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The VFS Digital Design – Motion Design Intensive is a five-day workshop that introduces you to the art and practice of motion design. You’ll begin by interpreting a song and developing a visual narrative to complement the music. Using Adobe After Effects, you’ll design a looping reel similar to those seen on platforms like Spotify or Instagram. Along the way, you’ll also gain experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro. Skills covered include asset creation, video editing, animation, and motion tracking. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have completed a rendered project that showcases your technical and creative growth.
6. Geering Up
Location: UBC (Vancouver), UBCO (Kelowna), and South Surrey
Cost: $440 – $500
Application Deadline: Registration for each camp closes on Sunday, the week before the camp begins
Dates: Depends on the program you apply for
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8-12
Geering Up at UBC offers week-long summer programs designed to introduce high school students to the world of engineering and technology. You’ll take part in hands-on projects and experiments that make complex concepts engaging and practical. Themes range from introductory programs in engineering and machine learning to advanced camps in robotics, biomedical engineering, and mechanical systems. Specialised tracks, including All Girls Explorations in Engineering, provide a supportive environment to explore STEM. Whether you’re new to engineering or looking to deepen your skills, these programs emphasise creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
7. VFS Game Design Intensive
Location: Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $825
Application Deadline: One week prior to workshop start date
Dates: July 14 - July 18
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program
The VFS Game Design Intensive is a summer program that introduces you to the fundamentals of video game creation. Over the course of the workshop, you’ll explore the full development process from initial concept to a playable prototype. Instructors guide you through areas like level design, storytelling, game art, and programming tools. You’ll use Unity to bring characters and environments to life while gaining experience with core design principles. By the end, you’ll prototype your own online game and begin building a portfolio. The program provides a hands-on look at what professional game designers do daily.
8. Film Production & Screenwriting at the University of British Columbia
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $4,095
Application Deadline: Applications remain open till spots fill up
Dates: July 14 - July 22
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14 and 18 who have completed at least one year of high school.
The Film Production & Screenwriting program at UBC introduces you to the creative and technical sides of filmmaking. You’ll study scriptwriting, including formatting, dialogue, and story design, alongside workshops in cinematography and shot composition. The program emphasises teamwork, showing you how to build a production crew and collaborate effectively. Through guided exercises, you’ll write and produce a short film. Field trips such as Vancouver Studio Tours and visits to the VIFF Centre expand your understanding of the film industry. This immersive approach gives you a complete look at the storytelling process.
9. Marine Biology at the University of British Columbia
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $4,295
Application Deadline: Applications remain open till spots fill up
Dates: July 14 - July 22 | July 26 - August 3
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14-18 who have completed at least one year of high school.
The Marine Biology program at UBC offers an in-depth exploration of ocean ecosystems. You’ll design conservation strategies for coral reefs, examine marine anatomy, and identify local fish species. Through simulated field surveys, you’ll learn about biodiversity and ecosystem management. Trips include experiences like a whale watching cruise, tidepooling, and a bioluminescence kayak tour. Visits to marine research centres provide insights into ongoing studies in ocean science. By combining workshops with field activities, the program gives you a comprehensive introduction to marine biology.
10. Environmental Science & Sustainability at University of British Columbia
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $4,095
Application Deadline: Applications remain open till spots fill up
Dates: July 14 - July 22 | July 26 - August 3
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14-18 who have completed at least one year of high school.
At the Environmental Science & Sustainability program at the University of British Columbia, you’ll explore the science behind building a greener future. Over the course of the program, you will engage in workshops on environmental science, sustainability practices, and conservation strategies. Hands-on sessions allow you to analyse ecosystems and develop resource preservation tactics. Trips may include visits to the VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and whale-watching excursions. These experiences combine classroom learning with field-based exploration to help you understand the challenges and opportunities in environmental science.
11. UBC Future Global Leaders
Location: University of British Columbia
Cost: The program cost details can be found here
Application Deadline: First-come first first-served basis
Dates: Session 1: July 7-July 18 |Session 2: July 21 - August 1| Session 3: August 4 -August 15
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18
UBC Future Global Leaders is a pre-university program for students that brings together ambitious learners from around the world. Over two weeks on campus, you’ll take first-year level academic courses taught by UBC professors and instructors, but without the pressure of exams. Courses span subjects like Business, Economics, Engineering, Health Sciences, Media, Law, and Politics. Small class sizes allow you to explore your interests while connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds. Beyond academics, you’ll join social and recreational activities on UBC’s campus. The program is designed to help you experience university learning while preparing for your future.
12. Remote Social Work & NGO Support Internships: Hosted out of India
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,099 – $1,799
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Available year-round; You can start when you like
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with some knowledge of MS Excel
This virtual internship allows you to support NGOs in India that work to uplift underprivileged communities. As an intern, you may contribute to tasks such as drafting reports, organising awareness campaigns, assisting with fundraising, and providing job-related support to women, children, and low-income families. You’ll gain hands-on experience in social work through involvement in advocacy efforts and project-based assignments. The program also offers training modules on topics like social work research and case management. During the internship, you’ll develop key communication and professional skills while demonstrating a commitment to social impact.
13. Remote Legal Support for Human Rights Advocacy Internships: Hosted out of Tanzania
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,099 – $1,799
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Available year-round; you can start when you like
Eligibility: High School Students aged 16+ with relevant study experience in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field such as political science, sociology, African studies, etc.; Knowledge of social media marketing and digital communications is required
Join a remote internship with a Tanzanian law firm or NGO focused on advancing human rights and expanding legal support for marginalised communities. You’ll engage in cases involving family law, labour rights, discrimination, and gender equality. Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, tasks may include drafting legal documents, preparing materials for court cases, and conducting research on human rights laws. The program offers insight into the legal challenges faced by underserved populations in Tanzania. You may also contribute to initiatives addressing anti-human trafficking efforts.
14. Remote Graphic Design & Marketing Internship: Hosted out of Greece
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,099 - $1,799
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Flexible dates and duration
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above with knowledge of social media marketing and digital communications
The Remote Graphic Design & Marketing Internship in Greece allows you to support marine conservation projects. You’ll work with a well-regarded NGO involved in research and environmental protection efforts across the region. As part of the internship, you’ll create materials such as posters, infographics, animations, and illustrations to highlight key environmental challenges. Each project comes with feedback to help refine your skills and approach. Through this experience, you’ll see how design can effectively engage the public and promote conservation action.
Image Source - University of British Columbia logo