UMass Chan High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP)
UMass Chan Medical School
A high school health careers program for Massachusetts students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Who should apply
A strong fit for Massachusetts high school sophomores and juniors from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who want a tuition-free, residential introduction to biomedical research and the health professions.
Eligibility
- Current high school sophomore or junior during the application cycle
- Massachusetts resident attending a Massachusetts high school
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- From an educationally and/or economically disadvantaged background
- Must provide proof of health insurance before acceptance
- May not take other classes, attend other programs, or work during the program
What you get
- Tuition-free, four-week residential summer program
- Exploration of biomedical research, biotechnology, and the health professions
- Certificate of Achievement on completion
- A stipend, paid only to participants who complete the program (attend all classes and submit assignments on time)
What the application involves
- Program application (see the official application page for required components)
Application tips
- Be specific about your interest in biomedical research and health careers.
- Confirm you can fully commit, participants can't hold jobs or attend other programs during the four weeks.
- Line up proof of health insurance early so it doesn't delay acceptance.
- Emphasize how your background and goals align with the program's focus on disadvantaged students.
Good to know
Administered by the UMass Chan Office of Outreach Programs (Worcester). Contact: 508-856-2707 or OutreachPrograms@umassmed.edu.
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
Summer programs
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
