Social sciences help us make sense of the world around us, and social sciences programs in Toronto for high school students can give you a practical way to explore these subjects early. They examine how people think, interact, make decisions, and shape communities, institutions, and societies. As a high school student, studying areas like psychology, economics, law, leadership, and public policy can help you better understand both human behaviour and the systems that influence daily life.

Toronto offers a particularly strong environment for students interested in the social sciences. As one of Canada’s most diverse and globally connected cities, it provides access to leading universities, research institutions, community organisations, and public-sector initiatives. You could find yourself debating legal issues in a mock courtroom, researching human behaviour alongside university mentors, exploring economic systems, or working on projects focused on leadership and social impact. These experiences allow you to move beyond textbooks and see how social sciences apply in real-world settings.

With so many options available, finding the right program can feel overwhelming. Some focus on academic exploration and research, while others emphasize leadership development, community engagement, public policy, or professional experience. The best choice often depends on your interests and the skills you’d like to develop.

Toronto is home to a wide range of opportunities across fields such as psychology, law, economics, leadership, sociology, and public policy. Depending on the program, you might participate in research projects, case studies, simulations, seminars, mentorship opportunities, or hands-on community initiatives. Whether you’re hoping to deepen an existing interest or explore a new field, there’s likely a program that aligns with your goals.

To help you with your search, we’ve curated a list of 15 social sciences programs in Toronto for high school students. These programs were selected for their academic rigor, hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship offerings, and potential to help students meaningfully explore the social sciences.

For related opportunities, consider summer programs in Toronto.

1. Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI)

Location: Multiple municipalities across Ontario, Canada, including Toronto
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $17.60 per hour
Dates: August 26th – December 19th
Application Deadline: April 26th
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18 returning to school in September; reside in the jurisdiction of the police service; pass a background check; not open to international students

Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) offers a paid learning opportunity in Canadian Law Enforcement to high school students. You’ll explore a range of real-world topics, including strategies for the prevention of crime, civic engagement, and community policing.

You’ll receive mentorship and guidance from active, on-duty police officers while engaging in various activities, including delivering public presentations, organising events focused on community safety, shadowing officers, and assisting with station administration. The program offers hands-on learning, along with the opportunity to develop valuable skills in leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork, and public speaking.

Why it stands out: You will gain hands-on exposure to law enforcement through mentorship from police officers, community safety projects, and officer shadowing while building leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills.

2. Immerse Education’s Toronto Psychology Summer School

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Location: Trinity College, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Immerse Education Psychology Summer School is an immersive two-week academic program designed to introduce you to the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. You’ll engage with core areas of psychology that include cognitive psychology, behavioural science, and mental health. You’ll dive into cognitive psychology and neuroscience while unpacking the core ideas of behavioural psychology. You’ll be participating in interactive lectures, case studies, experiments, and group discussions that build analytical, research, and critical thinking skills.

Along the way, you’ll see how surroundings and context influence the way people think and act, and you’ll develop an understanding of the forces that shape interactions and social patterns. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It gives you a taste of university-style psychology study, helping you prepare for future university applications or careers in psychology and related fields.

3. University of Toronto’s Law Youth Summer Program (YSP)

Location: University of Toronto, St. George campus
Cost: March Break module is $1125 CAD, Summer modules are $1175 CAD each, plus a non-refundable $98 CAD registration fee; scholarships are available
Dates: March Break: March 16-20; Corporate Law: July 6-10, August 3-7, August 17-21; AI & Tech: July 13-17; Criminal Law: July 20-24, August 10-14; International Law: Jul 27-31
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in Grades 10 through 12; open to international students

The University of Toronto Law Youth Summer Program (YSP) is an immersive academic camp hosted by the U of T Faculty of Law. It is designed to give high school students a realistic “law school experience,” introducing them to the Canadian legal system, international law, and the fundamentals of legal advocacy. It allows you to explore and choose from four modules; Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Law, AI and Technology, and International Law.

