For Parents and Guardians
The information below reflects the experience, resources, and program expectations available to parents and guardians during SHPEP’s operation. This page is preserved as part of the program’s historical record and provides a look at what students and their families could expect from participation in SHPEP.
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) was a six-week summer enrichment program designed to challenge students academically and support their development as learners and future health professionals. Scholars learned from experienced professionals in fields including dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. They also participated in workshops, simulations, and other activities designed to strengthen their preparation for college-level coursework and graduate-level health professions education.
Through these experiences, SHPEP scholars built academic skills, explored potential career paths, and developed connections with a national network of alumni who could serve as peers, mentors, and professional supporters.
SHPEP recognized that parents and guardians played an important role in supporting students as they explored careers in the health professions. The program placed strong emphasis on scholar well-being and provided students with structured academic, professional, and social experiences throughout the summer.
Program Cost, Housing, and Logistics
Accepted scholars received some level of travel assistance to their confirmed program site. The type and amount of assistance varied by site and could include mileage reimbursement, airfare, or transportation from an airport.
Scholars typically lived in residence halls at the host institution and shared living accommodations with other participants. This residential experience provided opportunities for scholars to build relationships with their peers and strengthen their cohort connections.
Program sites provided meals throughout the program, with options available to accommodate a range of dietary needs. Scholars could be responsible for incidental expenses, such as laundry or parking, depending on the program site.
The Application
SHPEP applicants were required to complete an annual application and submit the required supporting materials by the established deadline. The application process included a personal statement, official transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.
Program Overview and Objectives
SHPEP’s primary objective was to prepare students who were underrepresented in the health professions for successful journeys toward their desired careers. The program fostered an environment of growth by enhancing scholars’ academic abilities, resourcefulness, professional development, and opportunities to build relationships with health professionals.
SHPEP scholars participated in academic enrichment sessions, panels focused on health professions pathways, admissions test preparation, interprofessional teamwork, financial literacy, and professional development workshops. Through these experiences, scholars strengthened the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to pursue their chosen career paths.
Scholars also became part of a nationwide network of program alumni who could provide guidance on professional school applications, standardized test preparation, and other aspects of their educational and professional journeys.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy was an important component of the SHPEP experience. Scholars participated in sessions focused on developing and managing a budget, understanding loans, and filing taxes. These sessions were designed to help students make informed financial decisions as they progressed through their educational journeys.
Pathway Resources
SHPEP offered resources across a variety of health professions pathways, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, public health, nursing, physical therapy, optometry, and more. Scholars received guidance on exploring career paths, preparing for standardized admissions exams, and developing applications for professional and graduate programs.
Depending on their selected pathway, scholars participated in workshops designed to strengthen their preparation for relevant admissions exams, including the DAT, MCAT, PAX, OAT, PA-CAT, and GRE. Scholars also received guidance on the application processes for professional and graduate programs and participated in panels featuring guest speakers and lecturers who shared their experiences and advice.