Higher Education Programs and Partnerships

AHEC Scholars

Oregon Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars is a prestigious two-year national certificate program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program prepares health professions students to meet the unique needs of rural and underserved communities through interdisciplinary training, community engagement, and experiential learning.

AHEC Scholars combines a curated didactic curriculum focused on eight critical topic areas with interprofessional hands-on experiences in clinical settings across Oregon. Through these experiences, students develop the skills, cultural responsiveness, and community-centered perspective needed to address health disparities and improve access to care.

Scholars have access to financial incentives, professional development opportunities, and exclusive training experiences while building connections with a statewide and national network of future health care leaders. Graduates leave the program better prepared to serve rural and underserved populations and drive meaningful improvements in community health.

Oregon AHEC partners with colleges and universities across the state to recruit students pursuing careers as physicians (MD and DO), physician associates (PA), occupational therapists (OTD), pharmacists (PharmD), dentists (DMD), nurse practitioners (NP), physical therapists (DPT), and nurses (BSN).

  • Eligibility: College Students, Graduate Students, Current health professions students in Oregon-based partner programs
  • Duration and schedule: Concurrently with the last two years of each academic program.
  • Application timeline: Rolling admissions
  • Program contact: Kate Hubbard, hubbarka@ohsu.edu or ahec@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: AHEC Scholars

Allergy & Clinical Immunology Pathways Program

OHSU’s Allergy & Immunology Pathways Program provides students with early exposure to the medical field of allergy/immunology and adjacent subspecialties. The program aims to increase the representation of diverse allergists, immunologists, and physicians in medicine by opening a “pathway” into the field of allergy and immunology.

Hosted by OHSU’s Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, students will participate in a five-week summer program that includes clinical shadowing, scientific lectures, research skills training, and project work. The program may also include a community volunteering opportunity.

Students will also receive close mentorship from physicians in the allergy/immunology field during the program. The program seeks to support students as they explore whether medicine, and allergy/immunology in particular, is a fitting career path.

  • Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years by the program start date but have not yet started their junior year of undergrad, and who are able to commute to OHSU Marquam Hill.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, 5 weeks
  • Application timeline: November-December the year prior
  • Program contact: pccmadmin@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Allergy & Immunology Pathways Program

Biomedical and Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE)

Undergraduate interns will immerse themselves in an 8-week research experience, working with established biomedical researchers focused on areas including cancer biology, immunology, cell and developmental biology, computational biology, and biomedical engineering. In addition to hands-on experience in biological and/or quantitative cancer research methods, interns will attend twice weekly education and professional development sessions. As a culminating experience, each intern will prepare and present a research poster to their peers and members of the Knight Cancer Institute (KCI) and wider OHSU community.

Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Internship Program

The internships will provide paid, full-time summer internships in data science and biomedical informatics to college undergraduates and Masters graduate students. The program’s goals are to provide exposure to data science and informatics with respect to best practices, impact of research on medicine and health, as well as possible career path for interns. In addition to the research project, each intern will participate in coursework, seminars and attend weekly Informatics Research Conferences. At the end of the summer, all interns will present their work in several in-person sessions at OHSU.

Chemical Biology and Physiology Summer Undergraduate Research Program (CBP-SURP)

CPB-SURP is a 9-week summer internship designed to provide undergraduate students with hands-on training in innovative research in the disciplines of chemical biology, biochemistry, structural biology and physiology, conducted at a leading academic health center in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A major goal of this program is to engage students in state-of-the-art techniques in biomedical discovery, leading to uncovering the fundamental mechanisms of health and disease. Interns will also participate in career development activities, which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to assess and plan their future careers in science.

