Summer Programs for Students Interested in Careers in Healthcare

The University of Pennsylvania Rising Scholar Success Academy (PennRSSA) is a free, virtual, six-week summer program designed for rising high school seniors across Philadelphia.Originally launched in July 2020 as the Rising Senior Summer Academy, the program uses a combination of synchronous and asynchronous programming to offer high-caliber academic enrichment, college preparation, and career exploration.

• Who is eligible? ALL Rising 10th grade students & rising 11th grade students 

• Program dates: Tuesday, June 21 - Thursday, July 28.

• Application deadline:  April 14, 2023

• Application Requirements:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a Philadelphia High School & currently in 9th or 10th grade.

• Minimum GPA of 2.85 or above

• Application Essay must be uploaded at the end of this application portal

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Learn more and apply at https://provost.upenn.edu/pennrssa 

The Biomedical Research Academy introduces the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology, focusing on relevance to diseases. Fusing daily lectures, faculty research talks, laboratory experiments, and small group investigations into current research topics, students gain insight into the core of biomedical research. The Biomedical Research Academy is fully residential with no commuter or online options.

• Who is eligible? Current 9th-11th grade students

• Program Dates: July 9 – July 29, 2023

• Application Deadline: Applications are full for 2023. If you are a student from the Philadelphia School District, you may still submit an application for this program.

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Learn more at https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/biomedical

Penn Chemistry is a leading center for molecular research and instruction, whose researchers are at the frontier of modern chemistry, tackling a wide variety of important societal challenges. The Chemistry Research Academy provides students with the foundational knowledge to understand this cutting-edge research, while providing opportunities to hear and learn directly from several of the research professors and students. The Chemistry Research Academy is fully residential with no commuter or online options.

• Who is eligible? Current 10th-11th grade students

• Program Dates: July 9 – July 29, 2023

• Application Deadline: Applications are full for 2023. If you are a student from the Philadelphia School District, you may still submit an application for this program.

Learn more at https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/chemistry

The Neuroscience Research Academy explores the biological foundations of the brain, progressing from the cellular foundations of the neuron to an understanding of the sensory systems, and culminating with higher-order cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, and morality. Taught by members of Penn’s Biological Basis of Behavior program, the Neuroscience Academy introduces students to this cutting-edge field in both research and medicine, which has provided important insights into understanding the mind in both health and disease. The Neuroscience Research Academy is fully residential with no commuter or online options.

• Who is eligible: Current 9th-11th grade students

• Program Dates: July 9 – July 29, 2023

• Application Deadline:  Applications are full for 2023. If you are a student from the Philadelphia School District, you may still submit an application for this program.

Learn more at https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/neuroscience

The Experimental Physics Research Academy focuses on current physics, specifically mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics. Through lectures, activities, projects, and discussions with their instructors, students move past memorized equations to gain an understanding of cause and effect, and ultimately an appreciation of physics on a higher level. The Experimental Physics Research Academy is fully residential with no commuter or online options.

• Who is eligible? Current 9th-11th grade students

• Program Dates: July 9 – July 29, 2023

• Application Deadline:  Applications are full for 2023. If you are a student from the Philadelphia School District, you may still submit an application for this program.

Learn more at https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies/experimental-physics

The PCOM Opportunities Academy aims to offer traditionally underrepresented students the opportunity to accelerate their STEM+M skills, learn about the college and medical school admissions process, and explore careers in medicine.

• Who is eligible? High school students grades 9-12

• Program Dates: Monday, June 19 - Friday, June 23. 

• Application deadline: Early April of 2023

• Application Requirements:

  • Application short answer essay questions

  • 1 Teacher letter of recommendation

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Learn more and apply at PCOM Opportunities Academy Application

Dive into the vital and expanding field of biomedical science with SummerScience@Jefferson, where rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors can build proficiency in real-life research practices.

• Who is eligible: Students who will be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors in the 2023-2024 academic year.

