Are you an Indigenous high school student in Grade 11 or 12 who’s curious about research, data science, or health research?

The Indigenous Youth Statistics Mentorship Program is a free, after-school opportunity for Lower Mainland students where you can: 

  • Explore data science and Indigenous research methods
  • Work on a hands-on project using real-world data
  • Get one-on-one mentorship from UBC health researchers
  • Enjoy a fully funded stay on UBC’s Vancouver campus for 2 nights

>> Download the program poster <<

 Why Participate? 

The Indigenous Youth Statistics Mentorship Program is a hands-on learning experience for Indigenous high school students. This pilot program is designed to help you:

  • Build technical skills in data science
  • Learn how data can support positive change in Indigenous communities
  • Explore how modern data science and traditional Indigenous knowledge can work together
  • Gain inspiration to become a future leader in research, health, and community-driven solutions
  • Discover future careers in health research and data science
  • Begin a network of like-minded peers, researchers, and Indigenous scholars
     

What to Expect as a Participant? 

You’ll take part in several activities throughout the 2-month program. For more information, please refer to the Program Schedule. 

  • Orientation: March 18 to March 20, 2026 - Spend 3 days at UBC's Vancouver campus meeting your mentors and fellow participants, while learning the basics of data science. Housing and living expenses will be provided. 
     
  • Mini Data Analysis (MDA) Project: March - May 2026 - You’ll be matched with a mentor who works in health research - someone who uses data to answer big questions about health, science and communities. Over two months, you and your mentor will work to complete a Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project. You'll use real-world data and tools like R, to help organize, explore and visualize data. This is a data science-focused mentorship and does not involve direct interaction with patients or clinical care.
     
  • Mentorship Sessions: April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, 2026 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm - Join us at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute for sessions to work on your project, get feedback, and build your skills. 
     
  • Research Symposium: Saturday, May 30, 2026 - Share your finished project and celebrate your accomplishments with peers, mentors, and the community.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Indigenous Youth Statistics Mentorship Program, you must:

  1. Self-identify as Indigenous
     
  2. Be a registered grade 11 or 12 student at a BC high school
     
  3. Have completed, be currently taking, or plan to take Precalculus or Foundations Math before the program begins in March 2026.
    A strong math foundation is essential, as the data science work will introduce advanced concepts, including some that are typically covered in university or even graduate-level statistics.
     
  4. Live in the Lower Mainland and have reliable transportation to get to UBC Vancouver campus and/or BC Children's Hospital.
    > Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation. This may include public transportation, a ride with a parent/guardian, driving yourself, carpooling with other participants or using a ride share service. Funding support is available if transportation is a barrier. Please email tog@bcchr.ca before applying to discuss options.
     
  5. Be available for all in-person program activities including: Program Schedule 
    • Orientation: Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 20, 2026
    • 4 Mentorship Sessions: Saturday Mornings - April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, 2026
    • Research Symposium: Saturday, May 30, 2026

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following by Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm. 

  • Application Form
  • High School Transcript: This should show your most recent grades. This can either be the unofficial transcript issued by the Ministry of Education or any type of transcript/report card provided by your school
  • Resume
  • Informed Consent Form

Questions

Questions? Contact tog@bcchr.ca or review the FAQ below.
 

Eligibility

If I live outside the Lower Mainland, can I still apply for the Indigenous Youth Statistics Mentorship Program?
No, you must live in the Lower Mainland to apply. You will be responsible for arranging your own transportation for program activities. This may include public transportation, a ride with a parent/guardian, driving yourself, carpooling with other participants or using a ride share service. Funding support is available if transportation is a barrier. Please email tog@bcchr.ca before applying to discuss options.

Do I have to be enrolled at a BC high school to be eligible?
Yes. To be eligible to apply you must be enrolled at a BC based high school.

What is the minimum GPA required to apply?
We don't have a minimum GPA requirement, but award applications will be partially assessed on academic success.

Can I apply without knowing what school or field of study I plan to pursue?
Yes. On the application form you will be asked to outline your future plans, but we understand changes happen.

How competitive is this program?
As this is the first year of the program, there’s no past data to gauge the level of competition. However, we encourage all interested Indigenous students in grades 11 and 12 to apply. Selection will be based on your interest in data science, your enthusiasm for learning, and your commitment to the program’s goals. We aim to create an inclusive, supportive environment that gives all students the opportunity to grow and develop in the field of data science.

How will applications be assessed? 
Up to 8 mentees will be selected to join the 2026 program. Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Interest & Alignment: Your interest in health research, data science, statistics, or related areas
  • Scholarly success: Your grades, awards, and any academic recognition
  • Community engagement: Volunteer services, work experience, leadership roles or extracurricular achievements
  • Application Form: Your written responses will help us understand who you are, your goals, and why you're interested in the program.

