Interested In Becoming A RYSE MED Program Student Mentor?

The 2026 RYSE MED cohort applications will open by February 28, 2026.
Please check back here at that time to apply.

The RYSE MED program aims to support students who face structural barriers to pursuing careers in healthcare and research. You can help by becoming a student mentor for our RYSE MED scholars! As a bonus, you get to participate in all the program activities for your benefit!

Student Mentor Responsibilities

Student mentors will participate in required weekly prep meetings and complete 10-20 hours of prep work before the summer immersion program begins.

During the six-week summer immersion program (June 28 – August 7, 2026), so please replace the old dates that have a strike through, student mentors will work full-time (36–40 hours per week) to coordinate and facilitate in-person program activities on from Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM – 5 PM at Henry Ford Hospital (2799 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202). The program will kick off with a Welcome event occurring in person on Sunday, June 28.

Student mentors should also be available on Fridays and weekends throughout the program for additional formal activities (sufficient notice will be provided), and self-directed activities such as shadowing, project work, mentoring circles, etc. Student mentors will also assist the high school scholars with their health equity research projects in preparation for the 10–15-minute group presentation at the end-of-summer program celebration on Friday, August 7, 2026, to health care professionals, loved ones, and community members. Student Mentors who successfully fulfill all responsibilities will receive a stipend for their work in the summer program.

After the summer program has concluded, you will continue to meet with program staff at least monthly from September to May during the academic year.

Oncology Track

In addition to core student mentor responsibilities, Oncology Track participants gain specialized exposure to oncology careers through immersive experiences in medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, research, case management, and patient support services. They also complete health equity projects and present on oncology-related health inequities.

Student Mentor Requirements

To qualify for RYSE MED, undergraduate, medical, and graduate student applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications (Must meet all the following criteria within one of the student categories):
   
   1. Undergraduate Students:
      
      1. Currently a first-year, sophomore, or junior (rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the next academic year); AND
      2. Pursuing a degree or concentration in public health, biomedical sciences, nursing, pre-med, or a related field; AND
      3. Maintain an overall and most recent semester/trimester GPA of 3.0 or higher.
   2. Health Professional Graduate Students:
      
      1. Enrolled in a health professional graduate program (e.g., medical, dental, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, etc.).
   3. Research Graduate Students:
      
      1. Enrolled in a health-related research graduate program (e.g., Master of Public Health, Master of Science, Ph.D. in epidemiology, Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, etc.).
   4. Recent Graduates:
      
      1. Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree but are not yet enrolled in graduate school and are interested in transitioning to a healthcare clinical or research career.
   5. Graduate students on academic performance improvement plans or medical leave are encouraged to apply and must provide additional context in their application.
2. Work Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and obtain a work permit if under 18.
3. Program Commitment: Must be able to fully participate in all required summer and academic year program activities. Absences during the summer immersion program are only allowed for unexpected, unavoidable circumstances. Each longitudinal track will have an attendance policy to optimize engagement.
   
   

***NOTE: People who have graduated undergrad and are interested in transitioning to a healthcare clinical or research career are welcome to apply.***

Please visit our website in February 2026 regarding the 2026-27 cohort.

Contact Us

Please contact us at HAPE@hfhs.org if you have any questions. Thank you again for your interest!