MCW Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) Program
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Program Overview
The MCW Cardiovascular Center has paid mentored 10-week full-time summer experiences in cardiovascular research in our research laboratories. The Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (AHA SURE) is supported by the American Heart Association (AHA). MCW was one of only six institutions selected to pilot the program that has now expanded to more than 18 institutions across the United States. Individuals who are differently-abled, identify as LGBTQ+, and/or who come from a disadvantaged background are encouraged to apply.
This program provides summer experiences in cardiovascular research and STEMM/healthcare career preparation for up to four undergraduate students each summer.
About the SURE Program
Important SURE Program Dates
Application Deadline: Feb. 1, 2025
Applications open Oct. 1 for Summer 2025
Program Dates
May 28-August 1, 2025 (housing move-in date is May 27; housing move-out date is August 2 by noon)
Location
The experience will be held in person at the Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee Campus:
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Eligibility
Individuals represented in or more of the categories below are highly encouraged to apply. Individuals who have faced challenges or obstacles to their career due to personal circumstances, including but not limited to their:
- socio-economic status;
- membership in one or more racial and ethnic groups;
- identification as LGBTQ+;
- physical or mental disability or impairment (that substantially limits one or more life activities);
- disadvantaged background (e.g., have experienced homelessness; were in the foster care system; were eligible for financial assistance such as free school lunch, food stamps, or Pell grants; or have parents who did not complete a bachelor’s degree).
Participants must be:
- At least 18 years old by time of program
- Full-time undergraduate, a rising sophomore, junior, or senior at any United States (or United States territory) college or university
- United States citizen, permanent resident, or a foreign national holding a student, exchange or permanent resident visa, including an F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, TC or TN visa. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status requires additional AHA approval to apply.
- Interested in science or health care-related field, especially cardiovascular science or medicine
- GPA is considered as a part of a holistic review of each application
Application Requirements
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1, 2025 (Applications open Oct. 1 for Summer 2025)
- Online Application
- Two letters of recommendations from current/former instructors or advisors
- Official transcript
- Finalists must attend virtual interview
Program Benefits
- Compensation of $6,000
- Housing provided free of charge for those outside of the metro Milwaukee area
- One-time roundtrip airfare to/from Milwaukee airport is provided free of charge to allow students who are located more than four hours from Milwaukee (and coming from a location in the United States or its territories) to relocate for the summer to attend the program
- One-time housing, registration, and airfare to annual AHA Scientific Sessions conference held the following November
Contact Us
For questions about accommodations related to a disability, please contact pathwayaccommodations@mcw.edu.
Allison DeVan, PhD
adevan@mcw.edu