There is a fair amount of research opportunities for high school students. Although it’s not super important to get involved in research as early as high school, it’s definitely an eye-opening experience if you are somewhat interested in pursuing science. I applied to every opportunity that came into my way in high school but got rejected from most of them. Nonetheless, the opportunities I that did get were life-changing and inspired me to head towards where I am today. Below are some opportunities in BC (this list is not exhaustive). If you don't live in British Columbia, I encourage you to do your own research by looking up research facilities in your area and see whether they offer research opportunities to high school students. If you do live in BC, I would still recommend you to do your own research because this list is not meant to be comprehensive and new opportunities may pop up!
One-time learning events: these are useful for introducing you to research in a very general way. You might also get to learn about a specific discipline of research. If you are curious about what research is like in general, then definitely try to attend one of these! Most of them require nomination from your high school teacher. If your teacher is not aware of the program, you may want to approach them about it and remind them about deadlines.
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR)
Research Open House: https://www.bcchr.ca/research-open-house. Grades 10 – 12 are eligible. Requires nomination by high school teacher.
Discovery days: https://www.bcchr.ca/discovery-days. Grades 10 – 12 are eligible. Requires nomination by high school teacher.
Gairdner High School Symposium: https://www.bcchr.ca/gairdner. Grades 10 – 12 are eligible. Requires nomination by high school teacher.
Let’s Talk Science
Workshops: https://outreach.letstalkscience.ca/workshops.html. Various opportunities for K-12. Requires contact by high school teacher.
StemCellTalks: https://outreach.letstalkscience.ca/stemcelltalks.html. One-day event. Grades 10 – 12.
Science World
Opening the Door: https://www.scienceworld.ca/otd/. Networking event. Grades 10 - 12.
Skype a scientist: https: https://www.skypeascientist.com/. One-time event. Grades K – 12.
Research Education Programs: these are wonderful for learning more in-depth about research and diving further into any particular discipline. You will also get to socialize and network with other participants and scientists, which is also an invaluable experiences. Some of these programs also give participants the chance to apply for an additional opportunity to work or volunteer in a research lab in the summer. These are often competitive but are extremely worthwhile – they essentially serve as starting points to your research careers. However, do not panic if you didn’t get into any summer research internships (I personally did not) – they are extremely competitive and there will be a lot more opportunities down the road once you enter university.
Genome BC Geneskool program: https://www.genomebc.ca/education/what-is-geneskool.
Mini Med School: https://www.bcchr.ca/events/mini-med-school/mini-med-school-vancouver. Six-week program (1 session per week). Participants have the opportunity to apply for summer studentships at BCCHR. Grades 10 – 12 are eligible. Requires nomination by high school teacher.
SHAD: https://www.shad.ca/about-shad/. Twenty-seven-day event. Grades 10 -11
Centre for Heart Lung Innovation – High School Student Science Week: https://www.hli.ubc.ca/training/opportunities. One-week program. Participants have the opportunity to apply for paid summer internship.
BC Cancer – Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program: https://www.bccrc.ca/dept/drc/programs/xavier-pelletier-high-school-internship-program. Located at Vancouver Island. Grade 11. Eight-week summer program.
Finally, the most important thing is to be proactive if you are passionate about science. Ask your high school teacher for a nomination if you’re interested to attend a certain seminar. It can be challenging writing applications for research programs for the first time – ask for help! Ask your science teachers to read over your application and give you feedback. Ask people you know who got into these programs for tips. I am open to answer any general questions too! Apply to as many programs as you are interested, but don’t be discouraged if your talent was not recognized (yet)! Know that you are super young and there are many, many, many more opportunities down the road. Good luck!
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