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.
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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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
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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