The program will help you gain knowledge in advocacy and legal thinking. You’ll engage in various simulations such as mock trials, negotiation exercises, and debates, while also listening to guest speakers and going on educational field trips.

Why it stands out: You will explore different areas of law through mock trials, debates, and negotiation exercises while developing legal reasoning and advocacy skills in a law school-style learning environment.

4. University of Toronto Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT)

Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: None
Dates: 10-day program running during the last two weeks of July
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students in Ontario; Indigenous, Black, and racialized (IBR) students entering grades 11 and 12 are given preference; not open to international students

The University of Toronto Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT) offers a 10-day hands-on research experience to high school students. You’ll be selected for one of the two streams in the program: the lecture stream or the research stream.

The lecture stream will help you understand psychology as a scientific research discipline, and the research stream, on the other hand, will allow you to work on a group-based research proposal while receiving guidance from graduate, post-doctoral, and undergraduate mentors. The program encourages participation from Indigenous, Black, and racialized (IBR) students and aims to counter Black racism and colonialism.

Why it stands out: You will explore psychology as a research discipline through lectures or group-based research projects while receiving mentorship from University of Toronto researchers and graduate students.

5. University of Toronto – World Economics

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: International Students: $6,275 CAD; Canadian Students: $4,850 CAD
Dates: June Session: June 14th – July 4th; July Session: July 5-25; August Session: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; “Advanced+” level of English proficiency (CEFR C1+, IELTS 6.5+, or TOEFL iBT 91+) if you have been studying at an English language institution for less than 2 years; open to international students

The World Economics program at the University of Toronto serves as a rigorous academic bridge to give teenagers a taste of university-level study at Canada’s premier research institution, making it a strong option among the many social sciences programs in Toronto for high school students. You’ll get to explore a range of topics, including the fundamental concepts in economics, markets, trade-offs, and learn how economic behaviors and the globalized environment influence each other.

You’ll attend texts, lectures, and activities while also engaging in meaningful research and sharing your learnings with peers. The program also allows you to work on and complete a final course project.

Why it stands out: You will explore global economics through lectures, discussions, and research projects while learning how markets, trade-offs, and economic behavior shape the modern world.

University of Toronto – Social Psychology in Action offers a three-week learning opportunity for high school students interested in psychology. You’ll understand the influence of power on behavior. You’ll get to explore intra-and inter-personal concepts in social psychology, such as group processes, research design, attitudes, relationships, and social perception.

You’ll engage in critical reading sessions, participate in seminars, and learn academic writing in different languages. If you’re planning to pursue future education in a field focused on human behavior, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You will explore human behavior and social interactions through seminars, critical reading, and research-based learning focused on topics like relationships, attitudes, and group dynamics.

7. University of Toronto – Law, Ethics and Society

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Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: International Students: $6,275 CAD; Canadian Students: $4,850 CAD
Dates: June Session: June 14th – July 4th; July Session: July 5th – July 25th; August Session: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; “Advanced+” level of English proficiency (CEFR C1+, IELTS 6.5+, or TOEFL iBT 91+) if you have been studying at an English language institution for less than 2 years; open to international students

This program is designed to give students a deep understanding of core ethical theories and how they apply to specific, real-world social contexts, such as healthcare, the environment, political institutions, and the justice system. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge about the fundamental principles involved in the legal system of Canada and draw comparisons with your own legal system.

You’ll work on group projects, listen to guest speakers, and engage in case studies. The program also includes field trips along with critical reading sessions, seminars, and academic writing opportunities through learning in a challenging environment.

Why it stands out: You will explore legal systems, ethics, and society through case studies, seminars, group projects, and field trips while developing critical reading and academic writing skills.

