Program Overview

High School Health Careers Program

The High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) at the UMass Chan Medical School is a structured four-week residential program that provides Massachusetts high school students with exposure to potential career paths in biomedical research and healthcare.

Program Summary

The program provides academic enrichment centered on Science/Biology, Mathematics, English, Communication Skills, and Information Technology. Field trips reinforce the science curriculum. The academic curriculum is supplemented by the completion of a health equity research project, exposure to clinical and biomedical research settings, as well as interactions with healthcare professionals and scientists.

Program Goals

The goal of the HSHCP is to support the continued interest of talented high school students in the health professions and biomedical sciences, thereby increasing the number of students who pursue education opportunities and careers in these fields.

Objectives

• To improve the academic skills of participants in critical thinking, problem solving, note taking, test taking strategies, time management, and decision-making.
• To enhance the communication skills of participants through writing, public speaking, and practice interviews.
• To enhance the preparation of participants for standardized exams important for college admissions.
• To demystify the admissions and financial aid process for medical, graduate, and professional schools so participants see participation in those programs as an attainable goal.
• To place participants in job shadowing/internship in the healthcare and science professions.
• To offer program participants the opportunity to interact with medical students, scientists, healthcare professionals, and network with peers with similar educational and career goals.

Program Dates and Application

• Program Dates: Sunday, June 28, 2026 - Friday, July 24, 2026 (Four-Week Program)
• Application Opens: November 15, 2025
• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

Outcomes

Of approximately 700 prior participants, 10% have earned doctoral degrees, and 23% have earned master's degrees.