Research Excellence

HYRS Reference Submissions

REFERENCE DEADLINE: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Please use this form only. Any accompanying letters will be disregarded.
Thank you for taking the time to submit a reference for a student applying for the High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) program. Below is a brief overview of the program to provide context.

Teacher & Community References Form

STUDENT APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (MT)

 

HYRS at the University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge and Alberta Innovates are pleased to offer a summer research program to exceptional Grade 11 students currently registered in an Alberta high school. The HYRS program offers summer job opportunities that emphasize cross-disciplinary training in health and emerging technologies such as ICT and digital innovations. Students collaborate with a University of Lethbridge faculty supervisor to complete a summer project while also gaining supplemental skills development and networking opportunities through workshops, speaker series, career mentorship, and other approved events facilitated by Alberta Innovates.

Students in the program will be placed in positions of trust alongside university researchers, some of whom will be handling hazardous materials. Work completed by HYRS students will directly contribute to the ongoing research of these scientists and thus impact their professional reputations. Because the students will be working alongside a diverse group of people, we want to ensure that the selected students are not only bright but also able to work effectively in a team environment. Your candid remarks are much appreciated and will be used appropriately and confidentially to help us select HYRS participants. Community referees must not be related to the applicant and should be from outside the applicant’s high school.

Your candid remarks are much appreciated and will be used in an appropriate and confidential manner to help us select HYRS participants.

Notable Points:

  • Community referees must not be related to the applicant and should be from outside the applicant’s high school.
  • Only students currently enrolled in Grade 11 are eligible to apply.
  • Students are required to have at least an 85% standing in each of Math 20-1 or Math 20-2, Biology 20, and one other Grade 11 science class.
  • Students must have three references (two teachers and one community member). To ensure equal consideration, only two teacher references per student will be accepted.
  • A maximum of 4 students will be chosen from each school
  • Student must have their applications in by March 22, 2026 (a week before references are due).