Pathway Programs

The American Heart Association and the URMC’s Office of Equity and Inclusion – Pathway Programs, are excited to present "STEM Goes Red", a unique one-day event designed to ignite, inspire, and empower high school girls, particularly in grades 9th and 11th to pursue their passion in science.

This year, this event will run on October 19, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

This event aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering diversity in STEM fields, bridging the gender gap, and providing young women with direct exposure to career pathways that can transform their futures.

The program will include:

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Emily Battaglia will share her journey in medicine, emphasizing the importance of women in healthcare.
• Mentorship Network: Ten experienced professionals, from diverse stages in their professional lives, who specialize in engineering, medicine, and nursing, will be providing tailored mentorship to selected participants.
• CPR Training: Certified instructors will equip students with essential life-saving skills.
• 3D Heart Simulation: A cutting-edge, technologically advanced experience will be provided to students so they can engage with simulation procedures.
• Breakfast and Lunch provided. The program will be free for all selected participants.

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Gómez Parga at ana_gomezparga@urmc.rochester.edu

Sign Up for STEM Goes Red

What is it?

The Science and Technology Entry Program is our commitment to nurturing talent and diversity in the healthcare professions. Funded by New York State, STEP provides high school students from underrepresented backgrounds 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.

Who is this program for?

• Applicants must be U. S. Citizens or Permanent Residents.
• Applicants must be New York State Residents living in Wayne or Monroe County.
• Applicants must be entering grades 7 through 12.
• Applicants must have a GPA of 2.8 average or better.
• Applicants must express interest in science and /or the health professions.
• Applicants must be members of an Underrepresented Group:
  • African American/Black
  • Hispanic/Latinx
  • American Indian
  • Alaskan Native
  • OR Applicants must be economically disadvantaged (Economic Criteria)

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email pathwayprograms@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

The URMC currently leads two STEP Program variations, Academic STEP and Summer STEP.

Applications for Academic STEP are open from August until the end of September. The last day to submit your application is September 28th.

Applications for Summer STEP open in April.

Apply to Academic STEP

Do returning students need to apply?

Yes. If you completed a STEP program and wish to enroll in the following level, you need to complete the full application process in order to be considered for enrollment. Given that this is a grant-funded, competitive program, each application will be evaluated individually and during each cycle.

What is it?

Our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program is a transformative ten-week experience designed to empower college students for careers in medicine and biomedical sciences. Selected from a national pool, participants engage in focused research, clinical rotations, problem-based learning sessions, and more under the guidance of faculty mentors. Join for a summer of discovery, growth, and innovation as we shape the future of healthcare together.

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?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions, please email ana_gomezparga@urmc.rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

The online application for this program is available in December of each year.

Apply to SURF

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.

Who is this program for?

• Applicants must be U. S. Citizens.
• Applicants must be 5th and 6th graders.
• Applicants must be able to commit to meeting at least once a month.
• The program starts in October and ends in April.

Who can I contact for more information?

This program operates within the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

For questions please email Nashae_Prout@URMC.Rochester.edu.

How and where do I apply?

For questions please email Nashae_Prout@URMC.Rochester.edu.