Interested In Becoming A RYSE MED Program Student Mentor?
Applications for the 2025-2026 RYSE MED cohort open on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and will close on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
The RYSE MED program aims to support students who face structural barriers to pursuing careers in healthcare and research. You can help by becoming a student mentor for our RYSE MED scholars! As a bonus, you get to participate in all the program activities for your benefit!
Student Mentor Responsibilities
Student mentors will attend required weekly prep meetings from May 19 – June 27, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM (tentatively) and do 10-20 hours of prep work before the summer immersion program begins. During the 6-week summer immersion program, each student mentor will work full-time (36-40 hours per week) to prepare for and coordinator in person program activities from June 29 to August 8, 2025, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Oncology Track
In addition to core student mentor responsibilities, Oncology Track participants gain specialized exposure to oncology careers through immersive experiences in medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, research, case management, and patient support services. They also complete health equity projects and present on oncology-related health inequities.
HBCU Track
The RYSE MED HBCU Track supports HBCU undergraduate students pursuing careers in medicine and health equity. This specialized track provides intensive mentorship, hands-on learning, professional development, and financial support. In addition to full-time student mentor responsibilities, HBCU Track participants complete a health equity project and presentation focused on disparities in their communities. They also receive 1:1 academic & career coaching from program staff and graduate school exploration.
Please indicate your interest in these tracks on the application.
Student Mentor Requirements
To qualify for RYSE MED, undergraduate, medical, and graduate student applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualifications (Must meet all the following criteria within one of the student categories):
- Undergraduate Students:
- Currently a first-year, sophomore, or junior (rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the next academic year); AND
- Pursuing a degree or concentration in public health, biomedical sciences, nursing, pre-med, or a related field; AND
- Maintain an overall and most recent semester/trimester GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Health Professional Graduate Students:
- Enrolled in a health professional graduate program (e.g., medical, dental, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, etc.).
- Research Graduate Students:
- Enrolled in a health-related research graduate program (e.g., Master of Public Health, Master of Science, Ph.D. in epidemiology, Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, etc.).
- Recent Graduates:
- Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree but are not yet enrolled in graduate school and are interested in transitioning to a healthcare clinical or research career.
- Graduate students on academic performance improvement plans or medical leave are encouraged to apply and must provide additional context in their application.
- Undergraduate Students:
- Work Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and obtain a work permit if under 18.
- Program Commitment: Must be able to fully participate in all required summer and academic year program activities. Absences during the summer immersion program are only allowed for unexpected, unavoidable circumstances. Each longitudinal track will have an attendance policy to optimize engagement.
***NOTE: People who have graduated undergrad and are interested in transitioning to a healthcare clinical or research career are welcome to apply.***
Applications for the 2025-2026 RYSE MED cohort open on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and will close on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
Student Mentor Key Dates
RYSE MED is a year-round program, beginning with an intensive summer immersion program and continuing with academic year activities. The summer immersion program will run in person June 29 – August 8, 2025, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 AM – 5 PM, with our Welcome event occurring in person on Sunday, June 29. Student mentors should also be available on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends throughout the summer program for flexible activities such as shadowing, project work, mentoring circles, etc.
Other required activities scholars must attend include:
- Onboarding & Expectations Orientation (Virtual): Week of April 21
- Employee Orientation (Virtual): Monday, May 19 from 8 AM – 12 PM
- Weekly Prep Meetings (Virtual): May 19 – June 27, 6 PM – 7 PM (Time of event is subject to change.)
- Program Welcome (In-Person): Sunday, June 29 from 2 PM – 5 PM (Time of event is subject to change.)
- Summer Sessions (In-Person): June 30 – August 6 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 AM – 5 PM
- Closing Celebration (In-Person): Friday, August 8 from 5 PM – 9 PM (Time of event is subject to change.)
*High school scholars and student mentors must be available for all summer immersion dates—no exceptions.*
Academic Year Activities will occur September 2025 – May 2026. See more details here.
Applications for the 2025-2026 RYSE MED cohort open on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and will close on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
Contact Us
Please contact us at hfmgodi@hfhs.org if you have any questions. Thank you again for your interest!