Summer Health Professions
Education Program

The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions.

The SHPEP National Program Office (NPO) is continually assessing the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of SHPEP 2021. As we consider the options for implementing the program this summer, the health and safety of our scholars remains our top priority. We are optimistic that SHPEP 2021 can be offered as an in-person experience, either in whole or in part. There are, however, numerous uncertainties, variables, and contingencies that will influence our final decision to move forward with an in-person program.
The NPO — along with our 12 program sites located across the United States — will monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local health authorities in the coming months. We are in close contact with staff at each of our program sites and regularly receive updates on any decisions that may alter normal campus operations and/or impact implementation of their summer programming.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated virtual implementation of SHPEP in 2020 due to physical distancing recommendations and campus closures, we are proud that the program was successfully delivered online to more than 930 scholars this summer. Therefore, the NPO is confident in the ability of our program sites to provide a valuable and transformative experience to 2021 SHPEP scholars whether the program is virtual or in-person. Please continue to monitor our website for updates on the status of SHPEP 2021.