MedSTEM Explorers
Rush University Medical Center (REACH)
A six-week paid summer pre-internship where rising high school sophomores and juniors explore STEM and healthcare careers, develop academic and workplace skills, and research community health issues.
Who should apply
A great fit for Chicago-area current freshmen and sophomores (rising sophomores and juniors) interested in exploring healthcare and STEM careers.
Eligibility
- Rising sophomores and juniors (current freshmen and sophomores at time of application)
- Chicago residents; also Oak Park & River Forest residents (60302, 60303, 60305)
- Minimum 2.5 weighted GPA
- 80% attendance record
What you get
- Paid summer pre-internship (payment via After School Matters)
- Six-week program (June 22 – July 31, 2026), Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Career exploration, college prep, and workplace skills
- Industry certifications such as first aid/CPR
- Networking with professionals
What the application involves
- Completed application via the SmarterSelect portal
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- Unofficial transcript
- Interview (required as part of selection)
Application tips
- Ask for your recommendation letter early from a teacher or mentor who can speak to your interest in health/STEM.
- Prepare for the interview by being ready to discuss why you want to explore healthcare careers.
- Keep your attendance and grades up, the program lists explicit GPA and attendance thresholds.
Good to know
2026 cycle: applications opened Dec 8, 2025 and closed Feb 27, 2026; interviews mid-January to mid-March; acceptances early April.
Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.
Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.
Due February 5 · ~6 months
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Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
Summer Health Professions Education Program
A free summer program to explore medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and more across 12 partner institutions, building applicant competencies, clinical exposure, and professional networks.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S.
Due in February · ~7 months
Summer programs
MIT Minority Introduction to Engineering and Sciences (MITES)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Five rigorous math, science, and humanities courses paired with lab tours, social events, and college admissions counseling, firsthand insight into the value of STEM degrees and careers.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 11