15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Ontario
- Stephen Turban
- 1 hour ago
- 11 min read
If you are a high school student in Ontario looking for a productive way to spend your school break, a summer program is worth considering! Summer offers time and opportunities that can help explore your academic and career interests beyond the classroom.
Why do a summer program in high school?
Summer programs can help you experience college-level academics, work on hands-on projects, and interact with peers who share your interests. Whether you are interested in science, business, the arts, or leadership, summer programs help you develop practical skills and get a feel for life beyond high school.
Many programs also include opportunities to work with mentors, visit real-world sites, and build connections that could support your future academic or professional goals. Some even offer college credits, community service hours, and/or formal certificates of achievement.
To help you get started, we have come up with a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Ontario. We have focused on academically rigorous programs that offer strong networking or mentorship opportunities, are free or fully funded where possible, and are hosted by respected institutions, such as known universities or research centers.
If you’re looking for programs specifically in Toronto, please check out our blog here.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid 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 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, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
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 and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: University of Toronto campuses in St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough, ON
Cost / Stipend: Varies by program; some are free or offer financial aid
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: May–August; exact dates vary by program
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students | Some programs are merit-based or have subject-specific prerequisites
The University of Toronto hosts a range of summer programs for high school students across multiple disciplines, including architecture, engineering, law, medicine, math, and drama. Most programs include lectures, hands-on projects, and subject-specific coursework designed by university faculty. You may work on design challenges, advanced math problem sets, legal case simulations, or science labs, depending on your interests. Some offerings, like Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag, include paid fieldwork and mentorship for Indigenous students. Program formats vary, and many offer need-based financial aid or are available at no cost to attend.
Location: University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Cost / Stipend: $600 + HST; includes program materials, career workshops, and one-on-one advising
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 14 – 25
Application deadline: Rolling until seats are filled
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 or recent high school graduates | Ages 15–19
Own Your Future Career Camp is a two-week summer program designed to help high school students explore post-secondary pathways and career options. Through workshops led by the university’s career advisors, you will learn how to assess your interests and strengths, write resumes, navigate job markets, and prepare for interviews. The program includes daily guided sessions, career panels, and networking with faculty from across seven University of Guelph colleges. As a participant, you will also build a personalized action plan and receive one-on-one advice to support your academic and career goals. You will also get to meet experts from the University of Guelph’s various colleges. All sessions are in-person and structured to allow active participation.
Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Cost / Stipend: $700 + HST; includes housing, meals, field trips, and evening programming; bursaries available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: 20 students selected each year
Program dates: August 10 – 16
Application deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11 and 12 in September
GeoX is a one-week residential camp focused on Earth and Environmental Sciences, hosted by the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo. You will participate in lab sessions, hands-on mapping, and fieldwork, including fossil hunting, water and soil sampling, and a tour of an active mine site. The program also offers opportunities to work with industry tools and instruments under guidance, attend lectures from university faculty, and interact with current students. During the program, you will stay on campus, experience university life, and attend evening events. If you are admitted to a Faculty of Science program at Waterloo after attending GeoX, you will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.
Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Cost / Stipend: $715 + HST; bursaries available covering up to 95% of the fee; optional overnight accommodations $1,625 – $1,850 (including taxes)
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: 25 students per session
Program dates: July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 11 – 22
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Students entering grade 10 or higher in September; applicants complete an online video-based assessment; space limited
Catalyst is a two-week summer program that introduces high school students to STEM, engineering, and entrepreneurship through hands-on projects and real-world challenges. The program offers two tracks, Traditional Catalyst covering STEM and design, and Catalyst: Early Entrepreneurs, which focuses on business and innovation in partnership with the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business. Activities in the traditional program include lab simulations, soldering, cryptography, startup pitch competitions, and faculty-led workshops. The Catalyst: Early Entrepreneurs offers hands-on experiences to help you build problem-solving skills, come up with ideas, and explore the basics of building a business. Both experiences can help you develop leadership abilities.
Location: Online with optional in-person lab day at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Cost / Stipend: Free; transportation for optional lab day not covered
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: August 11 – 15; optional lab day August 18
Application deadline: June 8
Eligibility: High school students
QSYS is an intensive, week-long summer program in quantum science and technology, hosted by the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing. The program selects up to 200 students based on their scientific curiosity and interest in the field. The program introduces you to complex topics such as quantum mechanics, entanglement, quantum computing, and cryptography through expert lectures, problem-solving sessions, and small-group discussions. You will get to develop a foundational understanding of the mathematics behind quantum science, including linear algebra and complex numbers. You will also have access to the mentorship of quantum researchers during the program. The experience is fully online, with an optional in-person lab day offered to students in the Waterloo region.
Location: Online (via Google Classroom and Zoom)
Cost / Stipend: Free
Program dates: July 21 – 25 | July 28 – August 1
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Girls and gender-diverse students, ages 13–18, who self-identify as Black or from other underrepresented groups
FLIGHT is a two-week virtual summer camp focused on tech entrepreneurship and innovation, hosted by the Women in Computer Science group at the University of Waterloo. Here, you will work in teams to design a tech-driven business idea aligned with a UN Sustainable Development Goal, moving through stages of problem definition, market research, prototyping, and pitching. The program includes workshops on design thinking, Figma prototyping, branding, and public speaking. Each team will present its solution to a panel of judges at the final showcase. You will also attend a one-day professional development conference. You will have access to support from mentors, guest speakers, and coaches throughout the program.
Location: Online
Cost / Stipend: $250
Program dates: June 30 – August 15
Application deadline: June 6
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one grade 11 university-stream mathematics course
This asynchronous online course is offered by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing at the University of Waterloo. Designed for high schoolers interested in mathematics, this program can help you develop advanced problem-solving strategies across topics such as pattern recognition, working backward, and case-based reasoning. If you are planning to pursue mathematics, engineering, computer science, or physical sciences at university, the course offers weekly graded quizzes and assignments with personalized feedback to help you assess your skills. You will interact with peers through online discussion boards, get guidance from instructors, and engage with challenging problems inspired by math contests and enrichment programs. If you earn a final course grade of 70% or more, you will get a Certificate of Achievement.
10. Youth International English Program’s Global Commerce Course @ University of Toronto, New College
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost / Stipend: $5,400 for three-week base program; $900 optional Global Commerce Course add-on (Total: $6,300). Covers classes, accommodation, meals, excursions, supervision, and health insurance.
Program dates: June 15 – July 5 | July 6 – 26 | July 27 – August 16
Application deadline: Rolling; apply early to secure preferred session
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with intermediate or higher English proficiency
This three-week summer course is designed for high school students interested in commerce and global business communication. Through interactive classes and real-world case studies, you will learn how to communicate effectively in leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurship contexts. The curriculum focuses on helping you improve core language proficiency in professional settings, drawing content from office communication situations, social media, and various management styles. You will participate in activities and discussions and get to apply the skills you learn to global commerce settings. You will also complete a final project and receive a certificate of completion from the University of Toronto. Class placement is based on an English proficiency assessment and a one-on-one interview.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost / Stipend: $6,100 for international students; $4,725 for Canadian students. Includes accommodation, meals, excursions, health insurance for international students, and full program activities.
Dates: June 15 – July 5 | July 6 – 26 | July 27 – August 16
Application deadline: Rolling; early submission recommended due to limited space
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with advanced English proficiency
The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) is a three-week summer academic experience meant for high school students interested in engaging in university-level coursework. You will choose a subject area such as World Economics, Law & Ethics, Sciences, or Social Psychology, and engage in daily seminars, group work, and independent research projects. The curriculum is designed to simulate a Canadian university classroom, culminating in an academic presentation. In addition to coursework, you will participate in evening co-curricular sessions and weekend excursions. This opportunity can help you explore a full English-language academic setting. You will earn a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost / Stipend: $6,100 for international students; $4,725 for Canadian students. Includes accommodation, meals, excursions, health insurance for international students, and full program activities.
Dates: June 15 – July 5 | July 6 – 26 | July 27 – August 16
Application deadline: Rolling; early submission recommended due to limited space
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 with advanced English proficiency
The Global Citizenship Program is a three-week exploration of social issues through a UN Sustainable Development Goals framework. You will work in a team to research and design a solution to a major global issue, such as food insecurity, which you will present at the end of the program. The curriculum includes academic research training, group projects, and workshops on public speaking and presentation. You will also attend guest lectures from U of T faculty and take part in off-campus excursions that support cultural learning and team building. The program ends with a formal showcase and an awarding of a certificate of completion.
Location: Online options available for students in Ontario, Canada
Cost / Stipend: $6,295 USD (≈ $8,586.82 CAD) + $95 USD (≈ $129.59 CAD) application fee; financial aid available
Dates: July 7 – 28
Application deadline: Rolling; early submission recommended
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors worldwide; must be at least 16 years old by program start
Babson Summer Study is a program designed to help high school students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and tackle real-world challenges. As a participant, you’ll earn college credit through the course Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience and explore global issues using the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework. The program blends lectures with collaborative team projects. You will also have access to mentorship from Babson students and opportunities to engage virtually with faculty and industry leaders. The program also offers insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and business communication.
Location: Online courses available for students in Ontario, Canada
Cost: $2,207 per credit (most courses are three credits); additional fees apply
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students meeting course prerequisites; typically rising juniors and seniors
Georgetown University’s Summer College offers opportunities to enroll in undergraduate-level courses across a wide range of subjects, including political science, psychology, anthropology, environmental studies, coding, economics, and more. Courses are taught by Georgetown faculty and follow the same academic rigor as regular college classes. You will study alongside undergraduates, attend lectures and discussions, and receive college credit upon completion. You can choose the online format. Many courses are conducted asynchronously, allowing you to complete coursework at your own pace. This program can help explore academic interests in a university setting.
Cost: FreeLocation: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ONDates: Odyssey: August 5 – 8 | Leader in Training: July – August (exact placement weeks assigned post-acceptance)Application deadline: February 21Eligibility: Self-identifying Black youth entering grades 9–12 in the upcoming school year; Leader in Training is open to students in grades 10–12
University of Waterloo offers free summer programs designed for high school students who identify as Black and are interested in exploring STEM fields in a fun, hands-on way. The Odyssey Camp offers immersive activities in science, technology, engineering, and math, all designed by university-level staff and mentors. You’ll participate in lab-style experiments, interactive challenges, and visits to university facilities while learning from trained STEM mentors. As an Odyssey participant, you also have the option to stay in on-campus supervised overnight accommodations and get to experience life on a college campus. For those seeking to develop leadership skills, the Leader in Training track offers additional responsibilities and development opportunities. This program combines academic engagement with mentorship and community-building within a university setting.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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