This program is perfect for:

  • Motivated high school students.
  • Aspiring scholars who are curious about healthcare, science, and making a difference in their community.
  • Learners seeking a summer intensive to help prepare them for college and a career in healthcare.

High School Health Sciences Pathways Summer Academy

Building the next generation of healthcare leaders

Built by the UC Santa Cruz Premed Postbacc Program, the High School Health Sciences Pathways Summer Academy prepares diverse, community-minded high school students for future pathways in healthcare and STEM. Students explore human biology through hands-on labs, learn directly from health professionals, and gain early exposure to careers in medicine, nursing, public health, and research.

Through engaging coursework, field trips, mentoring, and a capstone project, participants build foundational knowledge and confidence—setting the stage for long-term success in pre-health pathways.

Program overview

    •    Time: 6 weeks
    •    Format: In-person at the Silicon Valley Campus of UC Santa Cruz (Santa Clara, CA)
    •    Application Fee: $70
    •    Cost: $7,000
    •    Application Period: Feb. 16 – May 16, 2026
    •    Applications Open: Feb. 16, 2026

Join us for an information session. Details to be announced in January.

Medical student textbooks with pencil and multicolor bookmarks and stethoscope isolated on white

Human biology

College-level Rigor

Human biology course taught by experienced faculty. 

African-american schoolgirl pupil student using working with microscope at biology chemistry lesson class at school lab.

Microscopy

Hands-on labs

Microscopy, vital signs monitoring, suturing practice, and guided scientific experiments.

Man, training and mentoring nurses and healthcare staff

Public health advocacy

Learn about community health challenges and how to become an effective health advocate.

Portrait of handsome male doctor with stethoscope over neck working while looking at camera in the medical consultation.

Expert mentorship

Meet the healthcare community

Connect with doctors, nurses, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

mall group of medical professionals gather around a table as they meet together to discuss patient cases

Field experiences

Onsite tours

Visit local medical schools, biomedical labs, and community health organizations

Teeange student reading aloud in the classroom

Capstone project

Showcase your learning 

Students share their experiences through a culminating presentation to peers and professionals.

A comprehensive introduction to healthcare careers

Six weeks of transformative learning

Each week builds upon the last, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experiences and real-world healthcare exposure. 

Sample weekly schedule

The Summer Academy Human Biology is a formal course meeting twice weekly, from 9 a.m.- 2p.m., Monday through Friday. Some days may start earlier or go longer due to field trips or additional time for activities.

This sample schedule is for illustrative purposes and does not reflect a finalized daily agenda. 

  • Day 1 - Foundations of Public Health

  • Day 2 - Human Biology + Social Determinants of Health

  • Day 3 - Clinical Skills Lab: Suturing & Applied Anatomy

  • Day 4 - Human Biology + Addiction Medicine & Health Advocacy

  • Day 5 - Experiential Learning: Medical School Tour

Who should apply?

High school students in grades 9-12 (as of Spring 2026) who are curious about science, interested in health careers, and passionate about making an impact in their community.

  • Curious about human biology and how the body works
  • Interested in careers like doctor, nurse, PA, or public health professional
  • Passionate about helping others and improving community health
  • Ready to engage in hands-on learning and real-world experiences

Let UC Santa Cruz be where your healthcare journey begins

Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, public health professional, nurse, PA, or another health professional, this program is a meaningful first step toward making that dream a reality.

Applications open Feb. 16, 2026. Stay informed.