Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
SHPEP is a free 6-week (2 weeks virtual 4 weeks in-person) summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools.
SHPEP is implemented at 11 program sites across the nation. Each site provides scholars with academic enrichment in the basic sciences and math, career development activities, learning and study skills seminars, financial planning; wellness and a variety of hands-on activities. SHPEP at the University of Washington is a collaboration of the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Public Health.
University of Washington SHPEP Program Dates
June 23rd – August 1st, 2025
Overview of SHPEP at the University of Washington
SHPEP at the UW is committed to increasing the diversity of the pool of health professionals thus improving access to quality healthcare. The University of Washington’s program involves rigorous academic enrichment through classes that provide a strong knowledge base in the basic foundational sciences and public health. It is best suited for students completing their first 2 years of college who are about to take these courses or those who have taken them already and feel that they could use some additional help mastering these subjects.
The SHPEP curriculum at the University of Washington is designed to build on the students’ knowledge of the social determinants of health and health disparities through the lens of social justice.
We encourage you to look into our programs and explore what the University of Washington Health Sciences has to offer.
Expectations
- SHPEP Scholars will attend programming daily from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- It is expected that during program hours Scholars will not have work, school or other activities that will interfere with programming without prior approval
- 100% attendance is expected for the program
- During the 4 week in-person portion students will be expected to reside in the dorm unless they receive prior approval to live off campus
- Students will be required to follow campus, housing and health sciences guidelines (vaccination, masking and distancing, etc). Two measles shots needed to live on campus.
- In order to shadow in-clinic other vaccinations are required (medical and dental track). Required vaccinations will follow the rules of the University and the clinics sites at the time of the program.
At the UW SHPEP scholars benefit from:
- Rigorous academic enrichment courses in biology, chemistry and population health
- Using a Learn to Learn model to equip Scholars with evidence-based techniques to learn life science topics
- Career development sessions directed towards the exploration of the medical, dental, and public health professions, the admissions process, and the development of an individualized education plan
- Exposure to Nursing Simulation Lab, Stop the Bleed Wish Lab, Dental Simulation Lab
- A curriculum designed to increase awareness and knowledge of the social determinants of health and healthcare disparities
- Service Learning project that will develop skills around problem-based learning, working with the community that result in the production of a poster
Candidates sought
The UW SHPEP is actively recruiting first year and sophomore students who are currently attending community college or 4-year college/university, and are from underrepresented and educationally or financially disadvantaged communities.
Eligibility for UW SHPEP
- College first year or sophomore at the time of application
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
- U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Not previously participated in the program
Financial Assistance
Stipend
$1600 ($1000 stipend plus $600 food allowance) distributed in 2 installments.
Apply
- Online application opens November 1st, 2024
- Application Deadline February 5th, 2025
- Decisions are Released March 15th, 2025
Contact the UW SHPEP Director Nora Coronado or call 206-616-3043 for more information
FAQ
Immunizations: Are students required to be immunized before arriving in Seattle?
Yes. Students must be fully vaccinated for measles to live in the dorm. For clinical shadowing purposes full vaccination including (but not limited to) MMR, TDap and Varicella are required.
Academic Credit: Do students receive academic credit for participating in the UW SHPEP?
No. Academic credit is not provided to UW SHPEP participants.
Cost: Is there a cost to participate in the summer program?
No, this program is free. Students are provided a small stipend during the 6 week program. Free room and board.
Social Activities: What recreational activities are offered as a part of the program?
TAs will provide activities to encourage students to build community.