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least four semesters or six quarters of undergraduate study
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, nine weeks.
  • Application timeline: Applications open annually in January
  • Program contact: CPBdept@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: CPB-SURP

Clinical Research Investigative Studies Program

The Clinical Research Investigative Studies Program (CRISP) exposes vetted pre-health students to the world of clinical research in emergency medicine through prospective ED research projects at the Marquam Hill campus. The CRISP program will give students considering potential health related careers hands-on experience in the Emergency Department (ED) helping facilitate the completion of clinical research studies. The students will interact with both Emergency Department patients and research investigators. Since 2004, CRISP students have successfully screened, consented, and enrolled thousands of patients into multiple studies of varying complexity, including FDA drug and device trials, and cross-sectional and prospective survey studies.

Our CRISP students undergo hours of rigorous fundamental concepts of clinical research, confidentiality, consent and procedural skills, practice informed consent, continuous learning that provides ongoing research education including the CITI modules on Human Subjects Protection, GCPs, and HIPAA. Once trained, the CRISP student will use EPIC (the electronic health record system at OHSU) to proficiently screen all patients who come into the OHSU Emergency Department for each active study protocol. If a patient is deemed eligible for the study, the CRISP student will inform the patient and/or the patient’s legal guardian (LAR) about the study and proceed with the informed consent process if the patient is willing to participate. Once the patient is consented, the CRISP students will move forward with enrollment procedures which can range clinical data abstractions, patient surveys, and/or work with the ED treatment team to collect necessary patient samples and imaging such as ECGs, blood, urine, or stool.

  • Eligibility: Highly disciplined and motivated pre-health college, graduate, post-baccalaureate and non-traditional students. 
  • Duration and schedule: One-year commitment. Two four-hour shifts per week for the first 12 weeks; one four-hour shift per week thereafter.
  • Application timeline: Four application per year, with quarterly information sessions.
  • Program contact: CRISP@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: CRISP Program
  • CRISP Application
  • CRISP Information Session

College Undergraduate and Graduate Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Internship Program

This internship will provide paid, full-time summer internships in data science and biomedical informatics to college undergraduates and graduate students. The program’s goals are to provide exposure to data science and informatics with respect to best practices, impact of research on medicine and health, as well as possible career path for interns. In addition to the research project, each intern will participate in coursework, seminars and attend weekly Informatics Research Conferences. At the end of the summer, all interns will present their work in several in-person sessions at OHSU.

Community Outreach, Research and Engagement Internship Program

The OHSU Community Outreach, Research and Engagement (CORE) Internship Program allows undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to experience community engaged research and partnership in action.

CORE Interns work on a wide range of community research projects for local non-profit and government organizations. Projects use research best practices; data-driven decision-making; evidence-based approaches; program evaluation; and community assessments to advance public health issues confronting local communities. CORE Interns may also support OHSU investigator-led community-engaged research studies.

  • Eligibility: Current undergraduate or Graduate student majoring in the fields of science, public health, psychology or another related field
  • Duration and schedule: Every quarter
  • Program contact: coreinternship@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: CORE Internship Program

Equity Research Program

The OHSU Equity Research Program offers an exciting opportunity for undergraduate college students from a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences the opportunity to spend eight weeks working on research projects alongside faculty, scientists and graduate students. Examples of past internship tracks include:

  • Biomedical Sciences - Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Hearing and Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute's Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Graduate Medical Studies
  • Dental
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Public Health

Program details:

Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program

The Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program is hosted by the Gibbs Laboratory to provide hands-on science education to high school and college students interested in careers in scientific research. Interns learn a variety of wet bench laboratory skills such as cell culture, spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, macroscopic fluorescence imaging, immunostaining, organic synthesis, small molecule purification as well as antibody conjugation and purification strategies. Additionally, interns learn about data analysis and processing and can learn about programming, especially in the area of image analysis. Interns will also learn about experimental planning and troubleshooting as it relates to their research project.