8. City of Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre – Summer Company

Location: Toronto, Ontario; delivered through the Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre, with the business required to operate in Ontario
Cost/Stipend: No program cost / Grant of up to $3,000, paid as up to $1,500 for start-up costs and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program
Dates: A summer term of eight to 12 continuous weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Aged 15-29; Canadian citizen or permanent resident; returning to school in the fall; starting a new business rather than growing an existing one; planning to operate the business in Ontario; not a past recipient of Summer Company; not open to international students

In this program, you launch and run your own summer business while drawing on social-science skills such as market research, consumer-behaviour analysis, and assessing local community demand. You begin with business fundamentals training, then build a business plan, start-up budget, and revenue forecast with guidance from a trained business professional.

Throughout the term, you operate the venture a minimum of 35 hours per week, attend group and one-to-one mentorship sessions, and provide proof of expenditures, revenue statements, and student status through regular reporting. You apply economic reasoning and persuasive communication to test your idea against real customers and pricing. The structure builds financial literacy and planning discipline, and you keep any profits generated by your business.

Why it stands out: It pairs a government-backed grant of up to $3,000 with structured mentorship, letting student entrepreneurs fund, build, and test a real business they fully own while applying market research and community-focused thinking to their own venture.

9. University of Toronto – Game Studies

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: International Students: $6,275 CAD; Canadian Students: $4,850 CAD
Dates: June Session: June 14th – July 4th; July Session: July 5-25; August Session: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; “Advanced+” level of English proficiency (CEFR C1+, IELTS 6.5+, or TOEFL iBT 91+) if you have been studying at an English language institution for less than 2 years; open to international students

University of Toronto – Game Studies is a three-week summer course to explore your interest in social sciences. You’ll gain knowledge about game theory and its role in allowing humans and machines to engage in smart decision-making. You’ll learn how players compete and cooperate while also anticipating opponent moves.

The program includes lectures, texts, and participation activities while connecting game theory with a range of disciplines, including economics, social policy, and biology. You’ll develop language and academic skills through the program and get to work on a final course project as it concludes.

Why it stands out: You will explore game theory and strategic decision-making through lectures, discussions, and projects while examining how games influence behavior in fields like economics, social policy, and biology.

10. Government of Ontario – Ontario Public Service – Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, with positions available across the province
Cost/Stipend: No program cost / $17.60-$18.45 per hour
Dates: 7-18 weeks between May and September, with contracts beginning between May and July
Application Deadline: June 1st
Eligibility: Enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution currently or for the fall semester; minimum 15 years of age, though certain positions require 18; residing in Ontario during the term of employment; legally entitled to work in Canada with a valid Social Insurance Number; open to international students who hold a valid study permit and SIN and meet all program eligibility

In this program, you join the Ontario Public Service for a full-time summer term, contributing to meaningful work within one of its ministries, provincial agencies, or community groups. For students comparing social sciences programs in Toronto for high school students, this option stands out for its direct exposure to public service, policy work, research, and community-focused roles.

You build transferable skills in writing, research, public administration, and stakeholder communication while learning how government delivers services to Ontarians. Positions span a wide variety of diverse career fields, letting you align a placement with your academic interests. You earn an hourly wage rather than working unpaid, gaining early exposure to the inner workings of a large public institution.

Why it stands out: It is one of the few paid government programs that places students as young as 15 directly inside provincial ministries, giving early, hands-on experience in policy, research, and public service work.

11. University of Toronto – Global Leadership Course: Food for All Futures

University of Toronto – Global Leadership Course: Food for All Futures allows you to engage in practical problem-solving related to global issues. You’ll apply design thinking and advocate for accessible food systems while exploring a range of topics, including community-based hunger solutions, food policy analysis, supply chain resilience, and agricultural practices.

You’ll engage in case studies and gain knowledge about the relationship among local, regional, and worldwide contributions and their role in the maintenance and breakdown of food security barriers. You’ll participate in class discussions, academic research, and presentations, and develop inspiration to lead a range of initiatives, including reducing waste, securing equitable food access, and protecting food resources for the coming generations.

