Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers

Project Success: Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers is a program for BOSTON and CAMBRIDGE high school students only, particularly minority and/or disadvantage students, to participate in paid, mentored, summer research internships at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated institutions. The program is augmented by seminars and workshops given by faculty and administrators, site visits, and career counseling.

These are some features of the Project Success Program:

Summer Internships: Paid "hands-on" research positions for 8 weeks, from June through August.

Educational Opportunities: Summer discussion series; seminars with researchers and physicians; site visits to hospitals and biotechnology firms; computer training; development of writing and speaking skills; academic year seminars and special programs.

Student Support: Assigned mentors and research advisors; information about the college application process; career counseling; networking with students in other summer programs.

Program Goals

• To identify, recruit and nurture talented students from Boston and Cambridge, particularly underrepresented minority and/or disadvantaged students, interested in pursuing biomedical careers.
• To link students with scientists and physicians. Students will assess their interest in and aptitude for biomedical careers; engage in hands-on research to enhance their technical skills and scientific knowledge; and be encouraged to become critical thinkers.
• To provide continuing support and resources for students in developing academic and professional career paths.

Eligible Students Must:

1. Reside in Boston or Cambridge, Massachusetts.
2. Be a Boston or Cambridge high school student, particularly a student from an underrepresented racial or ethnic background and/or from a disadvantaged background.
3. Have completed the sophomore, junior or senior year of high school and be at least 16 years of age by June 2007.
4. Have demonstrated an interest and ability in science, interest in pursuing a biomedical science or health-related career, and commitment to attending college.
5. Have maintained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least B-, and have completed biology, algebra, and chemistry.
6. Be willing to complete all required formal oral and written reports; attend all Project Success-sponsored seminars; and maintain good attendance and performance on required research projects.
7. Be committed to participating in selected Harvard Medical School K-12 Programs for a year after completing the program.
8. Have parental/guardian commitment.

Application Process

Complete the formal application, including,

• a letter of interest written by the applicant;
• a written recommendation by a science teacher.
• one copy of the applicant's most recent school transcript
• a signed parental or guardian consent form.

For applications please contact:

Dr. Sheila Nutt
Director of Educational Outreach
Office for Diversity and Community Partnership
164 Longwood Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02115
Tel: 617-432-4634
Fax: 617-432-3834
E-mail: sheila_nutt@hms.harvard.edu

The Project Success Advisory Committee will meet to review all complete applications received by the deadline date. Selected applicants will be invited to an interview with committee members. Students selected to participate in the program will be notified by telephone and mail.

For more information contact:

Sheila Nutt, Ed.D.
Director, Educational Outreach
Minority Faculty Development Program
sheila_nutt@hms.harvard.edu
617-432-4634