Stanford Medical Youth Science Program - Approved

• The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is an academic enrichment program for students from first generation and low-income high school juniors. Over five weeks, participants engage in faculty lectures, professional development workshops, Stanford Medicine networking events, and a public health disparities research project. During the program and beyond, participants are mentored by faculty, health professionals, and college students on preparing for college, navigating careers in medicine, and becoming a leader today.
• • Owner
    Alexander Castro
  • Created On
    01-07-2025
  • Updated On
    10-06-2025
  • Update Reminder
    12-10-2025

• How To Contact

  • Name
    SMYSP Team
  • Phone
    (999) 999-9999
  • Fax
    N/A
  • Email
    smysp-team@stanford.edu
  • Address
    1265 Welch Rd
  • City
    Stanford
  • State
    CA

• More Information

  • Start Date
    N/A
  • Expiration Date
    06-26-2026
  • Eligibility
    free
  • Fee
    0.00
  • Organization
    Stanford Medical School
  • Zip Code
    94305

• Helpful Links

  • Main Program URL
    https://med.stanford.edu/odme/high-school-students/smysp/about.html
  • Apply Online
    https://stanfordodme.slideroom.com/#/login/program/81488
  • Program Homepage
    https://med.stanford.edu/odme/high-school-students/smysp.html

• Detailed Information

  • SMYSP Program Details
    

    Our 2026 program will be held on Stanford’s campus June 22nd - July 26th, 2026. SMYSP is a full-time weekly summer program. Students will be expected to travel to Stanford’s main campus Monday through Friday for the duration of the program. Our team of dedicated program staff, including program counselors and instructors, will work together to create a supportive, enriching, and exciting summer experience with SMYSP. Our counselors will plan a variety of fun team building exercises throughout the week.

    Please note a mandatory in-person program orientation will be held Thursday, June 18th, 2026. Applicants accepted into the program will receive a detailed program schedule.

    
    

    What to Expect:

    1. Student Hospital Internship - Students are placed in hospital internships throughout Stanford Hospital. SMYSP students study not only the factual knowledge of health and medical science but also gain experience in the various aspects of health care delivery such as hands-on laboratory and departmental activities, shadowing experiences and observation, and patient interaction.These internships provide exposure to the various health and medical professions through hands-on activities, shadowing, as well as formal and informal discussions, and support students to gain confidence in their ability to succeed in the science and medical professions.

    2. Academic Seminars and Lectures - Students will attend two weekly lectures covering the field of public health and research methodology in order to prepare them to complete their summer research project. Additionally, students will attend two weekly lectures covering human anatomy with Stanford medical student instructors as well as participate in a weekly academic planning workshop in preparation for applying to college in the fall of 2024. Academic planning workshops include creating a college action plan, applying for financial aid, what admissions officers look for, and writing college essays.

    
    

    3. Public Health Research Project - Participants engage in a health disparities group research project to improve health and health access in all communities. Students will work in small groups to write a college-level research paper, presentation, and academic poster. Examples of research projects include addressing racial inequities in COVID-19 health outcomes, examining low birth outcomes for African American mothers, and combatting language barriers in hospital settings.

    
    

    4. Immersive Educational Opportunities - Students will participate in weekly guest lectures, tours, and demonstrations from the Stanford medical community. Potential guests include Dermatology, Anesthesiology, Life Flight, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, and more.

    
    

    5. Community Building and Mentorship - We foster opportunities for participants to develop enduring friendships and support systems that last long beyond the summer program. Our passionate team of mentors and counselors support participants to build their confidence, develop a college action plan, and reach their full potential.

    Admissions Process

    • What is the weekly time commitment? 
      SMYSP is a full-time summer program. Participants will be expected to travel to campus up to five days a week, specific daily hours will be available in Spring 2026.
      
      
    • Is this program in-person? 
      For Summer 2026, the program will be offered in-person.
      
      
    • How many students will be admitted to the program? 
      For Summer 2026, SMYSP will accept 24 students.
       
    • I am not a high school junior in Northern California, can I apply?
      

      No. SMYSP is specifically for high school juniors in Northern California. We cannot offer exceptions for students that do not meet our eligibility criteria. We suggest looking into enrichment programs through Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies or other Stanford School of Medicine Programs.
      

    • Is there a cost to attend SMYSP? 
      There is no cost for students to participate in this program. 
      
      
    • Does SMYSP offer a stipend? 
      SMYSP is not able to offer a stipend for Summer 2026.
      
      
    • Do I have to attend all 5 weeks? 
      Students are required to participate in all 5 weeks of the program and are required to attend the orientation on the first day and all safety sessions. Students will spend approximately 30-40 hours/week in the program Monday through Friday.
      
      
    • Transportation:
      Housing and transportation are not provided by the program and participants are required to live with a family member/legal adult guardian during the program.
      
      
    • COVID-19 Guidance
      All students must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and may be required to follow masking and testing requirements. More concrete information will be provided when the accepted students are announced. There is a chance the program could be held virtually if the University does not allow in-person programs depending on the conditions at the time in the spring/summer of 2026. View Stanford COVID-19 Health Alerts

• Eligibility Information

  • States
    • CA
  • Counties
    • Alameda County
    • Contra Costa County
    • Marin County
    • San Francisco County
    • San Mateo County
    • Santa Clara County
    • Santa Cruz County
    • Solano County
  • Cities
  • Zipcodes
  • School Districts
  • Age Groups
    • High Schooler
  • Languages Served
  • Family Incomes
  • Insurance Providers

• Files