High School Student Research Apprentice Program

The High School Student Research Apprentice Program at UConn Health is a five-week summer research program for Connecticut high school students who have just finished 11th grade and are interested in medicine, dental medicine, or biomedical research. It is run by UConn Health's Department of Health Career Opportunity Programs. Apprentices are placed in a basic science or clinical laboratory, where they gain hands-on research experience. Students earn a stipend for their work. The program takes place in person at UConn Health in Farmington or at Central Connecticut State University. The 2026 program ran Monday through Friday from June 15 to July 17.

Applicants must have finished their junior year with at least a B average and be 16 by the start of the program. The program is for first-generation college, low-income, and educationally under-resourced students. Applicants must live in Connecticut, attend a Connecticut high school (with a guidance counselor during the school year and summer), be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be able to commute daily to UConn Health or Central Connecticut State University. To apply, students email an application form, official transcripts from each high school attended, two recommendation letters (at least one from a science teacher, sent directly by the teacher), and a copy of a federal income tax return (Form 1040 or equivalent). Past pipeline program participants receive priority consideration. The 2026 application deadline was April 1, 2026.