  • Eligibility: High School Students, College Students
  • Duration and schedule: Summer - 10 weeks
  • Application timeline: January 4th to March 15th, 2027
  • Program contact: gibbsinternship@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Gibbs Laboratory

Galbraith Lab Quantitative Biology / Biophysics (QBB) Internships

The Quantitative Biology / Biophysics Internship in the Galbraith Lab within the Spatial Systems Biology Group and the BME Department creates opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to participate in quantitative biology and biophysics research.

Past projects covered a wide range of quantitative biology and biophysics, including image analysis, -omic analysis, super-resolution microscopy, photophysics of dyes, immunohistochemistry, and basic molecular biology. Previous projects focused on the A-Mazing Cell Races. That project offered students the opportunity to use nanolithography to create cell-size mazes, image cells navigating the mazes, use machine learning to track cell movement, and develop a website to host results.

Interns meet with the PIs nearly daily; they are required to present weekly and are asked to read and analyze literature. In addition to seminars on campus, they are encouraged to view video cast seminars on websites such as iBiology and take online edX courses. All interns are required to keep detailed logbooks, verify reagents, back up data, and learn quantitative analysis. Interns are encouraged to take “scientific ownership” of their project and are asked to begin each week with a 2 min 2 slide presentation that describes 1) the “big picture” for the summer and 2) what part of the picture they were working on last week.

At the end of the internship program, interns are expected to present their work at the annual PacNoW meeting in Portland. PacNoW is the Pacific Northwest Quantitative Biology consortium that was co-founded by the Galbraith Lab at OHSU and the Applewhite and Ritz Labs at Reed. PacNoW is comprised of faculty from OHSU, Reed, Lewis & Clark, UO, PSU and OSU. An annual all-day symposium, which rotates between campuses, is held every year at the end of every summer. Quantitative biology students from all member institutions present their summer research.

Jump Start Research Program

Jump Start is a paid summer research program designed to provide foundational training for post-baccalaureate scholars with limited exposure to research who are interested in graduate education and research careers. The program, offered by OHSU’s Casey Eye Institute, emphasizes structured mentorship and hands-on training.

Applicants may include students:

  • With little research experience
  • Who attend institutions with limited research infrastructure
  • Or who faces educational, financial or structural barriers to pursuing research pathway.

The eight-week program runs from mid-June to mid-August and includes a stipend. It is a full-time position, with 30 hours a week in laboratory research and 10 hours a week in structured training and professional development activities.

Your application should include your résumé and a personal statement that answers:

  • Describe your prior access to research opportunities. What types of research experiences have you had, and what factors limited or shaped your ability to pursue additional research opportunities?
  • Describe one or more barriers, educational, financial, institutional or personal, that have influenced your path toward a research career. How have these experiences shaped your goals?
  • How do you envision research fitting into your long-term career goals?

Program details:

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate/post-baccalaureate scholars with limited exposure to research who are interested in graduate education and research careers. Eligibility requires confirmation before publication.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, mid-June to mid-August, eight weeks; full time, with 30 hours of laboratory research and 10 hours of training per week.
  • Application timeline: Applications open Dec. 1, 2026. Deadline to apply is Feb. 26, 2027.
  • Program contact: Mary Kelley, Ph.D., kelleyma@ohsu.edu, and copy (cc) Kate Stout, stoutk@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: OHSU’s Casey Eye Institute

McGriff Summer Scholars Program

The McGriff Summer Scholars Program at OHSU's Division of Vascular Surgery is an intensive eight-week research experience designed to introduce aspiring students, ranging from undergraduates to medical students, to clinical research. Each scholar is paired with a dedicated faculty mentor and completes an independent research project while gaining hands-on experience in research methods, scientific writing, and academic presentation. The program culminates in a formal research presentation, showcasing each scholar's contributions to advancing vascular surgery research and preparing them for future careers in medicine and science

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate and medical students
  • Duration and schedule: Summer (8 weeks); Typically end of June to mid-August
  • Application timeline: January -February prior to the summer start date
  • Program contact: Keeley McConnell, mcconnke@ohsu.edu 

Murdock Undergraduate Collaborative Research Program

The Murdock program is designed for talented students in their sophomore or junior year from Corban University, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield University, Pacific University, University of Portland, Warner Pacific University, and Willamette University who are interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research, particularly those who are considering graduate school or an M.D./Ph.D. program.

