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Academic and Student Services

High School Program

Student Enrichment Program for Underrepresented Professions (StEP-UP)

Program Components

Program Benefits

Select high school students who demonstrate an interest in science and medicine will:

  • Interact with MCW medical and graduate students, practicing physicians and other health professionals.
  • Explore career opportunities in medicine, research, and other health professions.
  • Participate in professional and personal development sessions.
  • Participate in hands-on demonstrations of basic biomedical and clinical science principles to help prepare them for research in a lab setting.
  • Receive advising from program staff regarding success and achievement in high school and college readiness.
  • Attend six (6) half-day sessions held on one Saturday per month throughout the academic school year.

Curriculum

  • Personal Development: Helps to give students the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active, and responsible citizens.
  • Professional Development: The curriculum aims to help students develop the goals, skills, and attributes necessary for success as a student, an applicant to a professional program, and a career professional.
  • Hands-on Activities: Help students develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as gain exposure to materials, and equipment in a lab setting.
  • Preparation for the Next Step: Students will be given resources and instructions to help prepare them for college.

Parent/Guardian Session

We believe parental support and participation translates to active and engaged students. Parental sessions will:

  • Engage families in opportunities to work with their children in setting their academic, college and career goals.
  • Provide interaction with community partners, MCW staff, faculty, and students to share resources for parents at orientation.

Program Dates

  • August 1, 2024: Applications Open
  • September 30, 2024: Application Deadline
  • November 16, 2024: Orientation
  • December 7, 2024: Session 2
  • January 18, 2025: Session 3
  • February 8, 2025: Session 4
  • March 8, 2025: Session 5
  • April 12, 2025: Session 6

Attendance is mandatory for each session.

2024 Program Timeline

Aug. 1

Applications Open

Sept. 30

Application Deadline

Nov. 16

Orientation Day!

High School Requirements and Application Procedure

Application

Application

Applications open for the school year August 1.

Deadline to apply is September 30.

How do I qualify?

How do I qualify?

Students must demonstrate a strong interest in a career in the health sciences and/or medicine and meet the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Have a 2.8 GPA minimum to apply (middle school GPA for Freshman if applicable, high school GPA for Sophomores or higher)
  • Be able to travel to the MCW-Milwaukee campus for each session
  • Be from an ethnically, economically and/or educationally disadvantaged background
Eligibility

Eligibility

We recognize that there is a myriad of factors that may pose unique challenges to every individual. In defining these groups, we identify populations where there is a disconnect between the group’s representation and perspectives in the educational environment and current workforce compared to the general population. To advance health equity, more focused and sustained outreach and recruitment efforts exist for individuals in these groups who may not have equal access to resources to reach biomedical careers. Students from the Milwaukee Metro region in the following populations are strongly encouraged to apply:

  • African American
  • Mexican American
  • Puerto Rican
  • Native American
  • Hmong American
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds*

*Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds as defined by National Institutes of Health

How to Apply

How to Apply

  • Submit completed application.
  • Submit two (2) electronic recommendations: one from your science teacher (required) and another influential adult (e.g. school counselor or mentor).
  • Upload transcripts and attendance record with application (unofficial transcripts accepted).
  • If selected, applicants must be available for virtual interview.
Apply Now

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