Summer Mentorship Program

SMP Applications Open December 1, 2025

Who

The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is for 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.

What

We explore health science education and careers through hands-on activities, experiments, lectures, and special projects. Students learn from and connect to a variety of health science faculty, professionals, and students while enjoying valuable mentoring experiences.

When

9 am to 3 pm on weekdays over four weeks in July. Start and end dates change yearly.

Where

University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the St. George Campus in downtown Toronto.

Why

Earn a Grade 12 Science Credit
Complete a Science, University/College Preparation (SNC4M) credit that strengthens your university and college applications.
Get Paid to Learn
Receive $1,600 when you successfully finish the program.
Explore Health Science Careers
Discover fields like medicine, dentistry, nursing, kinesiology, pharmacy, public health, and social work through hands-on learning.
Experience Real Health Settings
Take part in an observership—spend half a day shadowing a health professional in a hospital or clinic.
Connect with a Student Mentor
Get paired with a university student studying in your area of interest for personalized guidance.
Learn by Doing
Complete interactive assignments and activities with your teacher over the four-week program.
Build Future-Ready Skills
Develop the academic, communication, and professional skills that will help you succeed in health sciences and beyond.

Learn more about the SMP's history!

Please direct any questions about the Summer Mentorship Program to smp.outreach@utoronto.ca

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I attend if I am not a student/resident in Toronto?

You can attend if you live outside of Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area. You must be a resident or student of a high school in Ontario to participate in the SMP.

How much does it cost to attend the SMP?

There are no admission fees for the SMP.

Am I required to attend all four weeks of the program?

Yes, if you are accepted into the program, you will need to complete all four weeks to earn the credit. The attendance requirements are the same as the attendance policy for summer school. If you are unable to attend all four weeks, then you cannot participate in the program.

How old should I be to apply to the SMP? Are there any prerequisites for the program?

You must be at least 16 years of age by June 30 of the program year to be admitted. 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.

How many students are admitted to the program?

We admit approximately 100 students to the program.

How high should my GPA be in order to be eligible for this program?

There is no academic threshold for this program. We are looking for candidates that have an interest in health sciences but face challenges and a lack of mentorship in attaining this goal. Only eligible applicants will be invited to an interview and this will help us to determine if you are the right fit for the program.

Can I still apply if my transcript does not show a completed Grade 10 Science, Academic or any Grade 11 university (U), university/college (M), or college (C) preparation course in the science curriculum?

Yes, you can still apply if the prerequisite course is currently in progress. You must successfully complete the course prior to July 1st and send us proof of completion before the SMP begins. Otherwise, your offer will be revoked.

Will my transportation be covered if I live outside of Toronto?

Students will receive $100 local Presto Pass for transportation from home to campus for the 4 weeks of the program.