Students participate in ongoing research projects with investigators at OHSU and are paid a stipend. It's a part-time internship for 1-year with a 10-week full-time period during summer months in-person. Students who are already committed to a career involving only clinical practice, such as private practice physicians or dentists, are specifically discouraged from applying. Application deadline is mid-October.

  • Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors from Corban University, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield University, Pacific University, University of Portland, Warner Pacific University or Willamette University, interested in biomedical research, graduate school or an M.D./Ph.D. program.
  • Duration and schedule: One year part time, including 10 weeks full time in person during summer.
  • Application timeline: September to Mid-October
  • Program contact: murdockscholars@ohsu.edu 

Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE)

The Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE) sustainably addresses health care needs by increasing American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) representation in the health professions workforce through culturally informed, evidence-based education and research interventions. As part of OHSU School of Medicine's Department of Family Medicine, NNACoE serves as an institution-wide resource for AI/AN students and faculty, operating extensive enrichment programming that spans the entire educational continuum from high school through academic faculty positions.
 
Since NNACoE's founding in 2017, OHSU has become home to one of the highest concentrations of AI/AN medical students in the country. We have developed robust partnerships with Native-serving organizations, regional universities, medical schools, and Tribes in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, and Alaska. Once focused exclusively on OHSU School of Medicine, NNACoE now supports AI/AN-specific pathway programs in OHSU Schools of Dentistry and Nursing, and provides consultation on recruitment, training, and retention of AI/ANs in Pharmacy and Public Health. Our growing research team, comprised of clinicians, faculty, and staff working across OHSU, is deeply connected to this work. We know AI/AN students have the aptitude, desire, and talent to succeed in medical school and beyond. NNACoE does not offer shadowing opportunities and is not currently accepting volunteers.

  • Eligibility: Center-wide resource for American Indian/Alaska Native students and faculty. See individual programs for eligibility.
  • Duration and schedule: Varies by program
  • Application timeline: See individual programs
  • Program contact: nativehealth@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: NNACoE

Occupational Health Sciences' Summer Student Research Awards

Occupational Health Sciences' Summer Student Research Awards are paid summer internships designed to introduce undergraduate students to biomedical and occupational health research. To be eligible for an Institute funded award, students must be Oregon residents or attend college in Oregon. All undergraduate levels may apply.

The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences provides unique research opportunities across a range of basic and applied research areas. Whether studying molecules, cells, organ systems, non-human organisms, or gathering data in the community, student award winners will gain valuable experience conducting a specific project aligned with their host faculty member's research program.

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students at all levels who are Oregon residents or attend college in Oregon.
  • Duration and schedule: June–August, 9–10 weeks
  • Application timeline: January 4th - February 12
  • Program contact: bowlesn@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Occupational Health Sciences

OHSU Innovation and Commercialization Internship

The OHSU Innovation and Commercialization internship program is an educational experience for individuals interested in technology transfer, business development, and/or patent law. Get real-world experience assisting with innovation development and the transition of technology from laboratory to market. Eligible interns can receive a monthly monetary service award and/or academic credit for program participation. Please note that this program is primarily remote/virtual, but interns in the Portland metro area may have the opportunity to attend some in-person meetings.

