Research Programs
University-run summer programs, labs, and competitions open to Alberta high school students.
Last verified: April 1, 2026
89 programs
89 programs
Youreka Canada
Youreka Canada
A 10-week research and mentorship program where students create and contribute to a citizen science project guided by an undergraduate student mentor. Students develop research skills, collect real data, and present findings.
Alberta high school students grades 9-12 interested in citizen science research
Oct 1, 2026
ELITE Program for Black Youth
University of Alberta
Paid STEM research internship creating experiential learning opportunities for Black youth in science and innovation.
🪙Paid internship
Black youth aged 15–22 interested in STEM
TBA
TeamUP Science
TeamUP Science (Alberta-based)
Alberta-based mentorship and experiential learning for students underrepresented in STEM.
Inner-city, rural, and Indigenous students
Ongoing
SHAD Canada
SHAD Canada
Month-long STEAM program on a Canadian university campus. Solve real-world problems in teams. Network with like-minded peers.
Grades 10–11, strong academics, leadership
TBA
Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF)
Youth Science Canada
Canada's largest annual youth STEM event where ~400 top students present original independent research projects across all science disciplines. Alberta students qualify through their regional science fair and compete for awards, scholarships, and international placements.
Canadian students in grades 7–12; must first qualify through a regional science fair (e.g., Southeastern Alberta RSF, CYSF)
TBA
iGEM High School Competition
iGEM Foundation
The world's premier synthetic biology competition for students. Teams design, build, and test an original biological engineering project over several months, presenting at the annual Grand Jamboree. Alberta has had teams from Edmonton and Calgary.
High school students worldwide; requires a school or community lab sponsor and a teacher or faculty PI
TBA
Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship – UCalgary
Alberta Innovates + University of Calgary
Typically for undergraduates, but high-achieving graduating Grade 12 students (85%+ average) may apply for a paid summer health research position at UCalgary before starting university. Competitive and highly selective.
🪙Paid studentship
Exceptional graduating Grade 12 students with 85%+ average; normally an undergraduate program but open to high-achieving seniors
TBA
Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship – UAlberta
Alberta Innovates + University of Alberta
Typically for undergraduates, but high-achieving graduating Grade 12 students (85%+ average) may apply for a paid summer research position at UAlberta before starting university. Competitive and highly selective.
🪙Paid studentship
Exceptional graduating Grade 12 students with 85%+ average; normally an undergraduate program but open to high-achieving seniors
TBA
STEM Fellowship Research Exploration Program – Edmonton
STEM Fellowship
Intensive 5-day spring break research experience hosted in University of Alberta labs. Students are introduced to university-level research methods and academic culture. Distinct from the STEM Fellowship Big Data & AI Challenge.
High school students grades 9–12
TBA
Future Creators – University of Alberta
Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta
Free program connecting high school students with UAlberta engineering students for virtual mentorship. Project materials are shipped to participants' homes for hands-on engineering projects guided remotely.
High school students interested in engineering; open to all
TBA
STEM Fellowship Big Data & AI Challenge
STEM Fellowship
Teams conduct original open-data and AI research on a real-world theme, producing a peer-reviewed manuscript and presenting at a national conference with a finale in Calgary. Builds research writing, data analysis, and academic communication skills.
Canadian high school students grades 9–12; teams of up to 5; no coding experience required
TBA
MindFuel geekStarter
MindFuel
Alberta-exclusive project-based STEM innovation program where student teams tackle real-world problems using emerging technologies. Teams receive mentorship and may advance to MindFuel's national Tech Futures Challenge.
Alberta students in grades 7–12; teams form through school or community; all STEM fields welcome including robotics, biotech, ICT
Ongoing
MindFuel Tech Futures Challenge
MindFuel
National innovation challenge where youth teams design and prototype STEM solutions to real-world problems. Teams receive access to industry mentors, workshops, and MindFuel's Connect2Innovate platform. 13+ years running with 5,000+ alumni.
Students in grades 7–12 from participating provinces; self-organized teams
TBA
Cybermentors – University of Calgary
Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
Program connecting high school girls with women in science and engineering at UCalgary. Fosters research and tech-focused development through mentorship, networking, and industry exposure.
High school girls/young women interested in science and engineering
TBA
Destination Exploration – University of Lethbridge
University of Lethbridge
Intensive summer STEM camps and programs at ULethbridge that introduce high school students to university-level research facilities and methodologies. Covers science, technology, and campus life.
High school students; southern Alberta focus
TBA
DiscoverE High School Initiatives – University of Alberta
Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta
Suite of specialized summer engineering and science workshops at UAlberta featuring project-based research, prototyping, and hands-on lab experience. Includes multiple programs for various interests and demographics.
High school students interested in engineering and applied science
TBA