Summer Mentorship Program
The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) gives high school students in grades 10-11 who self-identify as Indigenous or Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, multi-racial students who have and identify with their Black ancestry a chance to explore health sciences at the University of Toronto over four weeks in July. You will:
- Explore health science education and careers through hands-on activities, experiments, lectures, and special projects
- Learn from and connect to a variety of health science faculty, professionals, and students
- Enjoy valuable mentoring experiences from a variety of professionals
- Earn a credit you can use on your University and/or College applications
- Receive $1,600 upon completing the program
What you learn
The summer program will from July 2- 25, 2025 between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily. If you participate in the program, you will gain skills to help you further your academic and professional career. You’ll get to try your hand at a variety of health science professions, including medicine, dentistry, kinesiology, nursing, pharmacy, public health, social work and more. You’ll need to complete various exercises and assignments with your teacher during the four-week program.
You will also be connected to a student-mentor who is studying in a health science field of interest to you. You’ll meet the mentors at the beginning of the program, and you’ll be encouraged to continue the relationship once the program is completed. You’ll also be able to connect with and learn from various health professionals to give you deeper insight into a variety of health science careers.
We want to provide you with the skills you need to be a successful student and professional. The health sciences are a broad field with a vast range of career opportunities and we’re here to help you find a career that’s right for you.
What you earn
Students who attend a provincially funded Ontario school can earn a credit in Science, Grade 12 University/College Preparation (SNC 4M). That’s a credit that will be applied to your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). To be eligible, you must be 16 years of age by June 30. You must have completed a Grade 10 Science, Academic or any Grade 11 university (U), university/college (M), or college (C) preparation course in the science curriculum. Preference will be given to grade 11 students that are returning to school for at least one semester. Once you complete the 4-week program you will receive a stipend of $1600.00 for your participation.
Please direct any questions about the Summer Mentorship Program to smp.outreach@utoronto.ca
Application deadlines
Space is limited, so we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.
October 1, 2024
Application Open
March 21, 2025
Final Application Deadline
March 25-28, 2025
Email sent to arrange for interviews
April 5-8, 2025
Interviews
April 21, 2025
Admission offers emailed
July 2-25, 2025
2025 Summer Mentorship Program period
Applications will open in October 2024. It is recommended that applications are submitted early as spots are limited!
After the 4-week program, stay connected with your newfound community via SMP Discover!
Creating Connections with SMP
Inspiring Black and Indigenous students to consider health sciences