  • Eligibility: Must hold a bachelor's degree in life science, physical science, and/or engineering; be pursuing or have received a graduate-level degree in science, medicine, engineering, business, or law; and have an interest in intellectual property, technology transfer, and/or business development as a career goal.
  • Duration and schedule: One year beginning in April; average of 8–10 hours per week. Performance reviewed every three months; continued participation requires good standing.
  • Application timeline: November 4, 2026 - January 17, 2027
  • Program contact: Nicole Garrison, garrisni@ohsu.edu and techmgmt@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Innovation and Commercialization Internship

OHSU PROPEL Postbaccalaureate Research Training

OHSU PROPEL, formerly known as PREP, is a postbaccalaureate workforce training program designed to broaden access to careers in biomedical research. The program provides structured support for recent college graduates as they transition into rigorous, research-focused doctoral degree programs (e.g., PhD, MD-PhD).

In addition to a year-long, sustained research experience, OHSU PROPEL scholars engage in weekly professional and career development programming while developing individualized, competency-based plans to guide their academic and professional growth. Scholars also participate in academic immersion through interactions with near-peer mentors and OHSU faculty, building the skills and knowledge needed to pursue advanced training and careers in biomedical research.

  • Eligibility: Recent College Graduates
  • Duration and schedule: One year, July–June
  • Application timeline: Winter
  • Program contact: preptograd@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: OHSU PROPEL

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health: Milestone

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is committed to advancing health equity and social justice by ensuring that students from backgrounds traditionally underserved in public health have the support, opportunities, and resources needed to successfully navigate their academic and professional careers.

The Milestone program provides undergraduate public health students from traditionally underserved backgrounds with 1:1 support, workshops, and tools to kickstart their career and academic goals.

The 2026-2027 cohort is full. Enrollment for next cohort begins May 2027.

  • Eligibility: PSU undergraduate Public Health Studies majors enrolled full time, with a GPA of at least 3.0 (transfer, cumulative or major). More than 90 credits or junior/senior standing by Fall 2028. Must meet at least two of three criteria: from a diverse background in Oregon health professions; first-generation college student; rural/frontier background (population no greater than 40,000 and at least 10 miles from a community that size or larger). U.S. residency and citizenship are not required; international and DACA students are encouraged to apply.
  • Duration and schedule: Year long
  • Application timeline: May 2027 - September 2027
  • Program contact: Noni Villalobos, villabri@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Milestone Program

On Track OHSU!

Established in 2013, On Track OHSU! is a statewide STEM and health sciences pathway program that supports students from middle school through postsecondary education. Through partnerships with Oregon schools, communities, colleges, and OHSU programs, On Track expands access to career exploration, mentorship, hands-on learning, and professional development, helping students envision and pursue futures in science, healthcare, and biomedical research.

On Track provides sustained engagement that builds students’ interest, confidence, academic identity, and sense of belonging in science and healthcare. Programming strengthens perseverance, leadership, and readiness for college and careers. School partnerships reflect geographic access, rural community needs, and socioeconomic and educational resource needs, with support such as transportation, meals, and stipends helping reduce barriers to participation.

The program serves six partner high schools and 11 feeder middle schools, with onsite support from Community Managers and Student Success Facilitators who build relationships with students, families, and school personnel. These staff coordinate programming, provide individualized guidance, and connect students with academic resources, mentors, and educational opportunities. Post-secondary support extends this commitment through advising, professional development, and connections to education and career pathways.

With more than a decade of community partnership, On Track OHSU! connects sustained student support with meaningful opportunities, helping students move from career curiosity toward their educational and professional goals while strengthening Oregon’s future science and healthcare workforce.

  • Eligibility: Middle school students @ Harriet Tubman, Ockley Green, Faubion K-8, Vernon K-8, Parkrose, French Prairie, Valor, Warm Springs K-8, Brixner Jr. High, Chiloquin Jr. High, & Chiloquin Elem. High School students @ Jefferson, Parkrose, Woodburn, Madras, Mazama & Chiloquin. Post-secondary students from any undergraduate institution
  • Duration and schedule: Year-round, from middle school through postsecondary education.
  • Application timeline: Not applicable
  • Program contact: ontrack@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: On Track OHSU!

