Project Success for High School Students

Project Success: 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 underrepresented 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. 

Due to COVID 19 all Project Success 2021 activities will be conducted remotely.

Program Description

Project Success: Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers is a program for BOSTON and CAMBRIDGE high school students only, particularly underrepresented 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 online research mentoring and courses for 4 weeks, from July 6th to July 30th.

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 students from groups underrepresented in medicine and/or disadvantaged, who are 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 a racial or ethnic background underrepresented in medicine and/or from a disadvantaged background.
3. Have completed the junior or senior year of high school and be at least 16 years of at the time of application.
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 Educational Outreach Programs for a year after completing the program.
8. Have parental/guardian commitment.
    

Application Process

Application Deadline: Monday, April 5, 2021, 5:00pm

Applicants should send an email to Robert Simpson at robert_simpson@hms.harvard.edu 

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.

Useful Links

To see other programs and resources please click here...

For applications please contact:

E-mail: robert_simpson@hms.harvard.edu
Tel: 617-432-1557

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.

Project Success Class of 2020

Meet 10 outstanding Project Success 2020 students from Boston and Cambridge, MA. These young aspiring scientists has investigated biomedical research at Harvard Medical School.

Learn how the K12 Educational Outreach Program team transitioned an 8 week in-person summer Harvard Medical School research program to a virtual one.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2020 | CLICK HERE TO WATCH

In the News

The Show Must Go On
Despite coronavirus challenges, 3 HMS summer programs innovate, inspire
HMS News | August 12, 2020

Secret of Her Success
Rocio Nunez Pepen discusses mentorship, gel electrophoresis, love for research
HMS News | August 12, 2020

• Barbara Okafor, a former participant of Project Success has been featured in the UMass Dartmouth's news. - May 5, 2016
  Click here to read the article

• "Project Success: Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers - A Vision of Success" - K-12 Newsletter, Spring 2005
  Click here to read the article

• “Profile: Meghna Majmudar, Project Success Alumna” - K-12 Newsletter, Autumn 2002
  Click here to read the article

For more information contact:

Robert Simpson, MLA
Science Curriculum Program Specialist
Educational Outreach Programs
Office for Diversity and Community Partnership
164 Longwood Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02115
Tel: 617-432-1557
E-mail: robert_simpson@hms.harvard.edu