The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a national program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with direction and technical assistance provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).

We Support Underrepresented Students

SHPEP is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools. These students include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, and from communities of socioeconomic and educational disadvantage. SHPEP, formerly known as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), expanded in 2016 to include a broader array of health professions.

Who is eligible to apply?

All students who meet the Summer Health Professions Education Program eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a high school graduate and currently enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college.
  • Applicants should have earned no more than 60 credits when submitting their application.
    • Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credits are not counted.
    • Dual enrollment credits are counted.
• Have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5.
• Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Must not have previously participated in the program.

Other factors for consideration include that a student:

• Identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in the health professions;
• Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
• Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting underserved populations.
• Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation.

Application & Admission Timeline Information

Applications open November 1st and must be postmarked/time stamped by February 5th.