Pathway Programs
Your Pathway Towards Opportunity
Embark on an exciting journey of career exploration and summer enrichment programs, meticulously crafted to empower middle, high school, and undergraduate college students. These transformative experiences provide invaluable insights into the world of medicine, nursing, healthcare and scientific research.
Take the first step towards a rewarding future in healthcare and unlock a world of possibilities at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and beyond.
Sincerely,
Science Technology Entry Program (STEP)
What is it?
The Science and Technology Entry Program is our commitment to nurturing talent in the healthcare professions. Funded by New York State, STEP provides high school students with immersive experiences alongside physicians, researchers, and educators. Through hands-on learning, participants develop crucial skills and gain insights into the dynamic world of medicine. Join the program as we ignite passion, inspire futures, and shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Students attend programming one Saturday a month during the school year and attend a 5-week program during the summer.
Who is this program for?
- Applicants must be New York State Residents
- Applicants must be entering grades 7 through 12.
- Applicants must express interest in science and /or the health professions.
- STEP especially encourages applicants who may be economically disadvantaged (Economic Criteria)
How and where do I apply?
URMC STEP is currently recruiting students who attend the following schools: East Rochester Junior-Senior High School, James Monroe High School, University Preparatory Charter School, Wilson Magnet High School, World of Inquiry – School #58.
If you attend one of these schools and are interested in learning more, please email our team at pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.
Meliora Educational Pathway Program (MEPP)
What is it?
The Meliora Educational Pathway Program (MEPP) is a an after-school science and medicine teaching and mentorship program, led by medical students from the URMC. Our program is supported by NYS STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) and aims to stimulate students' interest in career development opportunities in medicine and the healthcare professions.
STEP students have the opportunity to work directly with physicians, surgeons, and medical and graduate students, participate in fun interactive labs, experiments, animal dissections, and learn clinical skills of medicine including how to take someone’s pulse, blood pressure, and more, and end the program with a field trip to the School of Medicine to meet the doctors and learn how to suture like a surgeon!
Students are exposed to a variety of academic and professional skill development opportunities to enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking and test-taking skills with an emphasis on active or "hands-on" learning.
Please check back soon for information on the 2026-2027 program year!
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
What is it?
Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program is a ten-week academic program designed to strengthen the science, clinical, and research skills of undergraduate students to enhance their competitiveness for careers in medicine and the biomedical sciences. SURF participants are selected from a national pool of candidates.
Program participants conduct focused research in a medical center laboratory under the mentorship of faculty. The program includes seminars and activities, which allow for formal and informal discussions. Students are also exposed to weekly lectures/seminars, gross anatomy lectures and labs, clinical rotations in the Emergency Department, Problem-Based Learning sessions to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, MCAT review/testing and mock interviews. Participants receive a stipend, and housing is included during this ten-week period.
Who is this program for?
- Applicants must be U. S. Citizens.
- Applicants must be enrolled in college.
- In order to qualify, students should not be graduating college during the summer of participation.
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions, please email pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.
How and where do I apply?
The application for SURF 2027 will open in November 2026.
Rochester Young Scientist Club (RYSC)
What is it?
The Rochester Young Scientists Club (RYSC) is dedicated to inspiring and engaging motivated middle school students with the scientific community at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). RYSC’s focus is to engage fifth and sixth grade students in science experiences that promote science as a profession. The RYSC sessions are held on Saturdays at the UR Medical Center. Medical students from the University of Rochester School of Medicine mentor scholars actively participating in hands-on science activities. The RYSC program culminates in spring with a longitudinal project where students present to the community their findings of a study from a scientific question they have researched.
Please check back soon for information on the 2026-2027 program year!