If you’re a high school student in Canada interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, there are several STEM programs available that can help you explore these fields in more depth. These programs often include workshops, coursework, or hands-on projects that provide opportunities to build skills and explore various areas within STEM.
Many STEM programs for high school students in Canada are offered through universities, research institutes, or local organizations in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Whether you’re still exploring your interests or already focused on a specific subject, participating in a structured STEM program can help you learn more about the field and how it connects to real-world work.
Here are 15 STEM programs for high school students in Canada!
15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Canada
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Varies by cohort (multiple in a year)
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week academic experience designed for high school students interested in conducting independent research. During the program, you’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will support you as you design, carry out, and complete a research project. You can choose from various topics in STEM, such as engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, neuroscience, and medicine. By the end of the program, you will have produced a research paper that summarizes your work and findings. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students from around the world
Veritas AI provides programs for high school students who want to learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. The AI Scholars program is a beginner-level course made up of 10 sessions, where you’ll study key ideas in AI and data science and complete a project that applies these concepts to a practical issue. If you already have experience in the field or a strong interest, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers an opportunity to work one-on-one with a university-affiliated mentor. In this program, you’ll design and carry out a research project. Veritas AI also offers guidance on preparing your work for submission to research journals geared toward high school students.
3. High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program
Location: University of Alberta in Edmonton
Cost/Stipend: No cost; 15 CAD/hour for 30-35 hours/week
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: July 3 – August 14
Eligibility: Students who have completed specific grade 11 courses, reside in or north of Red Deer, are legally eligible to work in Canada, and have an interest in health/medical sciences
The Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program at the University of Alberta is a 4 to 6-week paid opportunity for high school students to take part in health-related research. You’ll assist university researchers with projects that may involve topics such as digital health, data-driven approaches in healthcare, and health system innovation. During the program, you’ll gain experience with basic lab procedures, data collection, and analysis. You’ll also develop skills in scientific writing and presenting research findings. In addition to the research work, the program includes workshops, lectures, and mentoring sessions focused on exploring different paths within health research and related fields.
4. Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual/In-person at the University of Waterloo
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: June 8
Program Dates: August 11 – 15 + August 18 (optional in-person lab day)
Eligibility: High school students with a strong mathematical background; The in-person lab day is only open to Waterloo region students
The Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) is an academic program organized by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo for high school students with an interest in quantum science. Through lectures, group activities, and guided discussions, you’ll study key topics in quantum physics and learn how they apply to current research and technology. Each year, up to 200 students are selected to take part in the program. You’ll examine concepts such as superposition and entanglement, and explore how quantum principles are being used in areas like computing, secure communication, and imaging. The program also includes opportunities to connect with researchers and gain insight into ongoing work in the field.
5. fem+ Mentorship Program
Location: University of Alberta in Edmonton
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications typically open at the end of August or in early September
Program Dates: 7 months from October – May
Eligibility: Women, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQ+ high school students
The Faculty of Engineering’s fem+ program is a 7-month mentorship opportunity for high school students who identify as women, non-binary, or 2SLGBTQ+ and are considering a future in engineering. As part of the program, you’ll be matched with a current engineering student who will support you in learning about different areas within the field and the process of applying to university. In addition to individual mentorship, it includes group sessions focused on topics such as engineering design, problem-solving, and the role of engineers in addressing practical challenges.
6. Youreka Canada
Location: In-person at various locations throughout Canada, depending on the program
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 28 (Kingston) | January 6 (all other locations)
Program Dates: Typically runs for 10 weeks
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
During the Youreka Canada program, you’ll work on a citizen science project with guidance from an undergraduate student mentor. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in areas such as data analysis, academic writing, and presenting research findings. Students are matched with mentors from universities across Canada and supported in designing and carrying out their own research project. The program also includes opportunities to share your work at regional and national symposiums.
7. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program – Medicine Track
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: 1,668 CAD + 98 CAD registration fee; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: February 12 – April 30
Program Dates: Depending on the module
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12; Grade 9 students can apply for the Microbiology module
Med YSP is a program that offers high school students a chance to study topics in science and medicine through four separate one-week modules. Each module focuses on a specific area within the medical sciences and combines lectures, lab activities, and group discussions. In the Human Physiology module, you’ll examine how systems like the cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems function. The Pharmacology & Toxicology module introduces how different substances interact with the body at the molecular level. The Molecular Biology and Genetics module includes topics such as DNA analysis, gene editing, and basic forensic methods. In the Microbiology module, you’ll learn laboratory techniques for identifying and studying microorganisms.
