Program Dates: Sunday June 29, 2025 – Friday July 25, 2025 (Four Week Program)
Application Submission Begins: November 15, 2024
Deadline to Apply: March 3, 2025
Embark on an enriching journey into the world of medicine with the High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) at UMass Chan Medical School. This comprehensive, four-week residential program is meticulously designed for ambitious high school sophomores and juniors in Massachusetts who are eager to explore diverse Medical Career Programs. Best of all, this transformative experience is offered completely tuition-free, removing financial barriers for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Discover Diverse Medical Career Programs
The HSHCP provides a unique gateway to delve into the broad spectrum of careers within Biomedical Research, Biotechnology, and Health Professions (BBHP). This immersive program extends beyond textbooks, offering hands-on learning and direct interaction with the medical field. Participants will gain invaluable insights into various medical career programs, helping them make informed decisions about their future paths.
Enhance Academic and Professional Skills
Beyond career exploration, the program is strategically structured to sharpen essential academic and communication skills. Through targeted enrichment classes and interactive classroom sessions, students will strengthen their foundations in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science/Biology, and Information Technology. Furthermore, seminars on Cultural and Contemporary Health Issues broaden their understanding of the societal context of healthcare. These components are crucial for success in any medical career program and future endeavors.
Real-World Experience Through Internships
A cornerstone of the HSHCP is the opportunity for participants to engage in internships. These placements provide firsthand experience, allowing students to collaborate with physicians and various healthcare professionals. This direct exposure offers a realistic glimpse into the daily routines and challenges of different medical career programs, solidifying their interests and providing practical knowledge.
Program Summary: Building Future Healthcare Leaders
Initiated in the 1970s by UMass Chan Medical School (UMCMS), the High School Health Careers Program was born from a vision to increase representation in BBHP fields. The program specifically aims to support Massachusetts high school sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds, nurturing their potential to become future leaders in medicine. HSHCP is committed to fostering academic excellence, improving crucial study habits, communication prowess, and effective time management skills, all vital for high school graduation and college readiness, especially for competitive medical career programs.
This intensive four-week residential experience delivers an integrated academic curriculum, richly encompassing Science/Biology, Mathematics, English, Communication Skills, and Information Technology. The learning extends beyond the classroom with enriching field trips that reinforce the science curriculum. Participants are challenged to engage in a Health Disparities Research Project, focusing on a cultural group within Massachusetts, promoting research and analytical abilities. Through observer/internships and specialized seminars, students directly connect with healthcare professionals and scientists, gaining invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities relevant to various medical career programs.
To rigorously evaluate program effectiveness, standardized pre-tests and post-tests are administered, including the Cognitive Abilities Test and the Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension Test. Instructors and internship supervisors provide detailed evaluations of each participant’s engagement and performance. Additionally, participants contribute to program improvement through anonymous post-program surveys.
The outcomes of the HSHCP are consistently positive and impactful. Tracking over 500 past participants reveals significant achievements: high school graduation, enrollment and completion of post-secondary programs, successful matriculation and graduation from both two and four-year colleges, entry into professional schools, and meaningful employment within the BBHP sector. These outcomes underscore the program’s success in guiding students toward fulfilling medical career programs and beyond.
Contact Us for More Information
If you’re a motivated high school sophomore or junior in Massachusetts with a passion for medicine, the High School Health Careers Program at UMass Chan Medical School offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore medical career programs and set yourself on a path to a rewarding future in healthcare. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about how HSHCP can be your first step towards a successful medical career.
