High School Research Scholars Program

Rising seniors in and around Sioux Falls who want a serious lab summer and college credit before they even start college. Only four students are accepted a year, so apply early and treat the bootcamp as part of the interview.

• Entering senior year in the fall following the program
• At least 16 years old by May 26
• Regional student, since Sanford Research does not provide room and board
• Home-schooled students are eligible
• Strong interest in a research career
• Able to commit a minimum of 35 hours a week for 10 weeks, which rules out summer school or another job

• 10 weeks, roughly late May through the end of July, at least 35 hours a week with five discretionary days
• $4,000 scholarship
• 3 undergraduate elective credits from the University of South Dakota, BIOC192
• A place on a working biomedical research team
• Workshops and skill building alongside the research
• A scientific poster presented at the Sanford Research Symposium

• Online application submitted between October 1 and the January deadline
• High school transcript, official or unofficial
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from science or math teachers or mentors
• Attendance at a full-day Scholars Bootcamp, roughly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a Saturday in late January
• Individual interview after the bootcamp

• Submit your application without waiting on recommendation letters. Letters are added to your file after you apply, but late applications are never accepted.
• Treat the January bootcamp as an interview, because it is. Selection continues through that day and the interviews that follow.
• Four students are accepted each year. Apply anyway, and apply as early in the fall as you can manage.
• Professional dress is required during the program, including the symposium. Sort that out before day one so it is not a stress later.
• Mention the University of South Dakota credit in your planning. Three undergraduate elective credits transfer and are worth naming in your college applications.

Sanford PROMISE was created in 2010 to bring STEM experiences to K-12 students across South Dakota and neighboring states. Bootcamp invitations go out in late January and final status notifications come in April.