Disadvantaged High School Student Summer Research Program

Based on extensive recruiting infrastructure throughout Arizona and through partnerships beyond in concert with our K-12 teacher network established since 1987, our intensive high school student program focuses specifically on diverse and disadvantaged high school students, i.e., predominantly underrepresented minorities (Hispanic, Native American, African-American, Alaskan/Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders) as well as disabled students  who come from financially/educationally/socially disadvantaged backgrounds according to the federal definition and official University designation. We particularly recruit junior and senior high school students who express interest and curiosity in biomedicine. Many applicants show preference for research and practice careers in clinical and basic health sciences and biology.

The NIH High School Student Research Programs offers full-time positions in productive basic and clinical research laboratories at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson (Arizona Health Sciences Center). Students who are financially, educationally, and/or socially disadvantaged are paid the minimum federal hourly wage for 40 hours a week for the duration of the program. As in previous years, 35-40 high school students will be incorporated into the Medical Student Research Fellowship Summer Program, thereby stimulating interactions with “big brother” and “big sister” medical students and also with medical faculty mentors and Visiting Professors conducting bi-weekly research seminars throughout the summer. Our hope and expectation is to attract the best and brightest disadvantaged students to the University of Arizona as undergraduates where some will continue their research and ultimately enter the College of Medicine and other professional and graduate programs.

The Review Committee will consider high school students (particularly juniors)with 3.0 (B) or better cumulative GPAs, two outstanding letters of recommendation from their science teachers, guidance counselors, and/ or principals, and additional evidence of research experience or inventiveness, such as science fair exhibits. A one-to-two-page essay on “Why I love science and what the summer medical research apprenticeship will mean to me” should be attached to the enclosed application form. In addition, students will need to provide summary information justifying their financially, educationally, and/or socially disadvantaged status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have a permanent Visa AND have a Social Security Number.

Sponsors

NIH OD R25 OD010487
Translating Translation & Scientific Questioning in the Global K-12 Community

NIH NINDS 1R25NS076437
High School Student NeuroResearch Program (HSNRP)

NIH NICHD R25HD080811
Summers in Children’s Research for Diverse High School Students

For more information visit the program website.