2026 High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP)

Important Dates

Program Dates: Sunday June 28, 2026- Friday July 24, 2026 (Four-Week Program)

Application opens: November 15, 2025

Application deadline: March 2, 2026

Program Summary

The High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) at the UMass Chan Medical School, established in the 1970’s, is a structured four-week residential program that provides Massachusetts high school students with exposure to potential career paths in biomedical research and healthcare. 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. The result is a student with sustained interest in the biomedical sciences and health professions and increased confidence in their ability to achieve those goals.

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

Program Goals

To goal of the HSHCP is to support the continued interest of talented high students in the health professions and biomedical sciences, thereby increasing the number of students who pursue education opportunities and careers in these fields. The program goal is achieved by through the accomplishment of the objectives below.

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.
• Place participants in job shadowing/internship in the healthcare and science professions.
• Offer program participants the opportunity to interact with medical students, scientists, healthcare professionals and network with peers with similar educational and career goals.

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