In honor of Native American Heritage month, the Navigator team is highlighting several summer programs that support AI/AN premeds and those who are interested in serving AI/AN communities. Below, check out brief descriptions of several programs that vary in their length, location, and application requirements.
(Note: This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all programs, but rather just a small sample of the types of programs that are available. Please refer to each program’s website for the most accurate information on the status of their program for 2025).
- RISE Summer Academy at Washington State University
Location: Includes both virtual and in-person sessions in Spokane, Washington.
Duration: Six weeks
Cost: Cost of attendance is free. Travel to/from the WSU Health Sciences campus in Spokane and room and board during in-person days of the program are provided.
Summary: The RISE Summer Academy is a six-week intensive program for American Indians/Alaskan Natives that provides in-depth training and Indigenous learning opportunities to prepare scholars for the medical school application process. The program offers access to medical school admissions deans and faculty for feedback on personal statements and mock interviews.
- Mayo Clinic Native American Pathway Program
Location: Virtual
Duration: Five weeks
Cost: There is no cost to participate. Students will receive a stipend for their full participation in the program.
Summary: The scholars participate in a five-week virtual summer program that offers coaching for career and medical school readiness, career exploration, introduction to scientific research, and remote clinical observation. The NAPP curriculum utilizes culturally resonant practices and is delivered with regard to Native identity, resilience, and well-being. Instructors come from diverse backgrounds and include Native professionals and tribal elders. The program is open to American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduate and postbaccalaureate program students who are MD or MD-PhD-seeking and preparing to enter medical school in the next two years.
- Native American Summer Research Internship (NARI)
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Duration: 10 weeks
Cost: Participants are compensated for their participation in the program and housing at the University of Utah is provided.
Summary: The Native American Research Internship is a dynamic summer research opportunity for Native American undergraduate junior and senior students who are interested in Health Science research. The internship is located at the University of Utah and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Students will work closely with research mentors as well as Native American faculty and staff mentors, develop meaningful relationships within the Health Science and Native American research communities, attend a National Health conference, and have opportunities to shadow physicians at their clinical practice.
- Four Directions Summer Research Program
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Duration: Eight Weeks
Cost: Housing is provided free of charge for the duration of the eight-week program. Each student also receives a $5,000 stipend.
Summary: The Four Directions Summer Research Program is a unique summer research opportunity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for undergraduate rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a commitment to the health of Native American communities. Students engage in a basic science research project under the direction of a faculty mentor. Additional activities include clinical shadowing, career development seminars, weekly talking circles, networking events, and more.
- Native Americans Into Medicine
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Duration: Seven Weeks
Cost: Students earn a stipend for living expenses and receive campus housing at no cost for those traveling from outside the Duluth region.
Summary: Into Medicine (NAM) is a seven-week summer enrichment program for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pursuing health careers. NAM Summer programs will provide students with both qualitative and quantitative research experience. Program instructors include a broad range of Native American faculty, health professionals, traditional elders, and medical students.
Participants from the 2024 Native American Summer Research Internship Program