Oregon AHEC Scholars

Oregon Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars is a prestigious two-year national certificate program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program prepares health professions students to meet the unique needs of rural and underserved communities through interdisciplinary training, community engagement, and experiential learning.

AHEC Scholars combines a curated didactic curriculum focused on eight critical topic areas with interprofessional hands-on experiences in clinical settings across Oregon. Through these experiences, students develop the skills, cultural responsiveness, and community-centered perspective needed to address health disparities and improve access to care.

Scholars have access to financial incentives, professional development opportunities, and exclusive training experiences while building connections with a statewide and national network of future health care leaders. Graduates leave the program better prepared to serve rural and underserved populations and drive meaningful improvements in community health.

Oregon AHEC partners with colleges and universities across the state to recruit students pursuing careers as physicians (MD and DO), physician associates (PA), occupational therapists (OTD), pharmacists (PharmD), dentists (DMD), nurse practitioners (NP), physical therapists (DPT), and nurses (BSN).

  • Eligibility: College students, graduate students, current health professions students in Oregon-based partner programs
  • Duration and schedule: Concurrently with the last two years of each academic program
  • Application timeline: Rolling admissions
  • Program contact: Kate Hubbard, hubbarka@ohsu.edu or ahec@ohsu.edu
  • Program website: AHEC Scholars

Oregon National Primate Research Center Tours

The ONPRC welcomes elementary and middle school students aged 10 and older; high school groups; students from colleges/universities; civic groups and other organizations; and members of the general public on tours that are designed for the special needs of each group in mind. Depending on group size and interest, tours may feature an interactive presentation about science methods, a presentation about current center research projects, a visit to the outdoor corrals to observe the Center's Rhesus and Japanese macaque breeding colonies, a presentation by a Center scientist, and or/tours of selected labs (available for groups of 18 or fewer, ages 16 and older).

All tours are free of charge and provide an opportunity to learn more about the role of nonhuman primates in biomedical research and to observe nonhuman primate behavior. The minimum group size is 10; maximum group size is 50.

  • Eligibility: Educational and community groups and the public, ages 10 and older. Group size: 10–50. Selected laboratory tours are limited to groups of 18 or fewer, ages 16 and older.
  • Duration and schedule: Ongoing
  • Application timeline: Contact the program to arrange a tour
  • Program contact: Kayla McDaniel, mcdankay@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Oregon National Primate Research Center Tours

ORION Undergraduate Internship Program

The Oregon Research and Innovation (ORION) Undergraduate Internship Program is an American Heart Association-funded initiative designed to train undergraduate research fellows in basic and translational research focused on the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. The overall scientific goal of the ORION Program is to discover new pathways that represent safe and effective druggable targets to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke. The overall mentoring goal of the ORION Program is to train undergraduates in four key elements: a) diversity, equity and inclusion in teams; b) experimental premise and design; c) data and quantitative analysis; d) oral and written presentation of results. 

The ORION Program is creating the future leaders of cardiovascular disease research. Positions are available in the cardiovascular research laboratories led by Drs. Monica Hinds, Owen McCarty, Sandra Rugonyi, Joe Aslan, Joseph Shatzel, and Karina Nakayama. Program includes a stipend of $6,000 to cover room and board and additional support to attend and present at a national conference. 

  • Eligibility: Rising Juniors and Seniors in College and Graduates
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, 10 weeks - flexible start date
  • Application timeline: Not supplied
  • Program contact: BMEIntern@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: ORION Program

Pay it Forward Mentorship Program

Pay It Forward is a medical student-run mentorship program in partnership with OHSU Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) and OASIS (Outreach, Advising, Support and Identity formation for Students). The program supports undergraduate and non-traditional students who have faced barriers in accessing educational opportunities by pairing them with current OHSU medical students for mentorship, guidance, and professional development related to pursuing a career in medicine.

