Summer programUpcoming cycle
Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Stanford University School of Medicine, Office of Diversity in Medical Education
A tuition-free, five-week residential summer enrichment program in science and medicine where low-income, underrepresented high school juniors are mentored by medical professionals, faculty, and college students.
Who should apply
A great fit for low-income, first-generation high school juniors in Northern/Central California who've shown interest in science and health careers and want an immersive, tuition-free pathway into the health professions.
Eligibility
- Current high school junior (rising senior) at time of application
- Lives in and attends high school in one of the Northern/Central California counties the program recruits from
- From a low-income family with little or no family history of college (first-generation focus)
- Demonstrated interest in science with at least a B average in some science classes; academically motivated students with a 2.5+ GPA are considered (not only A students)
What you get
- Five-week summer enrichment program on Stanford's campus (full-time, up to five days/week)
- Faculty lectures, professional development workshops, and Stanford Medicine networking
- A public health / health-disparities research project
- No cost to participate (tuition-free)
What the application involves
- Online application including personal information
- Essays
- Transcripts
- Recommendations
- No application fee
Application tips
- Emphasize genuine curiosity about medicine/health and your personal story rather than only grades — the program looks for maturity, initiative, and curiosity over GPA.
- Give recommenders specifics about your interest in science so letters feel concrete.
- Apply well before the deadline; spots are very limited.
Good to know
Highly selective — for Summer 2026 the program planned to admit only 24 students. Deadline reported as March 23, 2026; 2026 dates June 22 – July 26.
MedicineUnderrepresentedLow-incomeSummer