If you’re a high school student in Ontario, your summer break can be a great time to explore what you enjoy learning and see how that connects to what you might want to do in the future. One of the best ways to do this is by joining a summer program.
Across Ontario, many universities, hospitals, and learning centers run summer programs for high school students. These programs let you focus on one subject for a week or more. You might work in a lab, attend lectures, join group projects, or complete assignments in areas like science, engineering, medicine, writing, or the arts.
By joining a summer program, you get to experience what a subject looks like beyond school. You also start to figure out what kind of work you enjoy, and whether that subject is something you want to study in college or consider for a career. These experiences also give you something solid to include on your resume or discuss in college applications.
To help you find something that fits, here’s a list of 17 summer programs for high school students in Ontario!
17 Summer Programs for High School Students in Ontario
1. University of Toronto Medicine Youth Summer Program
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Ontario
Cost: $1,668
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: Varies by modules
Eligibility: Grades 10 to 12; Grade 9 students are eligible for Module 4: Microbiology – Learn To Appreciate The Little Things In Life
In the University of Toronto Youth Summer Program – Medicine, you spend one-week exploring medical science through labs and lectures at the university’s Medical Sciences Building. You study topics like physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and genetics. Each module includes hands-on activities. You might measure your heart rate, extract DNA, or analyze bacteria using lab tools. You also attend sessions led by doctors and researchers on topics such as drug development, forensic genetics, and the role of microbes in health.
2. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Discovery Healthcare Camp
Location: Western University, Ontario
Cost: $325.99 (plus tax)
Application Deadline: Registrations open on March 1
Dates: Week 1: July 7- July 11; Week 2: July 14 – July 18
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-13 as of September and living in Ontario, Canada
Discovery Healthcare Camp is a one-week summer experience for high school students in Southwestern Ontario who are curious about medicine and public health. Led by medical students from Western University, you’ll explore how healthcare systems work and how social factors shape health in local communities. Each campsite offers an individual look at regional healthcare challenges and services. You’ll take part in activities focused on mentorship, community outreach, and exposure to clinical settings.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
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 12-week online research program for high school students. You’re matched with a PhD mentor from a top university and meet one-on-one each week to work on an independent research project. By the end of the program, you complete a full research paper. You can choose a topic in psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, political science, international relations, or a related field. Lumiere offers different tracks, including one that supports research publication in high school journals.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
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. In the AI Scholars Program, you attend 10 sessions where you’re introduced to core concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science. You also complete a small project based on real-world applications.
If you already have experience, the AI Fellowship lets you work one-on-one with a mentor from a university. You build an independent project and can access their publication support team to help submit your work to student research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
5. Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto – Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: University of Toronto’s St. George campus, Ontario
Stipend: $1,600
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 1
Dates: July 2- July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 who self-identify as Indigenous or Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, or multi-racial students; must be at least 16 years of age by June 30
Summer Mentorship Program – Temerty Faculty of Medicine is a four-week experience for high school students who want to explore careers in health science. You’ll take part in lectures, labs, and team projects while learning about fields like nursing, kinesiology, pharmacy, and social work. Throughout the program, you’ll be matched with a student mentor studying in one of the health disciplines. They’ll support you as you work through assignments, get to know the university setting, and connect with professionals across the healthcare field.
6. Engineering Immersive Experience at McMaster University
Location: McMaster University, Ontario
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Offered as a 5-day program across five sessions: July 7–11, 14–18, 21–25, 28–August 1, and August 11–15.
Eligibility: Students entering Grades 9-12 as of September
Engineering Immersive Experience at McMaster University gives high school students a hands-on introduction to STEM through lab-based learning and engineering tools. You’ll explore key concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics while applying practical methods like 3D printing, soldering, and prototyping. The heart of the program is a weeklong project where you’ll work in teams to solve real-world problems using interdisciplinary approaches.
7. Summer enrichment programs for teens at Ottawa University
Location: University of Ottawa, Ontario
Cost: $370 per week ($300 per week for four-day week programs)
Application Deadline: Registrations are open till spots are filled up
Dates: Multiple 1-week programs running from June – August
Eligibility: Completion of Grades 9-12 by summer
University of Ottawa Summer Enrichment Programs give high school students a chance to dive into STEM through hands-on projects and university-level learning. You can explore fields like computer science, engineering, and biomedical science while working in real labs alongside university instructors.
Each week features mentorship sessions with students, faculty, and industry experts who help guide your work and answer your questions. In engineering, you might design a prosthetic or create an environmental solution with 3D printing. Computer science options range from beginner coding to advanced topics like machine learning.
8. CREATE Weekends
Location: University of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $450 per course
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill up
Dates: May 31, June 7, and June 14
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
CREATE Weekends is a hands-on STEM program where high school students explore engineering through real-world design challenges. Guided by university mentors, you’ll use concepts from math, science, and technology to solve problems related to sustainability, innovation, and global issues. Each weekend session is all about teamwork, you’ll build, test, and improve creative solutions with other students while learning how engineers tackle complex challenges.
9. CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges
Location: University of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $725/week for domestic students; $1100/week for international students
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed in 4 rounds from February – May
Dates: July 7–August 22
Eligibility: Students in Grades 9–12
CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges is a one-week summer program at the University of California, Irvine. You’ll solve real-world engineering problems through daily hands-on projects. You’ll learn and use skills like CAD modeling, prototyping, data collection, and analysis. You’ll work in teams, use tools like 3D printers and Arduino kits, and complete design challenges focused on clean energy, water systems, and sustainability. The program includes lab sessions, site visits, and mentorship from UC Irvine faculty and engineering students.
10. DEEP Summer Academy
Location: University of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $725/week for domestic students; $1100/week for international students
Application Deadline: March 23
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
At DEEP Summer Academy, you take university-level STEM courses designed for high school students. The program is run by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and taught by graduate students and researchers. You’ll use lab tools, complete project-based assignments, and take part in lectures and discussions on advanced topics in science and engineering. You’ll build skills in research, design, technical writing, and academic communication. You’ll also work with students who have similar interests and solve complex problems together in a structured academic setting.
11. Emily Stowe Scholar Program
Location: Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
Stipend: 17.2/hour
Application Deadline: Applications open in December
Dates: July 8 – August 16
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grade 11 or 12 of high school and/or will be graduating in June; At least 16 years old by the program start date of July 7; Must have previously taken grade 11/12 Biology and Chemistry; Self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or racialized women, 2SLGBTQI+, trans, two-spirit, non-binary, and persons with a disability
As part of the Emily Stowe Scholars Program, you’ll spend six weeks doing full-time health research at Women’s College Hospital. You’ll work on research projects alongside staff in a collaborative setting. You’ll take part in weekly reflection sessions, seminars, and panel discussions focused on health equity and research practices. You’ll also attend networking events with professionals in medicine and research. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at the Research Symposium to an audience of peers, mentors, and healthcare professionals.
12. Design with Python (Beginner)
Location: Ontario Tech University, Ontario
Cost: $325
Application Deadline: Registrations are open till spots fill up
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: Ages 14 to 17
In Design with Python, you start coding from the first day using a hands-on approach to learn Python fundamentals. You’ll work through structured problem-solving tasks and use design-based thinking to approach each project. You’ll explore how Python is applied in data analysis, game development, and basic artificial intelligence. The program includes real-world examples to show how coding connects to broader social and technical issues. Instructors with experience in engineering and youth education will guide you throughout the program.
13. Connected Engineering
Location: Ontario Tech University, Ontario
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Registrations are open till spots fill up
Dates: August 11 – August 15
Eligibility: High school girls ages 14 to 17
Connected Engineering is a one-week camp where you explore multiple engineering disciplines through daily interactive sessions. You’ll apply the Engineering Design Process to complete a final project that addresses real-world challenges. Each activity is designed to promote problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. With the support of engineering-focused counselors, you’ll gain experience working in teams and developing prototypes.
14. Math Quest
Location: Queen’s University, Ontario
Cost: $300; additional fee of $796 + HST for the residential program
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until the available spots are filled
Dates: August 11 – August 15
Eligibility: Girls entering grade 9 or returning to high school for September
Math Quest is a summer camp for high school girls interested in exploring mathematics through hands-on, problem-solving activities. Sessions are designed and led by female graduate students and professionals in math, physics, and statistics. The content changes yearly and may include topics such as the four-color theorem, trigonometry applications, and math in astronomy. You’ll engage with interdisciplinary problems that connect math to science and the arts. Activities have included estimating the gravitational constant and solving group challenges using limited digits and operations.
15. Queen’s University’s Summer of Science
Location: Queen’s University, Ontario/ Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 21
Dates: 3 sessions weekly for 4 weeks from July to August
Eligibility: High school students
In the Summer of Science at Queen’s University, you’ll gain hands-on experience with scientific processes like forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and presenting findings. Guided by undergraduates and researchers from the McDonald Institute and C2MCI, you’ll explore areas such as particle physics, astronomy, and industrial chemistry. The program emphasizes how science is practiced – through inquiry, data analysis, and collaboration. You may recreate at-home experiments and discuss results with your cohort. Topics include the standard model, chemical equations, and neutrino research.
16. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute of their homes
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: January 19
Dates: 8 weeks in the Summer with flexible start and end dates
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors aged 16 and above by the start of the internship
Through the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, you’ll take part in an eight-week paid internship that immerses you in the world of aquatic science. As a high school student, you’ll be paired with a mentor and work in environments like rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. Your responsibilities may include fish surveys, water quality assessments, or fieldwork requiring snorkeling. The program involves a variety of settings—offices, labs, boats, and outdoor sites—depending on your mentor’s research. Interns are required to submit weekly time sheets and two final reports. Internships are offered across the U.S. and may involve travel.
17. Fulford’s Summer Camp Program
Location: Fulford Academy, Merrickville, Ontario
Cost/Stipend: CAD 4,000
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Dates: July 7 – July 27
Eligibility: Fulford’s Summer Camp Program
Fulford’s Entrepreneurship & Sustainability Camp offers a three-week immersive experience combining English language development and global project work. You’ll participate in real-world initiatives inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, collaborating with peers from around the world. Afternoons and weekends feature kayaking, hiking, campfires, and city visits to Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls. The program provides residence housing, meals, snacks, and custodianship, plus airport pick-up and drop-off. Included are learning materials, health insurance, branded clothing, and a completion certificate.
One more option – the Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Fulford Academy