Are you a high school junior from a low-income or first-generation background in Northern California with a passion for science and medicine? The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) 2026 offers an incredible tuition-free opportunity to dive into hands-on biomedical research, hospital experiences, and college preparation at one of the world’s top universities.
Hosted by the Office of Diversity in Medical Education at Stanford School of Medicine, this competitive 5-week in-person summer program selects just 24 talented students to explore health sciences, conduct public health research, and build skills for future careers in medicine. If you’re ready for intensive mentorship and real-world exposure on Stanford’s campus, this program could be a game-changer.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States |
| Location | Stanford University Campus, California |
| Organizer | Office of Diversity in Medical Education, Stanford School of Medicine |
| Program Dates | June 22 – July 26, 2026 |
| Duration | 5 Weeks (full-time, Monday–Friday) |
| Application Deadline | March 23, 2026 |
| Participants Selected | 24 students |
| Cost | Tuition-Free (no program fee; no stipend provided) |
| Housing & Transportation | Not provided (must commute or live with family/guardian in area) |
| Format | In-Person (on-campus) |
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
SMYSP is specifically designed to support underrepresented students in medicine. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a current high school junior (rising senior, typically class of 2027)
- Live in Northern California (program focuses on local outreach)
- Come from a low-income and/or first-generation background (first-generation meaning neither parent has a four-year college degree from the U.S.)
- Demonstrate strong interest in science, medicine, and public health
- Be able to commit full-time to the program (including mandatory orientation)
- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (additional health protocols may apply)
Important: This program is not open to students outside Northern California or those not meeting the low-income/first-generation criteria. International students and those from other U.S. regions are not eligible.
Program Activities and Structure
The program is full-time (approximately 30–40 hours per week) and packed with immersive experiences:
- Stanford Hospital Internship: Gain hands-on exposure through shadowing, observation, patient interactions (where appropriate), and departmental activities at Stanford Hospital.
- Public Health Disparities Research Project: Work in small groups on an independent research project addressing health inequities (e.g., racial disparities in health outcomes). Produce a college-level research paper, presentation, and academic poster.
- Lectures and Seminars: Weekly sessions on human anatomy (taught by Stanford medical students), public health, research methods, and guest lectures from Stanford faculty on topics like dermatology, anesthesiology, and more.
- Professional Development Workshops: Build leadership skills, create college action plans, learn about financial aid, essay writing, and what college admissions officers seek.
- Mentorship and Community Building: Personalized guidance from Stanford faculty, medical students, and program counselors, plus team-building activities to form lasting peer networks.
The program emphasizes holistic growth, confidence-building, and pathways to higher education in STEM and medicine.
Benefits of SMYSP
- Completely tuition-free – no cost to participate
- Direct mentorship from Stanford faculty, medical professionals, and students
- Hands-on experience in world-class facilities at Stanford Hospital and labs
- Development of a college-level research project for your portfolio
- Strong preparation for college applications and future medical careers
- Networking and lifelong connections with peers and mentors passionate about health equity
- Exposure to diverse careers in medicine and public health
Note: While the program covers all instructional costs, participants are responsible for their own transportation and meals (no housing or stipend provided).
How to Apply for Stanford Medical Youth Science Program 2026
Applications are submitted online through the official portal:
- Visit the official SMYSP page: med.stanford.edu/odme/high-school-students/smysp.html
- Click to access the application on SlideRoom: stanfordodme.slideroom.com
- Create an account/register and complete the full application (includes personal information, essays, transcripts, and recommendations – prepare these in advance)
- Submit by March 23, 2026
There is no application fee. Decisions are released in early May via email. The selection process is holistic and highly competitive.
For questions, contact: smysp-team@stanford.edu
Final Thoughts
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program 2026 is a prestigious, life-changing opportunity for eligible Northern California high school juniors to gain unparalleled exposure to medicine and science at Stanford. If you meet the criteria and are committed to health equity, this tuition-free program can open doors to your future in STEM.
Apply early and put your best foot forward – spots are limited to just 24!
Good luck!