  • Eligibility: College Students, Undergraduate and non-traditional students who have faced barriers in accessing educational opportunities and are interested in becoming physicians.
  • Duration and schedule: 1 year; mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet approximately once per month.
  • Application timeline: Applications are currently closed. Please check the program website in Fall 2026 for updates regarding the next mentorship application cycle.
  • Program contact: payitforward@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Pay It Forward

Provost Scholar Program

This 8-week Provost Scholar Program funds two students each summer. Selected participants will receive a $4,000 stipend; travel reimbursement, housing costs, meal cards, and transportation HOP passes may also be provided. Fellows complete a project during their 8-week apprenticeship and present the results of their research at the culminating Summer Science Symposium.

Eligible applicants will be a current sophomore or junior at a 4-year college or university at the time of application. Applicants who represent a diverse set of backgrounds are welcome.

  • Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors at a four-year college or university at the time of application. 
  • Duration and schedule: 8 weeks during the Summer: Late June through Mid-August
  • Application timeline: November through mid-January
  • Program contact: The Outreach Department at onprcoutreach@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Provost Scholar Program

Rise Summer Academy

The RISE Summer Academy is a two-week program for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes aspiring to be physicians, hosted at the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in partnership with the OHSU Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE). The program provides in-depth training and Indigenous learning opportunities to prepare scholars for the medical school application process.

Summer Academy Focus:

  • Cultural Engagement and Community Building
  • Medical School Admissions and Application
  • Supplemental Basic Science Refresher
  • Medical Student Mentors
  • MCAT Prep

Program details:

  • Eligibility: College students who are enrolled members of federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native Tribes and aspire to become physicians.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, two weeks
  • Application timeline: April - May
  • Program contact: pathways.medicine@wsu.edu 
  • Program website: RISE Summer Academy

School of Dentistry Summer Research Program

The OHSU School of Dentistry Summer Research Program provides interns with practical research experience in the fields of dental and oral health. This program is designed to support high school students, undergraduates, and dental students currently enrolled in the OHSU Dentistry program, offering them valuable opportunities to engage in research activities. Our goal is to establish clear pathways to careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research, fostering the next generation of researchers in these critical areas.

Our high school and undergraduate summer research programs are directed by Dr. Kirsten Lampi and coordinated by Tippi Etzel with funding through the National Institutes of Health.

  • Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students, plus students currently enrolled in the OHSU Dentistry program. Baseline also lists recent undergraduate graduates and minimum age 16; confirm whether those criteria remain.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, eight weeks; June - August
  • Application timeline: November- February
  • Program contact: SoDResearch@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Research Internship Program

STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program

The STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program is part of the national STEMPrep Project coordinated by the Distance Learning Center. Our collective mission is to provide longitudinal STEM experiences to talented trainees from diverse populations in STEM across their learning continuum. Students selected for the STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program are enrolled in an 8- to 10-week basic science research internship wherein they conduct experiments and gain wet bench experience: Interns are matched with a basic science research laboratory and conduct a productive hypothesis-driven research project mentored by OHSU faculty, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students. Students engage in twice-weekly didactics with curriculum focused on basic science research fundamentals, cancer research, and graduate education/career path resources. They are additionally paired with a clinical mentor to explore the application of basic science research within the field of practiced medicine. The program culminates with an oral presentation of each student’s research project and a poster symposium.

Students are housed at Portland State University for the duration of the program and commute to OHSU via trolley. Weekend field trips to campus or state landmarks are provided for our interns to explore the joys of Oregon.

  • Eligibility: Incoming high school seniors through college; participants in the national STEMPrep Project.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, 8–10 weeks
  • Application timeline: December 1 - February 15
  • Program contact: stemprep@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: STEMPrep-OHSU Internship Program

Summit Dental Education Immersion

Summit is an intensive four-week residential immersion program designed to provide a realistic preview of the dental school experience. Participants gain valuable insight into the academic rigor, expectations, and opportunities associated with pursuing a DMD degree while strengthening their dental school applications.