8. STEM Co-Operative Placement Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Rolling; Limited spots available, so apply early
Program Dates: Semester-based; Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions available
Eligibility: Canadian high school students in grades 11-12 completing a school-supported co-op placement
The STEM Co-Operative Placement Program is an online co-op opportunity for high school students interested in science communication and space-related topics. In this program, you’ll work in a small team to develop educational materials focused on areas such as chemistry, planetary science, and Canadian space research. Your work will involve research, coding, project planning, and developing presentation skills. With only two or three students per placement, the program offers regular guidance and feedback. You’ll contribute to the creation of resources intended for use in science outreach and education.
9. RBC Summer Tech Labs
Location: Virtual/In-person hybrid
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Opens in Spring
Program Dates: July 2 – August 200
Eligibility: Students in grades 11-12 currently enrolled in an Ontario high school with an interest in computer science, engineering, or entrepreneurship
RBC Summer Tech Labs is an eight-week paid program for high school students in Ontario with an interest in coding, technology, and design. As a participant, you’ll join a small team in the role of Innovation Developer and work on creating prototype solutions for real-world challenges faced by RBC. The program involves using tools such as JavaScript, React.js, and GitHub to develop and test your ideas. You’ll apply design thinking principles, receive feedback from mentors and RBC staff, and learn how to revise your work based on testing and collaboration. Along the way, you’ll build practical skills in software development, teamwork, and communication.
10. SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Stipend: Varies; Some positions are paid or grant-funded, others are voluntary
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: 15 weeks from May to mid-August
Eligibility: Final year high school students and undergraduate students
The SSuRe Program at SickKids is designed for students conducting summer research at the hospital’s Research Institute. If a SickKids researcher agrees to supervise your work, you can participate in weekly seminars and attend a career event featuring research professionals. After the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present your project at the Summer Student Symposium. Some participants may receive recognition for their work. There is no centralized application process; you need to apply directly to individual researchers or labs. Once you have a supervisor, you can take part in all SSuRe activities regardless of your funding source.
11. seed2STEM Summer Research Program
Location: Metro Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia
Stipend: 3,000 CAD
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: July 7 – August 15
Eligibility: Indigenous high school students in grades 9-12 in Metro Vancouver or Kelowna; Eligible to work in Canada
The seed2STEM program is a six-week paid summer internship for Indigenous high school students in British Columbia. During the program, you’ll work alongside university researchers at UBC or affiliated labs in fields such as neuroscience, engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics. In addition to research activities, the program includes weekly workshops, guest lectures, field trips, and cultural events. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your research at a symposium.
12. Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program
Location: Various universities in Canada
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 20
Program Dates: Varies by college
Eligibility: Students who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit and are currently enrolled in grades 11 or 12
The VJKF Program provides Indigenous high school students (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) with the opportunity to spend one week at a university exploring science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. You will collaborate with professors and graduate students on research projects, gaining experience in research methods, data collection, and analysis. While on campus, you’ll have the chance to connect with mentors and learn about resources available to support your success in higher education. The program also focuses on developing skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving to help prepare you for further education and careers in STEM.
13. (WISEST) Summer Research Program
Location: University of Alberta
Cost: Free unless you need housing, which is expected to be 1,507 CAD; Students are paid 15 CAD per hour
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates: July 3 – August 14
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11-12
During the WISEST Summer Research Program at the University of Alberta, you’ll help with activities such as data collection, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. You’ll also develop skills in presenting your research and improving your writing and communication. The program includes lab tours, professional development sessions, and chances to meet people working in STEM fields.
14. University of Toronto Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: November 13 – March 28
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Black students in grades 10 and 11
During the Blueprint program, you’ll study the engineering design process, take courses such as Engineering and Human Health or Mechatronics and Automation, and work on hands-on projects in lab settings. The program also includes mentorship from undergraduate and graduate students, activities to build community, and workshops on leadership and preparing for university. After the summer, you can participate in ongoing events and access academic support throughout the school year.
15. (ELITE) Program for Black Youth
Location: Alberta and Edmonton, Canada
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: None
Program Dates: Varies based on the chosen program
Eligibility: High school students, current post-secondary students, or those accepted into post-secondary programs (ages 15-22)
In the ELITE Program for Black Youth, you’ll work with partners from universities, industry, or government, gaining practical experience in fields such as robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and tissue engineering. The program includes training in leadership and entrepreneurship, as well as coaching to support your professional development and resilience. You’ll collaborate with professionals like teachers, engineers, scientists, and technologists from the University of Alberta, InnoTech Alberta, and other organizations.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in STEM, 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 – University of Toronto