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School of Medicine Summer Scholars Program

Saint Louis University's School of Medicine Summer Scholars Program is designed to further expose interested youth to medicine and health care. The SLU School of Medicine has hosted the Summer Scholars Program for more than 10 years.

High school students wearing latex gloves stand around a lab table.
 

About the Program

During the four-week program, students meet with a variety of health care professionals. Some of the specialties may include family medicine, orthopedics, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, transplant surgery, internal general medicine, pathology, dietetics and nursing. 

The program is coordinated with the assistance of first-year medical students. In addition to career exploration, students:

  • Participate in a cadaver demonstration
  • Take a tour of Saint Louis University’s campus and the St. Louis area
  • Complete a research project
  • Participate in a community service project
  • Receive several hours of ACT preparation

How to Apply for the Summer Scholars Program

Registration for the 2025 program will open in mid-January. Requirements for the program are listed below.

Applicants will be notified by phone and/or email of their acceptance into the program in early April 2025. Please pay online after you have been notified of your acceptance into the Summer Scholars Program.

To request additional information, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at somodei@health.slu.edu. Potential applicants must apply by the deadline.

Who can participate?
The School of Medicine Summer Scholars Program is open to any student entering grades 10-12 who is interested in pursuing a career in medicine or health care. This program encourages high school students from diverse backgrounds to pursue health-related careers.
When does the program take place?

The program will be June 2-27, 2025, from 8 a.m. until noon Monday through Friday. The date for orientation will be announced at a later date. 

Where is the program?

The Summer Scholars Program will take place in person. The majority of the program will be held on the Saint Louis University School of Medicine Campus in the Learning Resource Center. 

How much does the program cost?

The program is provided to eligible applicants at a cost of $500. Program costs include ACT prep and all program activities. Needs-based financial aid may be available for some students. Please inquire by contacting Valerie Lovelock at valerie.lovelock@health.slu.edu.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible, students must:

  • Be interested in pursuing a career in medicine or health care 
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Complete the online application. 
  • Submit an essay explaining their personal interest in the medical profession (200-500 words, double-spaced)
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from a counselor, science or math teacher
  • Be able to attend all four weeks of the program
  • Attend the orientation with a parent/legal guardian
What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply for this program will be March 21, 2025.