PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship
This unique 10-week research internship offers a total-immersion experience in real-time laboratory research at Sanford for motivated high school students with an aptitude for biomedical sciences. Work alongside scientists as part of the research team, connect with peers through in-house scientific interest groups, and present your work as a scientific poster at the Sanford Research Symposium. PROMISE Scholars earn 3 undergraduate elective-credits at the University of South Dakota (BIOC192) and are awarded a $4,000 scholarship.
PROMISE Scholars:
- Gain Exposure to Real-World Research: Acquire practical experience within a biomedical research laboratory setting.
- Cultivate Research Proficiency: Develop skills in formulating research inquiries, designing experiments, gathering and analyzing data, as well as interpreting findings.
- Participate in a Regional Scientific Symposium: Attend and actively engage in a scientific symposium at a regional level.
- Discover the Process of Conducting a Scholarly Article Review: Learn to critically assess and discuss scholarly articles through structured Journal Club sessions.
- Learn the Importance of Scientific Ethical Principles: Explore ethical considerations inherent in research, encompassing matters such as data integrity, plagiarism, and the ethical treatment of research subjects.
- Enhance Communication Abilities: Present scientific findings to peers during laboratory meetings, showcase research through a scientific poster, and compose an essay outlining their projects and experiential journey.
- Access Career Coaching Seminars and Investigate Post-Secondary Opportunities: Attend seminars aimed at career guidance and explore prospects in post-secondary education.
- Engage in outreach activities to bring science to the local community.
Summer Program Details:
- PROMISE Scholars is a 10-week program scheduled from May 27 - August 1, 2025
- Scholars must have a strong interest in a research career
- Scholars must commit to working the entire 10 weeks (minimum of 35 hours per week), with the exception of five discretionary days
- Scholars are required to participate in all program workshops and present at the 2025 Sanford Research Symposium
- Scholars must be at least 16 years old by May 27th
- Scholars must be entering senior year in the fall of the upcoming academic year (home-schooled students are eligible)
- Scholars work under the direct supervision of a Sanford Research mentor as part of the mentor's research team
- Candidates selected for an interview for this program are required to attend a full day science boot camp from 9:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, February 1st
- Candidates are encouraged to participate in other Sanford PROMISE programming for an introduction to the research environment. Opportunities include: Research Shadowing Program, Teen Science Café and Biomedical Research Investigations
How to Apply:
Please click on the link in the blue box to complete the online application.
Applications will also require the following:
- An official or unofficial transcript from your high school(s)
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from science or math teachers or previous mentors/employees
Application deadline is Friday, January 10th, 2025. All materials must be received by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
Students from underrepresented backgrounds and historically marginalized/excluded groups are encouraged to apply.
Please note this opportunity is for regional students as housing is not provided for this summer experience.
Applications
Applications for summer 2025 are currently available
Application deadline: Friday, January 10th, 2025
Bootcamp notification: Friday, January 24th, 2025
Applicants will be notified of their status in April of 2025