What should I do if I need to cancel? 
If you need to cancel for any reason, please contact tog@bcchr.ca. If you let us know you cannot attend, we can make sure another student has the opportunity to participate.

Curriculum

For more details on the program schedule, click here.

Can I participate in the program virtually?
No, the program is designed to maximize interactions between you and your mentors. Participating virtually is not an option. 

Where is the Indigenous Youth Statistics Mentorship Program being held? How do I get there?
The program is being held at UBC’s Vancouver Campus. Additional activities will take place at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Specific details on location for all events will be shared with selected participants in early 2026. 

Do I need access to a personal computer or laptop?
Yes, access to a computer or laptop is required. If you don't have a personal computer or laptop, please contact tog@bcchr.ca so alternative arrangements can be made. 

Who will my mentor be? 
Your mentor will be a current UBC graduate student who is actively working in research or data science. Many of these graduate students specialize in fields such as bioinformatics, biochemistry, epidemiology, neuroscience, clinical research, or women's health, among others. After participants are selected, we’ll reach out to learn more about your interests and future career goals. Based on this, we’ll do our best to match you with a mentor, so you’ll get the chance to learn from someone working on cutting-edge research in a field that excites you. 

What is the Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project?
Throughout the program, you’ll complete weekly assignments and work on your Mini Data Analysis (MDA) project, which will use either:

  • A real-world dataset provided during the program, or
  • Data you collect yourself (with mentor and program approval)

During orientation, you’ll be introduced to several example datasets sourced from open-access platforms. These are designed to help you get started, but if you have a topic you’re passionate about, you can also use your own dataset - just make sure to get it approved by your mentor and the program directors. 

Your MDA project will involve:

  • Choosing a research question that matters to you or your community
  • Conducting exploratory data analysis, including data visualization, and applying fundamental data science concepts. You may also create a dashboard to present your MDA in an engaging, interactive way.

What kind of work will I be doing? 
The MDA project is entirely up to you! You can choose any dataset that interests you or even collect your own data. Your mentor will guide you as you dive into data analysis, visualization, and interpretation. Whether you're exploring health data, environmental data, or any other field of interest, the sky’s the limit. With support from your mentor, you’ll formulate research questions, assess datasets, and apply data science techniques to analyze and interpret your findings. The goal is for you to explore something you're passionate about, while learning how data science can be applied in a meaningful and ethical way, particularly in Indigenous contexts.

Do I need a parent or guardian to come with me to program activities?
No, a parent or guardian does not need to accompany you. The program is designed for students to attend independently, and you’ll be fully supervised by program staff, mentors, and trained facilitators during all activities, including the on-campus orientation and mentorship sessions.

What type of pre-reading is required?
Nothing! Our curriculum is designed to accommodate participants who have little or no existing knowledge on these topics. If you have any questions, reach out to your designated mentor!

Will I be provided with a Certificate of Participation?
Participants will be awarded certificates of completion at the final Symposium on March 30, 2026.

Funding

This program is generously supported by the UBC Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund and is free for all selected participants. The following costs will be fully covered. 

Orientation at UBC: Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 20, 2026

  • 3-days/2-nights residency on UBC's Vancouver campus. Room assignments will be made in advance by program staff. Participants will be in a shared room with a roommate of the same gender
  • Meals and snacks for the full duration
  • All program activities and workshops

Mentorship Sessions at BCCHR: Saturdays, April 11, April 25, May 9 & May 23, 2026 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

  • All program activities and workshops
  • Lunch

Research Symposium at UBC: Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

  • All program activities and workshops
  • Lunch & Dinner

For all program activities, students are responsible for arranging their own transportation. This may include public transportation, a ride with a parent/guardian, driving yourself, carpooling with other participants or using a ride share service. Funding support is available if transportation is a barrier. Please email tog@bcchr.ca before applying to discuss options.

All required software and subscriptions will be provided at no cost to you. If you don't have access to a personal computer/laptop, one will be lent to you for the duration of the program. 

While most costs are covered by the program, participants will be responsible for the following.  

  • Personal spending money (e.g., souvenirs, snacks outside of provided meals, etc.)
  • Accommodation outside of scheduled program dates, for example if arriving early or staying late
  • Personal expenses for parents or guardians who choose to accompany students. 
  • Lost or damaged personal items

A salary or stipend for participants is not provided. 

This program is supported by the UBC Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund and led by the Trainee Omics Group (TOG) at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute.