Frequently Asked Questions
Application Deadline
STUDENT APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, March 22, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. (MT)
DEADLINE FOR REFERENCES: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Who Can Apply?
The University of Lethbridge HYRS program application process is open to all students currently registered in Grade 11 at an Alberta High School within the geographical location of south of Claresholm.
The HYRS program is designed for students who have recently completed grade 11 and are currently enrolled in an Alberta high school. One of the aims of the HYRS Program is to provide Grade 11 students with an opportunity to learn about a range of careers in health research. Grade 11 students interested in a career in health research will then have time to consider university requirements in their final year of high school and make the necessary adjustments to their studies. A key responsibility of the HYRS participant is to return to their high school in the fall and give a presentation to a grade 11 science class on their experiences in the program. Finally, the activities in the HYRS program will be focused on the age level of grade 11 students.
FAQ: Program Details
Program Dates
July 3 – August 14, 2026, Full-time commitment
Many students are unsure what “full-time” commitment means for HYRS. HYRS students are expected to join their mentors or our team on campus from Monday to Friday each week for 6 weeks during the summer. Working hours may vary depending on your lab; however, students can expect to spend no more than 8 hours/day (including 1 hour lunch) working with their labs or participating in HYRS activities.
Additional Information
- The HYRS program is a full-time 6-week commitment
- Students will not work more than 35 hours/week
- Students must make their own living arrangements while attending the HYRS program. Students who are unable to find living arrangements may wish to consider options such as the Canadian Homestay Network. Guardians should contact any housing agencies prior to the HYRS application deadline.
- Only 4 awards will be provided to any particular High School
- Alberta Innovates students are to conduct their research in a safe and ethical manner under the guidance of their mentors
- Students are required to attend all HYRS related events, such as guest lectures, lunch & learns, final poster presentation
- Students will be required to create a poster and give a presentation at a closing event
- Students will be required to give a presentation about their HYRS experience to their high school science class.
Review Process
The selection committee is composed of high school teachers/career practitioners and University of Lethbridge scientists. Each application is reviewed independently by the committee member. Based on these reviews, all the Alberta Innovates HYRS Proposals are adjudicated and ranked in a committee selection meeting.
The applicant’s high school grades are not used for scoring purposes during the committee review. High school grades are only used to determine the applicant’s eligibility.
Selection committee decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Each school can receive a maximum of four (4) HYRS Awards.
Final Decisions
Results of the 2026 Alberta Innovates HYRS competition will be released approximately 8 weeks after the submission deadline. All candidates will be informed by email regarding the outcome of their submission using the email address provided in their application.
FAQ: Application Tips
Parts of the Application
Follow the Student Application Guide to help break down the whole process and use it as a checklist for your application.
It is strongly recommended that you submit early in case something is missed, so you have time to make the necessary fixes.
Applying to the Correct Site
The University of Lethbridge HYRS program application process is open to all students currently registered in Grade 11 at an Alberta High School within the geographical location of south of Claresholm.
- Students North of Claresholm and in or south of Red Deer should apply to HYRS at the University of Calgary.
- Students North of Red Deer should apply to HYRS at the University of Alberta.
Need more information?
For any inquiries regarding the HYRS program, please contact Catharine Reader at HYRS@uleth.ca.