• Program Dates: June 26 – July 25, 2023 

• Application Deadline is June 9, 2023

• Application Requirements:

  • Completed Application Packet (Incomplete applications will not be considered.)

  • 250–500 word essay explaining your interest in the biomedical sciences/the SummerScience@Jefferson Program

  • One letter of recommendation addressing your academic ability and commitment from a current science teacher, coach, club advisor, or school administrator.

  • Official high school transcript or recent Report Card

 

Learn more and apply at https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/colleges-schools-institutes/life-sciences/other-opportunities/summerscience-jefferson.html

Experience the possibilities of a career in healthcare with the Future Health Professionals Program, where students get an inside perspective on different professions through hands-on activities and interaction with current practitioners.

• Who is eligible? 10th-12th grade from underrepresented backgrounds and takes place at Jefferson's Center City campus.

• Program Dates: TBD

• Application Deadline: TBD

 

Learn more and apply at https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/academic-outreach/high-school-students/future-health-professionals-program.html

If helping people is your passion, discover the impact you can have in the rehabilitation sciences (occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, exercise science, and speech language pathology). This program for rising high school juniors and seniors includes strategies to navigate the college application process.

• Who is eligible? Open to rising high school juniors and seniors

• Program Dates: TBD 

• Application Deadline: TBD

 

Learn more and apply at https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/academic-outreach/high-school-students/rehabilitation-sciences-step-up.html

Explore the field of nursing with Jefferson’s Summer Training and Enrichment Program (STEP-UP). This program for rising high school juniors and seniors includes SAT prep and personal development workshops.

• Who is eligible? Open to rising high school juniors and seniors

• Program Dates: TBD

• Application Deadline: TBD 

 

Learn more and apply at https://www.jefferson.edu/academics/academic-outreach/high-school-students/nursing-step-up.html\

Drexel University College of Medicine is seeking highly motivated current high school sophomores and juniors who are enrolled in an academic curriculum and demonstrate strong interest in neuroscience topics and research. Under the direction of Jed Shumsky, PhD, and Michael Lane, PhD, a group of highly driven high school students will learn the fundamental concepts of neuroscience and basic lab techniques in molecular neurobiology, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy.

• Who is eligible? Rising high school juniors and seniors with a background in biology, chemistry, or research; admission to the camp is competitive.

• Program Dates: July 10 – 21, 2023

• Application Deadline: April 7, 2023

• Application Requirements: 

  • Applicants must submit transcripts 

  • Personal Essay

  • Two letters of recommendation as part of their application.

 

Learn more and apply at https://drexel.edu/medicine/academics/graduate-school/neuroscience/neuroscience-camp-high-school-students/

This program allows students to explore all facets of public health, from advocacy to policy making, health administration and management, preventive health, the environment and its impact on health outcomes, and the fascinating world of epidemiologists.

• Who is eligible? Rising high school juniors and seniors who have interests in (but not limited to) public health, medicine, health, communications, environmental sciences, policy, sociology, and psychology

• Program Dates: July 17–21, 2023

• Application Deadlines: May 15, 2023 

• Application requirements:

  • Personal Essay 

  • 2 Letters of recommendation

 

Learn more and apply at https://drexel.edu/dornsife/academics/summer/

In collaboration with Main Line Health and Meridian bank, the West Chester University College of Health Sciences is offering a summer academy for a limited number of high school students interested in a future health science career, especially those students from underserved populations and communities.
Who is eligible? ALL High School students 

• Program Dates: August 1-5, 2023

• Application deadline: The deadline for this opportunity has already passed

 

Learn more for next year at https://www.wcupa.edu/healthSciences/hcsa.aspx

Saint Joseph's University & The Meggers Project Award are presenting a week-long physics research camp this summer to help both students and teachers to implement a research program in their own school.

• Who is eligible? ALL high school students

• Program Dates: TBD

• Application deadline: TBD

 

Learn more at https://www.sju.edu/departments/physics/events/high-school-physics-camp