​​High School Youth Researcher Summer Program​

Building a strong pipeline of future talent is a growing priority for Alberta’s health and technology ecosystem, especially as research and innovation become more data-driven and interdisciplinary. The High School Youth Researcher Summer Program offers a way for Alberta-based organizations to contribute to that pipeline by supporting paid, hands-on research experiences for senior high school students with an interest in health research and emerging technologies. Led by Alberta Innovates and delivered through participating post-secondary institutions, the program focuses on sparking early interest in areas such as digital health, biotechnology, and data-enabled health innovation.

Through short-term summer placements, students gain real-world exposure to research environments, working alongside experienced supervisors on meaningful projects. These experiences typically run for several weeks during the summer and combine primary research activities with mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. For universities, research institutes, and eligible nonprofit organizations involved in health and life sciences, the program provides funding support to help offset the costs of hosting and supervising student researchers, while strengthening connections between education, innovation, and future workforce development.

Because applications and funding levels are managed through participating post-secondary institutions and remain ongoing, the structure can vary by project and host organization. Exploring the full program details can help determine how this opportunity fits with your organization’s research goals and talent development plans.