Throughout the program, participants learn directly from dental school faculty, staff, and students, engage with authentic dental curriculum content, and complete assessments modeled after those encountered in dental education.

At the conclusion of the program, each participant receives a personalized assessment, along with individualized recommendations and next steps to support their academic and professional goals.

Students are housed at Portland State University for the duration of the program and commute to OHSU via streetcar. Volunteer opportunities and downtime is provided for interns to enjoy the city of Portland.

  • Eligibility: College Students
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, June–July; four-week residential program.
  • Application timeline: December - mid January
  • Program contact: Alicia Lannon, sodadmit@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: Summit Dental Education Immersion

Tilikum Summer Health Experience

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is a free 6-week hybrid summer enrichment program specifically designed for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) freshman and sophomore college students. Through a combination of virtual learning and in-person experiences, students will receive academic training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to the health professions, all while staying connected to their cultural identity.

Tilikum is hosted at Portland State University (PSU) in partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence (NNACoE), and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is part of the AAMC’s Minority Serving Institutions Pathway Initiative (MSIPI). MSIPI offers students aspiring to pursue careers in health professions a unique opportunity to engage in tailored programming at either a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) or a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

  • Eligibility: Self-identified American Indian/Alaska Native college freshmen and sophomores or students interested in working with Indigenous communities.
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, 6 weeks
  • Application timeline: December 1-February 5
  • Program contact: Alethea Barlowe, barlowe@ohsu.edu
  • Program website: Tilikum Summer Health Experience

Undergraduate Summer Fellowship Program

Several fellowship awards ($4,000 stipend) are available each summer to support undergraduate students who are current sophomore and junior undergraduates attending a 4-year college or university. A $600 travel stipend is available to students who live and attend university outside the state of Oregon, to offset airfare. Fellows complete a project during their 8-week apprenticeship and present the results of their research at the culminating Summer Science Symposium. Updated project descriptions and application information are uploaded each Fall.

  • Eligibility: Current sophomore and junior undergraduates attending a four-year college or university.
  • Duration and schedule: 8 weeks during the Summer: June through August
  • Application timeline: November - January
  • Program contact: The Outreach Department at onprcoutreach@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: ONPRC Undergraduate Summer Fellowship Program

University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Summer Internship Program

Held every summer, the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides opportunities for a diverse group of Oregon high school or early college students to gain experience in the disability field, develop transferable skills, and learn about various career paths in health care. Interns will receive training on disability justice, advocacy and career options. Interns will participate in professional development sessions and tours at OHSU labs, clinics, and facilities.

Interns will participate approximately 24 hours per week in a project at one of the Institute on Development and Disability centers, gaining knowledge in research, clinical care, information dissemination, or community programs. Interns also have an opportunity to network with other interns, as well as OHSU staff and faculty. At the end of the internship, interns present their summer experience to their cohort, internship supervisors and IDD faculty and staff.

This internship is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, with an emphasis on disability.

  • Eligibility: High school and college students
  • Duration and schedule: Summer, eight weeks; approximately 24 hours per week.
  • Application timeline: Early December to mid-January
  • Program contact: UCEDDSIP@ohsu.edu 
  • Program website: UCEDD

Vollum/NGP Undergraduate Summer Research Program

Talented young scientists from around the United States and overseas are selected through a competitive application process. Students are partnered with labs where they pursue independent research in molecular, cellular, and behavioral neuroscience. In addition to working in the lab, students attend regular classes on the principles of modern neuroscience and receive valuable mentoring on applying to graduate school and pursuing careers in science.

Interested applicants can check out participating laboratories by clicking on the Neuroscience Research tab to browse research topics that are available. The program runs for 8 weeks from mid-June to mid-August. A stipend and housing are provided as well as a limited moving reimbursement. International applicants must be enrolled in a US institution prior to the start of the summer program.