Why it stands out: You will explore global food security challenges through research, case studies, and design-thinking projects while developing leadership skills and solutions related to equitable food access, sustainability, and resilient food systems.

12. University of Toronto – Global Leadership Course: Sustainable Cities

The Global Leadership Course: Sustainable Cities is a specialized pre-university summer program offered by the University of Toronto’s International Programs. Designed for high school students, the course functions as an intensive academic and leadership incubator focused on urban sustainability and global citizenship. You’ll engage in global case studies, participate in strategic planning, and collaborate in problem-solving.

The program will allow you to address a range of real challenges, including policy creation, environmental stewardship, community well-being, and urbanization. You’ll develop and apply design thinking while finding solutions to complex global community-focused issues.

Why it stands out: You will learn to address complex urban and sustainability challenges through design thinking, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership while working on solutions inspired by real-world global case studies.

13. LAWS (Law in Action Within Schools) Summer Job Program

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Dates: Four weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Grade 10th-12th students currently enrolled in a LAWS partner high school in Toronto and are active in the LAWS Core or Newcomer programs; open to international students

The LAWS (Law in Action Within Schools) Summer Job Program offers you a paid learning opportunity in the legal sector in Toronto. Through this program, you’ll get to explore a range of topics, including court procedures, access to justice, and corporate law.

You’ll participate in shadowing exercises as a practicing lawyer, engage in financial legal research, and observe real court proceedings. The program allows you to develop multiple hands-on skills, including professional networking, effective communication, organization of documents, and more.

Why it stands out: You will gain paid, hands-on legal experience through lawyer shadowing, court observations, and legal research while learning about topics such as corporate law, court procedures, and access to justice.

14. Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) – Justice Placements

Location: Multiple cities with a Department of Justice office, including Toronto
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Eligibility: Full-time student in a secondary (high school) institution; returning to full-time studies in the next academic term; not open to international students

The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is the primary recruitment initiative the Government of Canada uses to hire full-time students for temporary jobs within the federal public service. You’ll engage in a range of real-world activities, including management of data entries for court records, engaging in basic research to assist staff, organizing legal case files, and more.

The program is offered year-round and gives you a chance to learn in real work environments while exploring a range of topics such as federal justice administration, government-based legal support, and public policy.

Why it stands out: You will gain paid experience in federal justice settings by assisting with court records, legal case files, and administrative research while developing an understanding of government legal support and justice administration.

15. Brown Pre-College Online – Psychology and Health: Emotions, Behaviors, and Disease

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Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $4,656; financial aid is available
Dates: July 6-24
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12; ages 14-18 by June 14th; open to international students

In this three-week online course, you explore the intersection of social sciences and medicine by analyzing how psychological factors influence human health, giving it a useful place among social sciences programs in Toronto for high school students for learners interested in psychology and wellbeing. You investigate the bidirectional relationship between mental states and physiological functioning, examining how chronic illnesses are impacted by human behavior. Through asynchronous modules, you evaluate real-world challenges like sleep deprivation, motivation, and addiction from a psychosocial perspective.

To apply these concepts, you monitor your own daily habits and design evidence-based clinical treatment plans for hypothetical patients. By assessing the biological, cultural, and environmental determinants of well-being, you build a foundational understanding of health psychology.

Why it stands out: It uniquely bridges academic health psychology with personal application by having you evaluate your own habits alongside designing clinical treatment plans for patients.

Turn Real-World Questions Into Personal Direction

Real-world questions can reveal what matters to you, from justice and leadership to psychology, economics, and community change, while helping you notice the roles you want to play in wider society.

The 15 social sciences programs in Toronto for high school students in this guide give you space to test ideas through research, debate, case studies, and practical projects.

Studying how people think, decide, cooperate, and solve problems can strengthen your confidence, communication, empathy, and sense of direction.

Ready to grow beyond the classroom? Read our Personal Development blogs for guidance on self-awareness, resilience, leadership, goal-setting, and building stronger everyday skills.